The Black Horror Aesthetic: Deconstructing Racial Dilemmas Through Film and Literature

by | Mar 2, 2024 | Film studies

 

The films “Get Out” and “Us” directed by Jordan Peele, alongside the narrative of “Wet Pain,” mark a transformative era in American cinema, challenging the notion of a post-racial society through the lens of horror and psychological thriller. Peele’s assertion that “Get Out” was penned in the “post-racial lie” of the Obama era underscores the films’ critique of superficial anti-racist ideologies, employing metaphors and symbolism to delve into deeper societal issues. This essay aims to explore how “Get Out,” “Us,” and “Wet Pain” collectively address racial dilemmas, using implicit narrative techniques to foster societal introspection and dialogue.

Incorporating “Wet Pain” expands the conversation, introducing a unique perspective on racial identity and the struggle for recognition within a society that often prefers to overlook these challenges. By analyzing key metaphors and symbols across these works, this paper seeks to understand how Peele and “Wet Pain” navigate the complex terra

YOUR ESSAY:
LENGTH: 1,800 words (approx. 7.5 pages; word count is more important than the page count – for a film or short story, also must include an additional 750-word academic rationale – see guidelines below)
Based on the books, literature and films we have studied so far—or similar horror works you find during your research—craft an essay discussing your understanding of the themes in the Black horror aesthetic and their meaning, context and/or effectiveness. You should refer to the course work and at least two secondary sources. (Outside scholarship is required—TWO articles or blog posts, for example—but you must discuss at least two class works even if they don’t have equal weight.) Be as specific as possible.
POSSIBLE APPROACHES: You may write a compare and contrast essay about two or more of the works we have studied (or comparing a work we have studied to another outside of class); an analysis of two or more works; or present a specific argument (i.e. argumentative essay) that you then use your analysis of works to bolster.
You should have a thesis statement in your first paragraph and lay out your subtopics. Each paragraph introducing a new subject or idea should have a topic sentence.

 

 

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

 

Title: The Black Horror Aesthetic: Deconstructing Racial Dilemmas Through Film and Literature

Thesis Statement: The emergence of the Black horror aesthetic in works such as “Get Out,” “Us,” and “Wet Pain” challenges societal narratives of post-racialism by employing metaphors and symbolism to delve into deeper racial issues, fostering introspection and dialogue within contemporary American cinema and literature.

Introduction:
The Black horror aesthetic, exemplified in films like “Get Out” and “Us” by Jordan Peele, alongside the narrative of “Wet Pain,” signifies a transformative era in American cinema. These works critique the superficial anti-racist ideologies prevalent in society and navigate complex racial dilemmas using implicit narrative techniques. This essay seeks to explore how these pieces collectively address racial challenges, emphasizing the importance of fostering societal introspection and dialogue.

Subtopics:

1. Deconstruction of Post-Racial Society Narratives: Analyzing how “Get Out” challenges the notion of a post-racial society during the Obama era, as asserted by Jordan Peele.
2. Metaphors and Symbolism in Black Horror Aesthetic: Exploring the use of metaphors and symbolism in “Get Out,” “Us,” and “Wet Pain” to delve into deeper societal issues.
3. Racial Identity and Recognition in Society: Discussing how “Wet Pain” provides a unique perspective on racial identity struggles within societal norms that often overlook these challenges.

Analysis:

1. Deconstruction of Post-Racial Society Narratives:

– “Get Out” critiques the façade of post-racialism by portraying the insidious nature of racism masked under liberal tendencies.
– Peele’s statement about the film being written in the “post-racial lie” era underscores the need to confront systemic racism.

2. Metaphors and Symbolism in Black Horror Aesthetic:

– In “Us,” the doppelgängers symbolize suppressed identities and societal shadows that are often ignored.
– “Get Out” uses the concept of hypnosis as a metaphor for how society blinds itself to racial injustices.

3. Racial Identity and Recognition in Society:

– “Wet Pain” explores the struggle for recognition within a society that prefers to overlook racial challenges.
– The narrative in “Wet Pain” sheds light on the complexities of navigating racial identity in a world consumed by stereotypes.

Conclusion:
The Black horror aesthetic, exemplified by works like “Get Out,” “Us,” and “Wet Pain,” serves as a powerful medium to challenge superficial anti-racist ideologies and provoke discussions on racial dilemmas within contemporary American society. By employing metaphors, symbolism, and unique perspectives on racial identity, these pieces foster introspection and dialogue critical for societal growth and understanding.

By examining the themes and narratives of these works, it becomes evident that the Black horror aesthetic not only entertains but also educates, urging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about race relations and societal norms. Through the lens of horror and psychological thriller, filmmakers and writers like Jordan Peele and creators of “Wet Pain” are reshaping the landscape of American cinema and literature, paving the way for a more inclusive and introspective cultural discourse.

 

 

 

 

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