Why Get Out Became a Modern Parable on Social Issues

Let’s examine the themes and allegories in Get Out to understand why it has become such a powerful statement on contemporary social issues.

1. The Sunken Place: A Symbol of Silence and Oppression

One of the most memorable symbols in Get Out is the “Sunken Place,” a hypnotic state where Chris is mentally trapped, unable to control his own actions. The Sunken Place represents the feeling of being silenced, marginalized, and powerless, capturing the experience of those who feel voiceless in society. Chris’s descent into the Sunken Place highlights the helplessness of individuals oppressed by systems of control.

The Sunken Place is a powerful metaphor for the ways in which marginalized communities are kept from expressing themselves or influencing society. Peele uses it to illustrate how society often stifles the voices of those who challenge the status quo. By emphasizing Chris’s lack of control, Get Out calls attention to the ways in which power structures keep marginalized people from truly participating, reminding audiences of the need to listen and amplify those voices.

2. The Armitage Family: Microaggressions and Benevolent Racism

At first, the Armitage family appears to be welcoming and progressive, but their comments and actions reveal subtle forms of racism. They compliment Chris on his physique, make stereotypical assumptions about his abilities, and objectify him as “cool” and “exotic.” Peele uses the Armitages to critique “benevolent racism,” a form of prejudice where people express “positive” stereotypes that still reinforce racial bias.

The Armitages’ behavior reflects the uncomfortable experience of enduring microaggressions — seemingly harmless remarks or gestures that reveal underlying prejudice. Through these interactions, Get Out shows how racism can manifest in ways that appear friendly or well-meaning but are ultimately dehumanizing. The film sheds light on the ways racial bias persists, even among those who claim to be allies, suggesting that true allyship requires more than good intentions.

3. Body Appropriation: A Metaphor for Cultural Exploitation

The Armitage family’s scheme to transplant the consciousness of white individuals into Black bodies is a chilling metaphor for cultural appropriation and exploitation. They seek to “possess” Black bodies for their perceived physical advantages while disregarding the individuality and identity of the person within. This disturbing act of body appropriation reflects how aspects of Black culture are often celebrated, consumed, and co-opted by others without respect for their origins or the people behind them.

Peele uses this plot device to critique a society that objectifies and commodifies aspects of marginalized cultures, all while ignoring or diminishing the people who create them. The film’s portrayal of body appropriation reflects real-world issues of cultural exploitation, encouraging viewers to question the ethics of “borrowing” from other cultures without understanding or respecting their origins.

4. Hypnosis and Control: Symbolism of Manipulation and Power

Hypnosis is a central tool used by the Armitage family to control their victims, a fitting metaphor for the manipulation that marginalized groups often face from those in power. By putting Chris into a trance, the Armitages strip him of his agency, symbolizing the broader mechanisms of control that society uses to suppress marginalized voices and keep individuals “in their place.”

This use of hypnosis reflects societal conditioning, where marginalized individuals may be manipulated into internalizing harmful stereotypes or complying with systems of oppression. Get Out uses the metaphor of hypnosis to reveal the subtle, insidious ways in which people are taught to accept limitations placed upon them. Peele critiques this system of control, encouraging viewers to break free from stereotypes and recognize the forces that shape their beliefs and behaviors.

5. The White Liberalism Critique: Ignorance in Allyship

Get Out also critiques “white liberalism,” particularly through characters like Dean Armitage, who claims he “would have voted for Obama a third time.” By highlighting this statement, Peele exposes the performative nature of some so-called allies, who believe that voting for progressive causes exempts them from criticism or examination of their own biases. The Armitages see themselves as liberal and progressive, yet they exploit and manipulate Chris, revealing the gap between professed beliefs and real actions.

This critique addresses the superficial allyship that sometimes accompanies discussions of race, where self-proclaimed “allies” may engage in virtue signaling without truly understanding or addressing systemic issues. Get Out calls for meaningful allyship, pointing out that true support goes beyond token gestures and requires a commitment to dismantling ingrained prejudices and societal structures.

6. The Horror Genre as Social Commentary

Jordan Peele’s use of horror in Get Out is not just for scares — it’s a tool to expose deep-seated societal fears and biases. The horror genre allows Peele to illustrate the real fears that many marginalized people live with, such as the fear of discrimination, violence, or loss of identity. By blending horror with social commentary, Peele creates a “social thriller” that encourages viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about racism and prejudice.

The horror elements in Get Out highlight the terrifying reality of systemic racism and the ways it impacts everyday life. Peele’s approach reminds audiences that horror doesn’t just exist in fictional monsters; it can be found in societal structures, ingrained biases, and real-world injustices. This blend of horror and social issues makes Get Out a unique and effective parable for modern society.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Jordan Peele came up with the idea for Get Out after noticing the lack of Black protagonists in horror films? Peele wanted to create a film that would reflect real-life anxieties and bring fresh social perspectives to the genre, leading to the groundbreaking success of Get Out.

Conclusion

Get Out is more than a horror movie; it’s a nuanced and provocative critique of modern society’s racial issues. Through metaphors like the Sunken Place, body appropriation, and the Armitage family’s “benevolent” racism, Peele reveals the hidden prejudices, microaggressions, and systemic controls that shape the experiences of marginalized communities. The film’s layered storytelling and powerful symbolism make it a parable for our times, encouraging viewers to reflect on issues of power, privilege, and exploitation.

By blending horror with social commentary, Peele uses Get Out to expose uncomfortable truths, urging audiences to confront their own assumptions and biases. Its impact has turned the film into a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions about race, identity, and the nature of true allyship. Get Out continues to be a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance, empathy, and meaningful action in addressing the social issues that still affect us today.