Film and Literature

Film and Literature

“Battle Royal” by Ralph Ellison focusses on the occurrence of incidences of racial inequality and it reflects the struggles of a small black boy who tries to fits into a world of white people. The main aspect that is revealed in the story is the Black man struggle in a racially conscious world. One understands the hardships faced by the black community through the speech which symbolizes the hardships faced by the black community when they were fighting for independence “”We of the younger generation extol the wisdom of that great leader and educator,” I shouted, “who first spoke these flaming words of wisdom: ‘A ship lost at sea for many days suddenly sighted a friendly vessel. From the mast of the unfortunate vessel was seen a signal: “Water, water; we die of thirst!”” The symbolic moment occurs when he is given the chance to speak in front of the most distinguished white people in the land. One can notice the harsh treatment that he undergoes in order to successfully complete his task.

It represents the hardships faced by the black community as they try to integrate into the racism white community. The narrator of the story is bold and unafraid especially because he struggles to represent the struggles that are faced by the black community (Ellison 7).The narration of the story is done inn a somber and melancholic tone and this gives the audience the opportunity to reflect on all events as they occur. One realizes the strong philosophy that the narrator has embraced and the identity that the narrator tries to reveal through the storyline. The narrator gives a recollection of memories concerning his own life as well as concerning the battle royal “In those pre-invisible days I visualized myself as a potential Booker T. Washington. However, the other fellows didn’t care too much for me either, and there were nine of them. I felt superior to them in my way, and I didn’t like the manner in which we were all crowded together in the servants’ elevator.” It reveals the bizarre nature of all that is occurring as well as a context of how this affects all characters. Through this personalized account, one can gain better understanding of what actually occurred and how this influenced the storyline.

“Get Out” by Peele is a documentary that reveals racial discrimination as well as white supremacy in South Africa. The interracial relationship between Chris and Rose exposes race as well as power relations of historically opposed subjects (Ellison 12).The relationship even managed to engage a different type of love that strangely harbors violence. It reveals the projection of unity and intimacy even where there is clearly much unresolved tension Look, look Chris, tell me this okay? How can I get in shit trouble for patting down an old lady? It’s a damn standard procedure. Gary just thinks that. If an elderly bitch is fucking elderly, she can’t hijack no motherfucking plane. [Chris laughs] See, wait, wait, now, I know you’re fucking laughing. I’m serious, come on man. The next 9/11 is going to be on some geriatric shit.”Through Get Out, one can ask critical questions concerning the foundations of the liberal democratic approach to reconciliation. One explores the power relations that are present during this time.

Furthermore, it is possible to highlight the dynamics of white supremacy as well as neo colonialism through a greater context.One realizes a realistic perspective to the main issues affecting South Africa during the colonial period (Jeffries 6).The film seems to reveal ideals related to post racial liberalism and it conveys the message that the society has not genuinely moved beyond racism. Through the film, one can understand the white liberal culture and it approaches black identity and anxieties through a critical viewpoint. Through Get Out, one can be aware of various social issues such as the complexity of interracial relationships “Bruh how you not scared of this man? Look they could have made you do all types of stupid shit. They have you fuckin’ barking like a dog. Flying around like you a fucking pigeon, looking ridiculous. Or… I don’t know if you noticed. White people love making people sex slaves and shit.” One also realizes the effects of colonialism on the society through a more detailed perspective.

As the plot of the film develops, one realizes that the seeming appreciation for diversity is superficial and that diversity is only tolerated on the condition that it does not undermine the position of white supremacy. The relationship between Chris and Rose has an innocent aspect, but the differences in culture and race become apparent as the plot continues to develop (Jeffries 9).At one point one realizes the master slave paradigm through the relationship between Chris and Rose especially when it is revealed that there is no genuine manifestation of mutual trust and dignity between the two characters. Through the movie, one realizes that societal issues such as race are normally ignored while they continue to affect the community. Through the movie, one can get the stark reality that the liberal society is nothing more than dreaming.

The film is a harsh reminder that aspects of slavery and colonialism continue to occur within the contemporary society. One can also realize the denial that the White community has towards accepting that racism actually occurs “Even the sun will die someday. But we are divine. We are the gods trapped in cocoons.” One understands how the white community deals with racism and how interaction with the Black community may be satirized in different aspects. Through the film one realizes that we live in a structurally racist society and that  it is important to view racism from different perpectives.It serves as a harsh reminder of the societal structures which govern critical aspect such as race and gender.

Works Cited

Ellison, Ralph. “Battle royal.” Literature Reading, Reacting, Writing. Ed. Laurie G. Kirszner (1994).

Jeffries, Judson L. “Jordan Peele (Dir.), GET OUT [Motion Picture] Blumhouse Productions, 2017. Running Time, 1 h 44 min.” (2018): 1-11.