Exploring the Parallels of Race and Class in ‘Parasite’ and ‘I Am Not Your Negro’
Introduction to Two Powerful Narratives
While Bong Joon-ho’s acclaimed film Parasite and Raoul Peck’s documentary I Am Not Your Negro are separated by geographical and historical contexts, the profound messages they convey resonate within a similar framework. This exploration will delve into the artistic and ideological inferences presented in both films, highlighting how space, light, and perspective embellish their narratives.
The Art of Storytelling through Technical Elements
Space, Light, and Perspective in Parasite
In Parasite, the physical settings act as powerful storytelling tools. The Kim family’s semi-basement home starkly contrasts with the opulent residence of the Park family. From the very beginning, viewers are thrust into a visual representation of social stratification. The Kim family’s living environment, cluttered and overshadowed, symbolizes their precarious status, while the Park home radiates brightness and quality, embodying affluence.
Marx’s observation (1996) on class antagonism rings true here: society increasingly becomes reflective of a clear dichotomy between classes. The chaotic color palette within the Kim family’s neighborhood further emphasizes their struggle and turmoil, while the serene hues surrounding the Park family depict tranquility and order.
Ideological Underpinnings in I Am Not Your Negro
Unlike Parasite, I Am Not Your Negro is a documentary that compiles the thoughts of James Baldwin, focusing more on the presentation of layered narratives than on direct ideological advocacy. Baldwin’s assertion that these “stories are designed to reassure us that no crime has been committed” (2016) encapsulates the eternal struggle against systemic racial injustices and inequality.
The Theoretical Lens: Analyzing Inequality
Reflections on Class and Responsibility
A glaring moment in Parasite occurs during the rainstorm—a visually rich metaphor for contrasting experiences. As the Park family delights in nature’s beauty, the Kim family grapples with the destructive flood of their reality. This scene highlights the manufactured poverty that Baldwin termed “artificial,” reflecting a broader societal indifference to the struggles of the underprivileged.
Furthermore, the illusion of separation between the classes is dismantled. The Kim family’s efforts to salvage their belongings reveal their active role in a cycle of oppression and negligence—a reflection of Baldwin’s insight: “The question is a kind of apathy and ignorance, which is the price we pay for segregation” (2016).
Disrupting Solidarity Among the Proletariat
The shifting dynamics within the Kim family serve to illustrate a lack of solidarity among the proletariat. The rapture of the Kim family once they enjoy an upscale lifestyle showcases a disconnection from their roots, raising questions about collective identity and shared struggles. As Weber (1965) posits, true class solidarity emerges not from shared experience, but from recognized economic interests.
The Language of Inequality: Cultural Commentary
In the song featured in I Am Not Your Negro, "Black, Brown and White", the lyrics serve as a profound commentary on identity and social positioning. "I came into the world wanting to find meaning…" speaks to a universal quest for significance amidst systemic oppression. This theme resonates within Parasite, particularly in Ki Jung’s response to Yeon Kyo, revealing the palpable barriers enforced by societal norms regarding cultural and intellectual belonging.
Conclusion: Intersecting Narratives
Ultimately, both Parasite and I Am Not Your Negro present compelling explorations of race and class that transcend their unique contexts. Through meticulous technical craftsmanship and profound ideological discourse, they invite audiences to reflect on the fractured nature of societal relations. Despite their different geographies and styles, they form a cohesive dialogue, urging us to confront uncomfortable truths about our world.
References
- Baldwin, J. (2016). I Am Not Your Negro. New York: Vintage.
- Marx, K. (1996). Das Kapital. Regnery Publishing.
- Weber, M. (1965). Politics as a Vocation. Fortress Press.
This article serves as an engaging analysis of two works that, while distinct in style and substance, converge on the themes of inequality and the human experience. They remind us of our interconnectedness amidst diverse narratives—an enduring message for all audiences.
