The Film Get Out: Suppression and Microaggressions
We all to some extent are conditioned to suppress our feelings. In many situations in life, we contain our inner voice and defer judgment to those whom we view as an authority figure: political leaders, professors, psychologist, or clergy/religion. The Milgram Experiment exemplifies this notion by demonstrating how vulnerable individuals are to those in positions of power. Milgram was interested in the relationship between authority and personal conscience. The study concludes that "ordinary people" are more than likely to obey authorities figures by following their orders even if those orders involve harming or worse killing other innocent human beings. In the film "Get Out," Chris' character is the personification of one who suppresses and defers his rather good judgment to authority figures, i.e., the Armitage family and their white guest. Although there are no orders to kill, he does; however, rationalize behavior by the Armitage family that is apparently life threating to him.
The feelings that Chris suppress are the result of being a receipt of microaggressions. Microaggressions are "a statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group such as a racial or ethnic minority" (google). Here are some examples you may recall: (Dean Armitage) "If I could, I would have voted for Obama for a third term, best President hands down"; Jeremy Armitage say's to Chris, "with your frame and genetic makeup, if you really push your body…you be a f****** beast"; Hiroki Tanaka (the only Asian in the movie), "Do you find that being African American is more advantage or disadvantage in the modern world"; Lisa Deets (middle age white women who squeeze Chris' bicep) says, "So, is it true? Is it better?" Lisa is asking Rose is black sex better.
Chris' response to hostile remarks reminds me of my suppression. When faced with the numerous encounters of microaggressions, instead of acting on what he feels and "Getting Out," Chris rationalizes, apologizes and concedes to Roses' judgment and perception. Rose was the opposite of a supporting partner. Instead of listening to Chris' concerns she dismissed them as nonsense. Many times, in the film, Chris does what most of us do. We bite our tongs, or we say, "I'm sorry, it's all good." The consequence of suppression is a cautionary tale for all of us Blacks. Chris' suppression led him to the sunken place and near certain death. Although he was fortunate to escape the sunken place momentarily, we must all consider the consequences of suppression.
