Black Representation in Horror is Changing
still from Us, via google
Representation goes a long way no matter what genre or sub-genre we’re discussing. Whether it be a corny rom-com, a mind puzzling thriller, comedy or a by-the-book slasher. There should always be at least some representation for marginalized people, especially black folks who have been highly under-appreciated/represented in the genre of horror.
Horror is the one genre that’s quite notorious for killing black characters off quickly or giving flimsy representation. It’s no joke or exaggeration when someone says that black characters die fast in a horror movie. More specifically, slasher films. But that doesn’t mean this can’t change or hasn’t in some ways. With time comes a certain level of evolution and this is especially the case with entertainment. We’re no longer living in a time where we need to look far and wide for marginalized characters. Are there still issues in terms of representation? Of course, but there will always be things to work on.
still from Get Out, via google
Ever since Jordan Peele entered the horror game there has been a pivotal shift. He’s not only shone light on real-life issues but he’s also positioned black folks front and center. With Get Out, he touched on casual/modern-day racism. With Us, he mainly touched on America’s past and its particular history of oppression. Both had talented people in their cast such as Lupita Nyong’o and Daniel Kaluuya. These movies aren’t just examples of great horror and storytelling but are clear examples of a shift in black representation in horror: Peele has moved us from the margins to front and center. This is important, and experiencing majority black casts or more than one black character in a horror film is something many black horror fans have been waiting for.
As horror movies continue to move forward there will be more hits like Get Out and Us. Whether it’s Jordan Peele making them or another black director/writer that wants us to know their name. For now, folks should also look to support short films and web series with majority or all black casts and give them proper shine. Don’t allow the changes (big or small) to be stifled or dismissed.
Follow Vanessa Maki on Instagram and Twitter @theblackbuffy.