Parasite: Representation of Social Inequality
Korean dramas and movies have touched our hearts in more ways than one. Emotional plots, personal growth within the characters, and realistic representations are apparent and really make these unique and interesting to the audience. Parasite, a 2019 film, has touched our hearts in a way wherein the situations that represent social inequality are discussed realistically. Parasite presents the difference between social status of both families through education, house, and food. How? Let me elaborate.
One’s level of knowledge and education can surely display their status in life.
If you have watched the film, we can see a pattern each time a member of the Kim Family applied for a job in the Park household. They would either forge documents or make a story that displays good background in their education and conditions in life. They always make sure that their story comes from a place that immediately shows credibility and skill. It doesn’t end there. Yes, most think highly of education as knowledge is priceless. It is something that one can’t take away from us. However, just the fact that Da-hye has tutoring sessions with only “the best” that pays too well, and somehow the pressure put on her by her parents to do good at school implies how much the rich and/or people with high social status value grades, education, and knowledge. There was even a time wherein Mrs. Park uses specific references from history or cuisine in order to describe what or how she and her family wants something to be done which sometimes makes Chung-sook wonder or look for these specific references online. It surely shows that to be educated and knowledgeable already holds power. It can already make an individual think highly of a person.
The bigger the house, the more comfortable and convenient it is to a family and vice versa.
Throughout the movie, it is displayed that the Kim family lives in a sub-basement apartment that: does not smell very pleasant, gets fumigated, and experiences flooding easily by heavy rain. Meanwhile, the Park family owns a mansion with a courtyard where Da-song can set-up a tent even during the heavy rainfall. Additionally, it was said that the house of the Parks was once lived by a famous architect, Namgoong, who also designed the house himself which really displays the difference of finance between both families. Of course, let us not forget the infamous basement where the former housekeeper’s husband lived which was said to only be built in big houses or mansions in Korea. Coincidentally, both families have 4 members, yet because of where they live, the Kim family always looks like they’re cramped as compared to the Parks wherein they look cozy and free. This representation of Bong Joon-ho hits and makes you think deeply since it really shows that subtle signs and slightest indications can mean something big.
Food played a big role in signifying the class status and helped identify the difference in lifestyle between two families.
The Kims always had it hard. While the Park family is able to eat in a luxurious manner meaning they can eat whenever and whatever they want, the Kim Family consumes food on a day-to-day basis ー only eating because it is necessary so they can get through the day. To add, we can notice that the Park family can eat excessively throughout the day like when Da-hye and Da-song are served different kinds of fruit during tutoring sessions and art therapy, while the Kim family consumes the minimum or modicum because of poverty. With this being said, we see how the Park family always have their refrigerators and/or pantry full of delicacies that are prepared by the housekeeper which is why the people who lived in the basement could survive. On the other hand, the Kim family buys and consumes food from convenience stores or cafeterias which would just get them through the day especially since inflation was also mentioned in the movie.
In conclusion, the Korean film, Parasite really tells us how dependent those who live in poverty are to those who can sustain themselves. The differences presented were discussed and were really shown well in the movie. From the narration to characters and symbolisms of the movie is what makes it relatable. All in all, Parasite is an enlightening movie that uncovers the harsh reality and distinction of the rich and the poor which connects but also divides them in society.
Written by: Sherise Niña Seeping