Kong — A metaphor for racism... There is a near unanimous agreement among scholars and critics that King Kong, released in 1933, “is a kind of racist allegory, symbolically depicting White America’s view of Black people at the time.” The US society was marred by racial and social tensions at that time. Even though the plot seems like an epic adventure on paper, observe the plot carefully: A heroic film crew sails to an uncharted island, which is home to a gigantic ape, known as ‘Kong’. Here, the film’s ‘white’ leading lady is abducted by Kong, only to be rescued later by her ‘white’ knight in shining armour. The ‘brute’ Kong is captured and taken to New York to be exhibited as the Eighth Wonder of the World. But Kong somehow breaks free, kidnaps the leading lady, and goes on a destruction spree, before being shot down atop the Empire State Building. Many film scholars believe that the capturing and chaining of Kong is metaphorically linked to the US slave trade. Released 35 years prior to the birth of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 — a landmark law that outlaws discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin — the movie implies if black men (represented by Kong) were given total freedom, destruction and chaos will ensue. Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, the movie is also viewed as a cautionary tale about interracial romance.
... and colonialismKong films also draw uncomfortable parallels with colonialism. A team of explorers from West invade the fictional Skull Island, whose inhabitants are depicted as Blacks. In fact, Kong is viewed by many as a fearless leader of these people – a warrior who is forcefully shackled and transported to a different world for the amusement and profit of white people. The rebellion by Kong is seen as a movement by the natives to overthrow the colonist power. Whereas, the killing of Kong in the end, signifies the crushing of that rebellion by brute force.
Don’t mess with nature King Kong is a warning against mankind’s desire to exploit Nature for personal gain. He is personified as the unbridled force of nature, which when belittled by men, unleashes a fury that has severe repercussions. Ironically though in every Kong movie till date — there have been 8 so far — the ‘beast’ exudes more empathy than other ‘human’ beings.
Ah shit I’m using my wrong eye again. Sorry that was meant to be behind your back
