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Blog Post #6: Exploring Mental Illness and Family in Chesya Burke’s “Please Mama”

Chesya Burke’s “Please Mama” is a complex narrative that seeks to explore the true meaning of Black horror, merging issues of family, trauma, and supernaturalism into a brilliant journey through paranoia and motherly love that never wanes. In reading this short story, I was both enthralled and unnerved by its employment of the horror genre to reveal the mental and emotional ordeals faced by an African American family, providing sad insights into what it is like to lose a child and be consumed by grief. 

The most remarkable aspect of this short story is how well it portrays the psychological battles that the characters go through. This story isn’t just about fear; it goes deep into the soul, picking apart the fears, attachments, and hopelessness that bind a family together. These ghostly aspects act as a sort of symbolism for unseen burdens borne out of psychological disorders which are triggered by social pressures, especially within the African-American society. By using horror as a medium to show this, Burke transcends fear and exposes the real abominations related to mental health treatment bypasses by many people thus making “Please Mama” become such a moving work on so many levels. 

However, some readers may find difficulty in narrative complexity or extensive reliance on supernatural metaphors. Bringing together actual horrors and magical realism is innovative but sometimes obscures what is being said about mental illness and family ties. It’s unclear whether one should read between lines drawn by ambiguity or take everything literally; nonetheless, both interpretations are provocative yet might frustrate those who would like more definite resolutions.

What I found unexpected about black horror is that, as shown in “Please Mama,” it has the ability to handle sensitive issues such as mental illness, family disintegration and enduring effects of bereavement and trauma within a marginalized genre. The horror example here is more than mere entertainment but a critique vehicle for cultural criticism and means of expounding on the complexities of being black in this racially charged world. The supernatural in this work offers an interesting way to address harsh truths by highlighting some uncomfortable aspects that make people think critically about their human nature.

The artist’s message in “Please Mama” involves various forms that love can take, struggles with unseen mental illness, and need to let go so as to bring about healing. It is a wake-up call against ignoring or evading internal and external terrors that have shaped our lives. This story effectively depicts how much having a mentally ill person can affect your family life stressing on the importance of understanding, support, and sometimes love through heartbreaking choices.

When I look back on my life, there is a time when a close relative of mine faced mental illness. The feeling of being helpless, and sometimes hopeful and other times hopeless as well as its deep influence on family relationship reflected the emotional storms that were gone through by the characters in Burke’s story. This personal connection to the narrative’s themes amplified its impact, illustrating how the horrors depicted in fiction often find echoes in our realities.

“Please Mama” by Chesya Burke is intelligently written literature that effectively uses horror conventions to explore societal issues rooted deep within us. The exploration of mental health, family affection and the hard choices humans face makes it an important contribution to horror category and also the general discourse on African American life. Black horror has presented itself through Burke’s narration as an instrument for glimmering into these hidden horrors; it offers a platform for questioning them so that they may enrich our lives with any worth.

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“Beloved”

Based on the novel by Toni Morrison, the real story behind "Beloved" has certainly brought a thrilling and awakening story responsible for exemplifying a repulsive legacy formed by slavery. The novel really touches deeply into tragedy and resilience meshed with the supernatural aspect that is meshed with psychological depth, stretching that thin line of horror to something more than what we are accustomed to. One aspect I really appreciated about "Beloved" was the very blunt nature through which it laid down the trail of psychological scars that were left by slavery.

The character of Sethe, personified by none other than Oprah Winfrey in a very outstanding manner, is a living personification of the never-ending anguish and fight for freedom that quite a number of African Americans had post-slavery. The desperation to protect her children from any possible harm, in this case making the tragic decision to kill her very own daughter instead of her falling into the hands of slavers, was quite a moving example of how a mother's love can become twisted in the desperate horrors of slavery. This was a very hard act to understand if at all one was to understand and showed the levels to which these enslaved persons had prepared to go to exercise their will and protect their children from the unspeakable horrors they had to go through. However, the film does not shy away from exploring the complexity of healing and redemption.

The arrival of the mysterious young woman, Beloved, serves as a catalyst for confronting unresolved traumas. The supernatural element felt a bit out of place at first but really does the work of conveying the haunting part of past horrors, which continued to bring trauma to the descendants of slavery. This, perhaps, represents what would distinguish such an approach to black horror; it is a genre used not just in its own right but as a tactic towards the deep, historical wounds. "Beloved" amounts to potent commentary on the way the legacy of slavery resonates with African American identity and psyche. One could, of course, throw that at the film as a possible criticism: its dense narrative structure and the challenging, rather indigestible nature of the themes.

The non-linear narration and complex relationships between the characters require some sort of active participation and contemplation, something that might, in general, bore a certain amount of viewers. Still, a too ambitious movie to show such a diversified and painful theme. "Beloved" does bring a surprise with it: how it does manage to combine its background as a horror film with African-American history and, second, how seriously heavy stuff can be approached in the genre. The film really went much further in this idea of Black Horror beyond something that's just purely entertaining, and really made it a vehicle to delve into and reflect on the trauma of slavery and how it's affected generations.

The message in "Beloved" seems to be a call for recognition and reckoning with the past. This would imply that healing from trauma is getting to face and acknowledge the same at both an individual level and a collective level. Indeed, the images remind one of the fortitude that meets in the face of such adversity. At the same time, it brings to bear the import of memories and stories in how they bear in the healing process. "Beloved" brought me right back to the stories told within my family of adversity and the kind of strength that one can find from the memory of those who had struggled before us.

Though these were themes that did not directly manifest in the aspect of horrors or slavery, the themes of resilience, memory, and the complexity of the family bonds still remain pertinent. This goes to affirm how it's always important to confront past pains with the aim of fostering healing and growth. In conclusion, "Beloved" is a compelling exploration of the African American experience, trauma, and resilience. It is quite ingenious in the way it tends to deal with the legacy of slavery through black horror, offering a lot of insight into the human condition. The film not only faces off with the truths that the viewers have to face at times but also lauds the indomitable spirit of the people who have to deal with such terrible horrors in life.

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“Candyman”

As I immersed myself in Nia DaCosta’s cinematic vision which collaborated with the craftsmanship of Jordan Peele, the 2021 supernatural slasher film “Candyman” (the new rendition), I felt a tapestry of emotions and reflections unfold. While watching the movie, I noticed many thematic undercurrents that were skillfully woven throughout the entirety of the story; these go beyond the conventional confines of horror and instead prompt reflections on current societal concerns that deeply resonate within the African American experience. 

One aspect that I believe resonates profoundly is the exploration of gentrification; with Cabrini-Green emerging as a very haunting symbol of the ghosts of housing issues and urban transformation. This truly echoes the real-life struggles that many African American communities face; witnessing their homes transformed into a sort of ghost-town through gentrification. The intersectionality of this issue was illustrated and intertwined with something much larger, Black Lives Matter and sacrifices. 

As the narrative unfolded, against the backdrop of police occupation, the film deftly explores the fears of mistaken identity and the overall theme of helplessness to outrun personal history. The urban legend, “Say Candyman Five Times” serves as a chilling metaphor for the lurking specter of racial profiling and the haunting question of when and how violence would manifest in itself. I believe that this film serves as a symbolic embodiment of the struggles against systematic oppression and the loss of self. The creators of this film navigated how to truly show an accurate depiction of toxic relationships that manifest in both personal and societal ways, unraveling a narrative that not only horrifies but also forces introspection. 

While watching this movie, I was able to reflect on my own experiences; in a similar manner, I was reminded of the childhood terror I associated with “Bloody Mary” (an urban legend akin to Candyman’s summoning). It paralleled the film’s exploration of the fear of transformation and loss of self, encapsulating the primal fear of turning into the monster we dread even seeing. 

Moreover, the film’s brilliance extends beyond its depth. I enjoyed the film's use of humor to balance tension as well as the stellar cast. The striking cinematography and visuals amplified the film's impact, elevating the movie from a mere horror flick to a thought-provoking experience. Overall, “Candyman” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to not only terrify but also to provoke introspection and reflection.

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Shadows Unveiled - Jordan Peele’s “US” and Societal Reflections

In the tapestry of horror cinema, Jordan Peel's "US" weaves a story that transcends the conventional boundaries of the horror genre, redefining the very nature of horror through the iconic image of Tethered. Unlike archetypal horror antagonists, the Tethered (for the Wilson family) are not presented as mindless, relentless killers; Instead, they appear as multiple manifestations of the film's deep exploration of duality and social apathy. After watching this film for the first time, it is appropriate to say that I was completely shocked by the ending plot twist of Adelaide and Red’s role switch. 

One of the most unique parts of the film lies in the subtleness of the Tetherd characters. The Tethered are depicted as human doppelgangers yet, they are the villain; this subtle approach challenges the audience to consider the true humanity of these identities that they are in this wickedness, and invites us to sympathize with their terrible lives born of social injustice. Within the profound dance of empathy, horror, and anxiety, Lupita Nyong’o’s performance as both Adelaide and her Tethered counterpart serves as the backbone of the entire movie. As a mother, it must have been difficult to destroy the family that you should have had, the life that you should have lived, which is probably why the doppelgangers of the Wilson family were less relentless than their neighbors; the struggle encompasses the emotional weight of facing your reflection in a nightmarish form. 

Watching this movie left me with so many questions. If Red was originally from the world up above, why did she spend so much time in the Tethered, why did she come up with such an intricate plan when she could have just saved herself and escaped in the first place? Another question that hasn’t left my mind is if the doppelgangers are controlled by the world up above, why did this switching of places alter who was in power? If Adeline was originally from the Tethered, why did coming up and switching places alter who had ultimate control? The beginning of the movie made it very clear of the suffrage that she endured by having to live in the shadows but I don’t understand the dynamic of the haunting switch. 

Jordan Peele’s message in the film resonates on many levels, the Tethered serve as a symbolic manifestation of class, specifically, neglecting marginalized members of society. By showing the duality of the Wilson family and their Tethered counterparts, Peele delves into the complexities of one’s identity and the consequences of societal divisions that really make the viewers wonder how their lives could have played out if everything was different. I certainly had many thoughts about this, how would my life be different if I were to be born into a different family? Overall, “US” stands as a very powerful testament to Peele’s ability to infuse horror with depth, similar to how he did in “Get Out”, he encourages viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie within society.

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“Get Out”: A Cinematic Exploration of Race, Power, and Symbolism

Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” unfolds a compelling journey filled with intense tension, allegorical symbolism, and revelations. This mind-bending film is truly filled with many “what the heck just happened” moments. 

In the opening scene, we meet a character named Andre living peacefully in a neighborhood. However, his tranquility is abruptly shattered when he is forcefully abducted and transported in a vehicle. As the story continues we are introduced to Chris (a Black man), who is involved in a relationship, with Rose (a white woman). Little does Chris know what meeting his girlfriend's family has in store for him…As they approach Rose's familial home, the couple hits a deer and has an awkward police encounter, yet things only get more suspicious when Dean and Missy (Rose’s parents) are eager to prove that they aren't racist. They all share a very uncomfortable conversation about their journey, where Rose’s family made microaggressional comments left and right. As time passed by, the underlying reason of why Chris was brought into the home unfolded, turns out that Rose and her family are a group of brain-transplanting creeps. All the Black people in the home, most importantly Georgina, who played the role of housekeeper, turned out to be Black on the outside but white in their brains. However, this complex surgery wasn’t very efficient because of the sunken place; basically an eternal black hole where the de-brained individuals float for eternity. 

What I enjoyed the most about “Get Out” was how it was unlike anything I’ve seen before. This horror movie is not scary in the sense that it is about monsters and jumpscares but terrifying in the sense that it's about race, privilege, and the horror of racism. The movie's blend of satire and shock definitely will keep any viewer on the edge of their seat. I enjoyed being constantly surprised, not being able to predict what would happen next. Another thing I really enjoyed about this movie is how there was a deeper meaning connected to symbolism under almost everything. For example, the paragraph above discussed the deer encounter which preluded what Chris’ fate would have been if he hadn’t escaped. Something I picked up on (although I am not sure if this really has any meaning) was a scene in which Rose was eating cereal. She ate her cereal with a glass of milk on the side, not mixing the colorful bites with the fresh cup of milk; this could serve as symbolism for her racism. 

The concept of the sunken place is also something worth delving into, the sunken place is a central metaphor for the Black experience. It represents suppression, and powerlessness, and reflects on the historical struggles and disenfranchisement of Black individuals in America. Chris’ literal descent into the sunken place during hypnosis serves as a representation of societal forces that attempt to silence the Black experience. 

My key takeaway from watching this brilliant film is what I believe to be Peele’s overall message: racism is not always “in your face” but it can be insidious, hiding behind fake smiles and compliments.

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Bree Newsome's 'Wake' and the Essence of Black Horror"

Bree Newsome's "Wake" captivated me with the Black Horror genre, not because it focuses on exploring racism, but because it deconstructs morality, human agency, and the repercussions of our actions. The short film opens in a time of death and change, reflecting the female protagonist's conflicting feelings when her, what seems like overbearing, father passes due to his daughter's lack of assistance. Instead of expressing sorrow, she feels liberated, free to follow her life and interests including her newfound opportunity to marry. I believe that Newsome cleverly built a story about internal moral and psychological suffering rather than external racial evil. The protagonist's emotional journey, which was defined by a rich interplay of desire, fear, sorrow, and liberty, mirrors the common human experience of considering the consequences of our decisions.

For me, the discussion of Black Horror, especially in the context of "Wake," provided a fresh insight into the genre. After viewing this short film, I understood that Black Horror is not only about overt racial issues but the genre also adapts to go beyond conventional horror clichés and explores various experiences. In my opinion, the screenplay successfully employs the horror subgenre in a subtle way to reflect the darker aspects of decision-making and its consequences. For example, when the main character performed a seance to conjure her dream man to life, she soon realized that the man who resembled a typical human turned out to be some type of monster. After trying to murder him, she ends up with the repurcussions of being pregnant with the monster’s child; I assume that this is because of all her immoral actions that took place from the start of the story, making this a mortality tale. 

Although I haven't experienced circumstances as unsettling as those in "Wake," the movie spoke to me on a personal level, especially in the way it portrayed the lingering effects of remorse and the consequences of unbridled desire. In all honesty, I found this story to be quite interesting but also uncomfortable. As a young woman myself, I do think that it would be pretty ideal to conjure my dream man to life. However, simply thinking about seeing someone I conjured turn out to be an evil monster sounds pretty horrifying. In addition, the uncomfortablility I would personally feel while being at this monster's wake is unimaginable. “Wake” somewhat makes me reflect on my own life; to me, this story shows how having a moral character truly matters because of the karma that may come back to an individual. Even if something is not done with purely evil intentions, I feel as if the universe will find a way to bite back. "Wake" was a moving reminder of the delicate dance that exists between our desires and the reality we make - which to me is a concept that goes beyond the bounds of “typical” Black Horror.