Lessons from Parasite: What the Movie Teaches About Society

 Lessons from Parasite: What the Movie Teaches About Society

The first time I saw Parasite, I believed that it was a typical thriller movie. However, as the plot progressed, it began to sink on me, this movie is not merely a spectacle. It is a mirror of society.

Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite demonstrates us how the people exist in totally opposite worlds, even in one city. And to be frank, most of the teachings in this film are much too near our lives in India as well.

We will simplify it down.

1. The Widening of the Wealth Inequality 

 

The distinction between the rich and the poor is one of the largest lessons that Parasite teaches.

 

The affluent family in the movie resides in a large, gorgeous home where there is room, sunshine, and coziness. The poor family on the other hand lives in a small semi-basement house where fresh air is a challenge.

 

This is not really a movie idea, as you think. This is every day in such cities as Chennai, Mumbai, or Delhi with luxury apartments being right next to slums.

 

The film helps us to remember that this divide is not only about money. It also affects:

 

• Opportunities
• Education
• Lifestyle
• Even basic dignity

 

2. Not everybody is enough to work as hard as we can

 

As youngsters, we have been taught that: Work hard and you will make it.

 

But Parasite demonstrates the other truth.

 

The poor handicapped family in the movie is intelligent and very hard working. They attempt various sources of income. Nevertheless, they find it difficult to live.

 

Herein we learn thus:

Success does not just happen through hard work.

It is also access, privilege and luck.

 

This might be cruel but it is really so in most of the instances.

 

3. People Hide Their Struggles

 

One of the things I personally observed and which I still remember is that everybody in the movie disguises his or her actual state.

 

The poverty of the family acts like it is a better qualified one.

The wealthy family makes it appear that everything is okay.

Even the non-portrayed characters in the house have their own struggle to survive.

 

In the real life too, how many open up and discuss their problems?

 

Everyone is happy on the social media. However, beyond the scenes, a good number of people are struggling with stress, monetary matters, or family pressure.

 

The lesson?

👉 You should never judge a person based on his life on the surface.

 

4. Differences in Classes Influence Behaviour

 

The wealthy family is not pictured wicked in the film. They are also gracious and decent in their own manner.

 

But still, there is a distance.

 

Even minor aspects such as their speech, their voice or even their responses reveal that they are not entirely aware of what poor people go through.

 

I recall an instance where even a simple thing like a smell can be used as a representation of the difference in classes. It is not a big one but it stings.

 

This happens in real life too. On other occasions, a person may not really intend to harm others, yet through words or actions he or she demonstrates ignorance.

 

5. Life can drive one to extremes

 

In the build-up of the story, we get to witness the extent that people will go to simply survive.

 

The poor family takes dangerous choices. The enigmatic characters go very far. It all turns into a battle to survive.

 

This is not about good vs bad.

It is what occurs when human beings are taken to the brink.

 

People in most regions of the world such as India are willing to do hard or risky tasks just to provide food to their families. That fact makes us reflect on this movie.

 

6. The social world runs on systems that are invisible

 

A very strong concept in Parasite is that society is a system operating in ways we do not particularly recognize.

 

The wealthy are reliant on the poor to work as drivers, house help, tutors.

The rich rely on the poor as a source of income.

 

It’s like a cycle.

 

The thing is, however, that this system is not equal. One party is in control, and the other dependent.

 

The movie quietly asks us:

👉 Is this system fair?

 

7. Dreams vs Reality

 

The film has a very strong emotional level- dreams.

 

The poor family lives in a dream of a better life. A bigger house. Stability. Respect.

 

But reality continues to draw them back.

 

This section is something that many of us can relate to. Everyone has dreams, better job, better salary, better life of the family.

 

However, there are just times when it is not so smooth.

 

The film teaches us to:

 

Stay hopeful

 

But be wise too, be aware of reality.

 

8. Money is Not the Answer to Everything

 

Firstly, the wealthy family seems to have it all.

 

Big house. Comfort. No financial stress.

 

However, as the story progresses, we come to understand an important fact, which is that money is a solution to most things, but not everything.

 

There is still:

 

• Emotional distance
• Lack of awareness
• Dependence on others

 

The concept that money equals happiness is therefore not entirely accurate.

 

9. Big Consequences out of Small Actions 

 

Something that I liked (and was scared of) about Parasite is the fact that little choices gradually lead to something more.

 

One lie results in another lie.

An activity has a domino effect.

 

Then, all is out of control before anybody knows it.

 

This is a strong life lesson:

👉 Even small choices matter.

 

10. The most important thing is empathy

 

This is, perhaps, the only conclusion that can be drawn after watching Parasite we should have more empathy in society.

 

Provided that people would know each other:

 

• Perhaps there would be no conflict.
• Less judgement
• Less inequality

 

The film does not provide simple solutions. But it makes us think.

 

And sometimes, that is enough.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Parasite is not a movie that one watches and forgets. It stays with you.

 

It will give you a different perspective of what is around you. It makes one ask questions that we are used to disregarding.

 

I, personally, began to observe small things after watching it, things such as the way people treat workers, how the society is separated and how we all make assumptions on others.

 

Still, it is highly recommended to watch as long as you have not done it yet.

 

Before You Go…

 

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