Exploring Moral Complexity in Parasite: Which Family is More Faulty?

The narrative of Bong Joon-ho's critically acclaimed film, Parasite, invites viewers to grapple with complex moral questions, particularly when considering which of the two families—the Kims or the Parks—is more to blame. This article delves into the behaviors and justifications of both households, exploring the nuances of their actions and their underlying motives.

Behaviors and Justifications

The Kim Family

The Kim family, led by Ki Taek, the unemployed father, engages in deceitful tactics to infiltrate the Park household. They forge identities, manipulate situations, and secure jobs within the wealthy family. While their actions might be seen as morally questionable, they are driven by desperation and the dire need for survival. Ki Taek and his family operate in a world of limited opportunities and crushing poverty, leading them to adopt unethical methods to improve their lives. The Kims' actions stem from a place of survival and are often portrayed with a layer of sympathy, as their pursuit of a better life is legitimate but unconventional.

The Park Family

The Park family, particularly Mr. and Mrs. Parks, represent the upper class. They are oblivious to the struggles and hardships faced by those beneath them. Their privileged lifestyle is built on the exploitation of others, and they exhibit a certain arrogance and detachment from the realities faced by people like the Kims. While they may not actively engage in malicious behavior, their complicity in the system that perpetuates inequality is significant. Their lack of awareness and empathy highlights systemic issues that make them complicit in the struggles of the lower class. The Parks' detachment from reality can be seen as equally problematic, if not more so, given their position of power.

Perspective and Sympathy

The Kims' Desperation and Ethical Compromises

The Kims' actions are rooted in desperation and survival. Their willingness to engage in deceitful tactics, while morally questionable, is understandable within the context of their difficult circumstances. The Kims, particularly Ki Taek, are portrayed as cunning and resourceful, willing to adopt unorthodox methods to secure a better life for their family. However, their deceit raises ethical questions about morality in the face of poverty and economic disparity. Ki Taek's actions, including the murder of Ki Jung, are tragic and reveal the deep-seated desperation that drives their behavior.

The Parks' Privilege and Detachment

The Parks' privileged position and lack of awareness make them complicit in the systemic injustices perpetuated by a stratified society. Their obliviousness to the struggles of others, particularly the Kims, reflects a broader societal issue. While the Kims engage in illegal and violent actions to improve their lives, the Parks' detachment from reality is equally problematic. They benefit from a system that perpetuates inequality, and their lack of awareness and empathy make them complicit in the struggles of the lower class.

Emotional Response and Personal Views

Personal views and emotional responses to the characters and their actions in Parasite can vary widely. For some, the emotional satisfaction derived from seeing the Kims’ ultimate downfall might be more pronounced. This sentiment is understandable, given the tragic and violent outcomes for the Kim family. However, it is important to recognize that the film's nuanced portrayal of both families invites viewers to consider the broader social commentary on class disparity and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in a stratified society.

Conclusion

Parasite does not merely pit one family against the other. Instead, it challenges viewers to consider the broader social commentary on class disparity, privilege, and the moral compromises individuals make in their pursuit of a better life. Both families are flawed in their own ways, reflecting the complexities of human behavior in a stratified society. The film invites us to examine not just the actions of the Kim and Park families, but also the systemic issues that contribute to the moral dilemmas faced by both groups.