Themes and message

Hidden/casual racism

The theme of hidden or casual racism is explored in Imran J. Khan’s short film, “Prom”, in connection to the Wheeler family.  The Wheelers – Bethany’s parents – have known Hasan for some time and have previously welcomed him into their home (06:14-06:16).

However, when Bethany is supposed to go with Hasan to prom, her parents decide that it would be better for her to go with a white partner. The reasoning behind this decision is how the couple will look in the pictures: “we have a lot of family and friends back home who will see pictures from tonight and we felt it wouldn’t be a good fit” (06:18 – 06:26).

Mrs Wheeler’s words, however, imply that Hasan’s appearance will inform the Wheelers’ family and friends about his ethnicity. In a way, Mrs Wheeler also tries to suggest that they are not the prejudiced ones, but that they do not want to be judged by the others.

Mrs Wheeler’s attitude illustrates a type of subtle racism, which is not motivated by hatred or by the wish to do harm to others. People who are prejudiced in this way oft...