Amazon Prime’s horror series Them has captivated audiences with its chilling depiction of suburban racism and supernatural terror. Set in the 1950s, the series follows the Emory family as they navigate a new life in Compton, California, only to face both supernatural and societal horrors.
But just how much of Them is based on true events? In this article, we’ll dive into the show’s historical inspiration and explore how it blends reality with fiction.
The Historical Backdrop: The Great Migration
Between 1916 and 1970, millions of African Americans left the South in what is known as the Great Migration. Seeking opportunities and freedom from the oppressive Jim Crow laws, many moved to northern and western states, including California, to build better lives for themselves and their families.
This period brought substantial cultural shifts and reshaped American demographics, particularly in cities that saw a sudden influx of Black families.
Them draws on this historical event, portraying the journey of the Emory family as they move from the segregated South to Compton, California. This storyline provides a foundation for the series, grounding its supernatural elements in the very real struggles Black families faced during that era.
The Emory Family’s Move to Compton
In the show, the Emory family arrives in Compton with hopes of a fresh start, only to encounter hostility from their white neighbors. The racial tensions depicted in the series reflect the reality for many Black families who faced resistance, harassment, and even violence when moving into predominantly white neighborhoods.
Though the Emorys are fictional, their experience represents a common story for many Black Americans during the Great Migration. Housing discrimination, redlining, and racial violence were frequent barriers faced by Black families striving to achieve the American Dream.
Separating Fact from Fiction: The Supernatural Elements
While Them tackles the harsh realities of racism, it also incorporates supernatural horror elements. The haunting experienced by the Emory family serves as a metaphor for the psychological trauma and constant fear imposed by a racist society.
However, these supernatural aspects are fictional, introduced to heighten the series’ horror and suspense.
The Creator’s Inspiration
The creator of Them, Little Marvin, was inspired by stories of Black Americans who struggled against racism while pursuing better lives.
Marvin’s own family has roots in the Great Migration, which influenced his portrayal of the Emory family’s journey. The series reflects his exploration of the American Dream and how that vision is accessible to some but requires others to fight just to survive.
Marvin intended for Them to highlight the ongoing legacy of racial discrimination, showing that even though times have changed, the trauma experienced by past generations still resonates in the present.
Themes and Symbolism: Horror as a Metaphor for Trauma
In Them, the supernatural terror is an embodiment of the pervasive racial hostility the Emory family faces. The series uses horror to symbolize the psychological impact of racism, depicting how living in a constant state of fear can erode one’s sense of self and belonging.
Each supernatural element acts as a manifestation of the societal horrors Black families faced, reinforcing the message that the most terrifying aspect of the Emorys’ experience is not the supernatural but the prejudice of their neighbors.
Why Them Resonates Today
Them taps into a relevant and often painful topic: racial discrimination and its impact on Black communities.
By setting the story in a historical context while blending horror elements, the show connects with modern audiences and sparks conversation about current racial tensions.
The series invites viewers to reflect on how past injustices continue to shape contemporary society, urging them to consider the lasting effects of systemic racism.
Conclusion
While Amazon’s Them is a work of fiction, its roots lie in the very real experiences of Black families during the Great Migration.
The series shines a light on a dark chapter of American history, using horror to tell a story of resilience in the face of prejudice.
By intertwining fact with supernatural fiction, Them delivers a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by countless families who sought to escape oppression and build better lives.
In doing so, it reaffirms the ongoing struggle for equality and the strength needed to confront a history haunted by discrimination.
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