Looking Back at Yesterday to Understand Today.
When you explore the ramifications that result from the prejudicial mentalities that continue to plague modern day societies, it is without a doubt obvious that there is a continuous and active issue. Through the lenses of analyzing Spikes Lee’s 1989 film Do The Right Thing, the fundamental question that is presented that corroborates this perception is how does the racial politics alongside racial tensions of the 1980’s era still resonate within the many trials and tribulations that minorities endure in today’s society? Noted to be one of the most highly controversial movies of its time, another simple yet thought invoking question is presented, which is why? Why was a film that displayed a …show more content…
This is really apparent in the very relatable and realistic approach Mr. Lee takes to illustrating adversities pertaining to people of color. A realism that is demonstrated in the timeless question that the movies ending presented to its viewers, which is “Did Mookie do the right thing”. This question stemmed from the decision Mookie makes to pick up a trashcan and throw it in the window of Sal’s Pizzeria, a highly controversial action that resulted from the death of Mookies friend, which was followed with a riot that destroys the business. Much of the controversy that is associated with this film centers around this particular scene, invoking discussion as to whether or not the way to respond to oppression should be a violent or nonviolent approach. Even more intriguing is why Mookies actions were more of a controversy then the death of his friend Radio Raheem, bringing light to the ideology of the value of property over that of a black mans life. But now it is necessary to ask “how?” How did Spike Lee manage to tackle such controversial issues and invoke such intriguing conversations while remaining strong within his vision, a vision he wanted to be as realistic and genuine as
When you explore the ramifications that result from the prejudicial mentalities that continue to plague modern day societies, it is without a doubt obvious that there is a continuous and active issue. Through the lenses of analyzing Spikes Lee’s 1989 film Do The Right Thing, the fundamental question that is presented that corroborates this perception is how does the racial politics alongside racial tensions of the 1980’s era still resonate within the many trials and tribulations that minorities endure in today’s society? Noted to be one of the most highly controversial movies of its time, another simple yet thought invoking question is presented, which is why? Why was a film that displayed a …show more content…
This is really apparent in the very relatable and realistic approach Mr. Lee takes to illustrating adversities pertaining to people of color. A realism that is demonstrated in the timeless question that the movies ending presented to its viewers, which is “Did Mookie do the right thing”. This question stemmed from the decision Mookie makes to pick up a trashcan and throw it in the window of Sal’s Pizzeria, a highly controversial action that resulted from the death of Mookies friend, which was followed with a riot that destroys the business. Much of the controversy that is associated with this film centers around this particular scene, invoking discussion as to whether or not the way to respond to oppression should be a violent or nonviolent approach. Even more intriguing is why Mookies actions were more of a controversy then the death of his friend Radio Raheem, bringing light to the ideology of the value of property over that of a black mans life. But now it is necessary to ask “how?” How did Spike Lee manage to tackle such controversial issues and invoke such intriguing conversations while remaining strong within his vision, a vision he wanted to be as realistic and genuine as