Do the Right Thing (Spike Lee, 1989) - Fight the Power?

[kflagg]

Upon its release in the summer of 1989, Do The Right Thing brought about mixed reviews as some critics praised Spike Lee’s insightful commentary on contemporary racial issues, while other critics such as Joe Klein of the New York Post saw the film as an incitement for racial violence. As the scorching summer day progresses, the tension between the different ethnicities in the neighborhood ultimately boils over after Radio Raheem is killed by white police officers. What ensues is a primitive destruction of Sal’s Pizzeria, a long-standing figure of the white man’s power in a minority’s neighborhood.

Over the years Spike Lee has made no effort to hide his contempt towards the people that are in charge. In one scene Buggin Out and Radio Raheem lean against a wall that’s tagged with the message “dump Koch”, a reference to the mayor of New York City during that time. One would expect Sal to be a mean-spirited bigot, yet he shows compassion and empathy towards many of the black residents of the neighborhood. When Da Mayor comes in at the opening of the day looking for work, Sal gives charity by paying him for odd jobs around the pizzeria. Sal could just have easily had Vito or Pino sweep up the curb but he shows sympathy towards the mayor.

Why is Sal arguably one the kinder characters in the film? Should we feel sorry for him after his pizzeria is burned down? Are Mookies actions during the riot justified considering the guidance that Sal has shown him? Where are the positive influences in this story?

[jkatz]

I am very confused by the escalating violence prior to Sal’s being burned down. So the first offence is Radio Raheem blasting music in Sal’s after Sal generously lets him in after closing hours. Sal smashes the radio. Radio Raheem chokes Sal and then the poes kill Radio Raheem so Sal’s shop gets burned down? The logic behind this violence is non-existent but I’m no sure if logic and violence are words to be used together. I find myself feeling bad for Sal because he seems unjustly punished. Sal lets the Mayor sweep for money, he gives money to Smiley, and he’s just generally nice to everyone for the most part.

My question is why does Mookie start the destruction of Sal’s? Prior to the whole incident Sal and Mookie where like two peas in a pod, talking about family. Mookie was about to get paid. The only thing I can think of is that Mookie is upset that Sal was creepin’ on his sister but even that isn’t reason enough to throw a trash can in through the window. Sal didn’t kill Radio Raheem, everyone saw the poes do it so I still can’t justify Mookie’s actions. This was pretty sticky business though so who’s to say how we ourselves might act in this situation?