The Racial Heat in the Film Do the Right Thinks Essay

The racial heat builds throughout the film, appearing as tension between the characters, as the Italian-American owners of Sal's Pizzeria do not give in to the overly confrontational Buggin' Out. Buggin' Out, who is seeking black recognition on the wall of fame in the pizzeria, advocates civil rights around the neighborhood and is able to recruit the support of Radio Raheem. This addition to his small squad of protesters proves crucial as Raheem's resounding theme of love versus hate comes into play. This theme is made obvious in the scene in which Radio Raheem describes himself, educating the audience that he is full of both love and hate. Through his description, the audience may see that, "in a metaphorical boxing match between Love and Hate, Radio Raheem shows how love will always conquer hate, even when hate seems to have love on the ropes" (River). This idea of love versus hate is clearly illustrated in the film by Lee as the tension builds between the African-American and Italian-Americans. Raheem is able to stay neutral in Do the Right Thing for the most part, but his love and hate scene in the movie must be considered in the end when he is unnecessarily killed by the police officers. For, just before his death, the film shows that the hate has taken over after Sal destroys his boom box and Raheem cannot contain the animosity anymore. The cops choke-holding him to death conveys the vicious and overly aggressive practice that many cops to this day follow and definitely calls to question if the nature of their actions is necessarily "doing the right thing." Lee's inclusion of this scene is an effort to allude to the killing of Michael Stewart by the New York Police Department in 1983 (River). Sadly, although this movie is 27 years old as of today, some of these practices still exist, with racial tensions often accompanying them.
In the end, Raheem makes the wrong choice to let hate overcome love and unfortunately, Radio Raheem is killed because of his actions resulting from this choice. Perhaps this is Lee's way of demonstrating to the audience the danger of too much hate while also serving as contribution to the debate of morality posed to the audience. Yet, even more debatable are the actions of Mookie in the final scene. Mookie's decision to throw the trash may certainly be seen as him doing the right thing. Supporters of his actions could surely argue that it was right of Mookie to stand up for himself, as well as his race, and to show a sense of strength and self-awareness by going against those viewed as superior to him. However, with this said, the argument may also be made that Mookie's decision was a poor one. Despite the fact that fights are occurring and tensions are undoubtedly high, Mookie, essentially, insinuates a riot. The tenants of Bed-Stuy turn their attention to Sal's Pizzeria and do everything in their power to destroy it.