ktmeng/mec huggingface dataset:
Topic: racism

Don’t care what color you were” (Wilson 18). Troy gets frustrated with the blatant racism that keeps him from playing in the Major Leagues. Troy feels as though he was robbed of a professional career in baseball strictly because of his race, the racial barrier constantly overshadows him and his family and has over time made him a bitter man. In an effort to help the reader understand Troy’s feelings toward his failure, Wilson writes as Troy “Don’t ome telling me I was too old. I Just wasn’t the right color” (Wilson 39). Although not specifically quoted by Troy, he has been worn down due to constant oppression and has been changed into a man whom he did not aspire to be like; his father. Troy’s animosity towards black people not getting equal opportunities as white people affects his ideals as a father and jeopardizes the future of his family. Troy’s story isn’t particularly special in this era, it was very common for racism and oppression to meddle and change peoples lives.
Topic: racism

Not specific to baseball but in general life, many things were completely segregated as explained by Kim Pereira “Wilson used the fence and baseball to tell this story. It was not just a story of a life perceived as a failure, but a look into the minds and thoughts of an African American in the 1950’s” (Pereira 47). Very few people before the civil rights movements in the 1960’s were acting out against racism, and many black people accepted this and began to believe that they were in fact, the inferior race. Troy cannot see the clear racial progress that has been made since he played baseball.
Topic: racism

As life progressed since Troy had faced oppression during his early years, he found it difficult to accept that things had changed. Troy’s racial arrogance is shown as he talks to Cory about baseball players not playing because of where they are from ““Got that boy… Puerto Rican boy… Clemente. Don’t even half-play him” “He gets lots of chances to play”” (Wilson 59). Troy clearly believes that people are still not given opportunities to play or excel in something because of the color of their skin, but Cory is denying this claim and states that that is not the case anymore and things have moved forward, at least in this instance.
Topic: racism

The aspect of social change had opportunities to erupt during the 1950s; people were so set on their views, and much like Troy very few were willing to believe that there was change. Howard Shapiro analyzed this issue “It’s set in the late ‘50s in an American rapidly moving for an upheaval that will bring massive social change – change Troy Maxson either fails to see or cannot understand” (Shapiro) Troy’s reluctance to accept social change puts the future of his family at risk and stops Cory from progressing through life and out of the ghetto.
Topic: racism

Troy is constantly exposed to racism and attempts to overcome it in everyday life. There are many instances throughout the book of black people, often working very hard to try and get an opportunity to make something of their lives. This opportunity that is searched for is constantly dismissed because of the underlining theme of racism. Troy isn’t one to stand up for himself, but does when he speaks to his boss about inequality in the work area “I went to Mr. Rad and asked him ‘why? Why you got white men’s driving and the colored man lifting? ” (Wilson 19) Troy’s frustration in dealing with racism and inequality everyday reflects his frustrations from being denied a career in baseball. Despite Troy’s efforts to work hard, he along with many others is not given a chance to change the lives of their families. Troy says that he works as hard as possible and receives nothing for it “I’m working every day and can’t get not credit” (Wilson 15) Troy is overlooked because of the color of their skin, and in being constantly discriminated against Troy’s future is limited.
Topic: racism

Although there has been some racial progress by the 1950s, there are not any significant breakthroughs until the civil rights movement. Through the voice of Troy, Wilson describes and example of oppression where a “negro” walks into a restaurant and cannot get served, but when a white man walks in everybody drops what he or she is doing and rushes to the aid of the white man. Wilson references the Pope picking out the meat from the stew for the white man, saying that everybody will get down on his or her hands and knees to cater for that one man. An instance like this occurred very often and is made an example out of.
Topic: racism

Troy displaces his relationships with Rose and Cory, who end up resenting him because of his ostracizing actions. As a result of being exposed to failure when growing up with his father, Troy seems to have adopted the idea that when things get difficult it is easier to just walk away. In doing so Troy unknowingly affects the lives of those around him. Troy ruins his marriage with Rose due to his never-ending need to escape responsibility. Troy does not have a sense of familial obligation and much like his father puts a lot of effort into getting away from his duties as a father.
Topic: racism

He wants to get away from the pressures of family life and is driven towards another woman with whom he has an affair, and explains it as “She gives me a different idea…I can step out of this house and get away from the pressures and problems” (Wilson 68). Troy is forever reluctant to accept his responsibilities, he understands that he is a father but all that he associates with this role is providing money, as that is all anybody asks of him. Troy is very hypocritical in saying he is the man of the house, yet acting as far from it as possible.
Topic: racism

In neglecting his family, Troy destroys his relationships with his wife, and children. As Kim Pereira analyses “Troy delays building the fence, as though fearful of the restrictions it will place on him. Something within him rebels against the idea of being cut off from the world, having no escape from the pressures of family life” (Pereira 49). It is evident that Troy is fearful of the symbolic meaning of the fence rather than the fence itself. Placing possible restrictions on him, Troy is reluctant to put it up; he feels it might force him to live a life devoted to his family, with no escape.
Topic: racism

In marrying Troy, Rose took a huge gamble in putting all of her aspirations and dreams aside to live a family life, one devoted to her husband and children. When finding out that her husband has cheated on her Rose’s goals and possible futures were destroyed, she was betrayed by the man she invested in “I took all my feelings, my wants and needs, my dreams…and I buried them inside of you. I planted a seed and waited and prayed over it” (Wilson 45). Troy betrayed the trust of Rose, and not only cheated her but the family as well, any goals they had, are now shattered because of his selfishness.
Topic: racism

Harold Bloom suggests that once Troy speaks to death following fights with loved ones he destroys his family “Troy stands alone on stage and speaks directly to death. These meetings follow confrontations, first with Rose and then with Cory, during which Troy manages to kill the love from those he loves the most” (Bloom). After Troy manages to “kill the love” he accepts death and acknowledges that it will eventually come. Troy shifts all of his attention to one aspect of his life and in doing so neglects and pushes away those who love him.
Topic: racism

Cory takes umbrage against Troy, as a result of the restrictions that are placed upon him. Due to Troy’s failure in baseball he is diffident to let Cory play football in college. He faced racism in trying to become a professional athlete and fears the same fate for Cory “The white man ain’t gonna let you get nowhere with that football no way” (Wilson 78). Troy sees his time that he used to pursue a career in baseball was wasted and is now trying to avoid Cory from going through the same thing. In response to his own disappointment, Troy demands Cory to give up on his dream.
Topic: racism

Troy believes that to be successful you have to work hard and that you earn where you get to, but believes that something interfered on his path to success. Troy thinks that life has never been fair to his family and never helped him out, it is just an obstruction “Life don’t owe you nothing” (Wilson 83). In his eyes somebody succeeding in life means that they think they are better than others, Troy begins to shows this characteristic when Cory has the opportunity to play college football and possibly make something of his life, as Kim Pereira explains “This seeming lack of affection is hard on Cory who obviously worships his father.
Topic: racism

Identity is an intrinsic idea of one’s life. Whilst there are no certainties, the struggle of identity often happens, and the conflicts may depend on the individual himself. The conflict may occur due to various factors in one’s identities including their sexual orientations, skin colour and religious background. These variables may cause noticeable damages to one’s mentality and psychology, and hence lead the individual to struggle with who they are. Individuals with homosexual preferences often experience conflicts in terms of their identities.
Topic: racism

Social Identity is the understanding of who we are, and reciprocally, other people’s understanding of themselves. Richard Jenkins believed that this social identity is achieved through socialization within social groups. He argued that by placing themselves in the role of others, people, particularly children, gain a greater understanding of the role that they should play. For example, a six-year-old girl playing “mommy” with her dolls will, as she gets into the role, begin to understand what a mother expects from a daughter and will, in response, be able to perform her own role as a daughter better.
Topic: racism

Gender often refers to the socially constructed categories of masculine and feminine. Society uses these biological differences to assign various social roles to each of the two genders. Such as the age-old concept that women’s place are in the home while men, the providers, must work to support their wives and children. Sociobiologists in particular believe in the naturalistic fallacy, which is because of their genes males and females must act or respond in a specific manner. For example they would claim females are “cloy” and males are “aggressive”.
Topic: racism

Ethnicity is a sense of belonging to a particular community whose members share common cultural traditions. Sociologists see this type of classification as the most flexible. It does not rely on biological reasons of explanation but rather points more to persons with common social backgrounds. Ethnicity, like gender and social class is essential in the shaping of social identity because whether we like to admit it or not we are greatly influenced by the people surrounding us. Like the fact that the white North American child born into the middle class will most likely receive a better chance at a highly paid job than their Latin American middle class peers, what society classifies us as will determine who we are in the future, no matter what we say to the contrary.
Topic: racism

Bilton found that although “social relationships of race, class and gender are often considered in isolation from each other, in reality they operate together to generate structures of power and inequality” (Introductory Sociology pg 259). A clear example of the importance of these three elements in the construction of social identity is demonstrated within the recent rape of the Pakistani girl~ Mukhar Bibi. You will hardly hear of a girl in the USA being raped because her brother was seen walking in a deserted place with girl of a higher class and a different tribe. Yet the men who committed the rape declared that the girl’s brother had violated the social law of the country and that their honour was at stake. The victim, who is of the Gujar tribe claimed that hundreds of Mastois were outside the building cheering and laughing all while the horrible deed was taking place. Not only does this situation clearly highlight the status of women in Pakistan but it also demonstrates the emphasis that Pakistanis place on class and ethnicity. You are judged not upon merit or personality, but upon your class, gender and ethnic origin.
Topic: racism

Throughout the ages, particularly the feudal age, gender has been considered to shape the behavioural patterns of the sexes. Women and men were expected to display similar characteristics no matter what part of the world they came from. However various people have proved such expectations wrong. Ann Oakley (1972) firmly believed that the culture of a society is what determines the type of behaviour displayed by the sexes. I believe that that assumption is right. If one compared the behaviour of a woman in India to that of a woman living in North America one would certainly notice a huge difference in behaviour. The constant demand of liberty for all helps to form female’s identity in North America. They demand and get freedom of speech; movement and can occupy any job in society.
Topic: racism

This is not the case with Indian women. Not only when born is a girl considered a liability but she is also treated as inferior to the male of the species. In many cases, Indian women are viewed as possessions. As in the example of the Pakistani girl, “possessions” can be tampered with to teach lessons to the offending family. It is kind of like stealing cattle with the knowledge that the person who owns it will feel upset because they intended to kill it and get some meat. Because of this type of treatment, Indian women tend to be more timid and probably consider an American woman “bold”. They would not dream of interrupting a man while he is speaking far less disagreeing with him, certain jobs are closed to them and their world would more or less revolve around keeping their husbands and families happy.
Topic: racism

The realization of one’s gender helps to allow us to fit into society better. A man, for example, would hardly be seen walking into a restaurant wearing a dress. He would carry him in a certain manner, speak in a particular way and certainly would not cover his face running from the restaurant crying if his girlfriend dumped him. If he displayed these characteristics, his family and friends for behaving “feminine” would ridicule him. Acknowledging our gender helps to create our social identities, this involves dressing, behaviour and even movements. It would look very strange to see a man walking with swaying hips. Knowing one’s gender is important to becoming socially accepted.
Topic: racism

Homosexuality is considered wrong by part of the society because the majority- heterosexual human beings- partially as a result of religious influences over the past centuries due to the mass control the several religious convictions had over the human’s civilisation as a whole, sees homosexuality as breaching the norm of the social order. Homosexual individuals often try to avoid the controversy caused by confessing their sexual preferences, as ignorant people often judge them by being different to the society. In ‘The First Kiss’ written by Lian Low, Lian was a typical example of homosexual individuals struggling with their identities.
Topic: racism

She has failed to embrace the fact that she was interested in women instead of men during her teenage years. ‘‘You’re not the L-word, are you? ’ Of course I denied it. ’ She didn’t want her ‘Malaysian Christian friends’ or ‘badminton buddies’ to judge her by her sexuality which caused a conflict throughout her high school life. Lian has been in a conflict between whether she should confess her sexual preference to her loved ones, or just pretending to be interested in men like all her peers. Like Lian, some homosexual individuals may have same issues as Lian faced and struggled in the same way with their character as she did.
Topic: racism

Although homosexuality causes a lot of people to struggle with their identity, the damage caused by racism due to diverse skin colours is worse. As a result of historical factors, coloured races are often ignorantly considered inferior to Caucasian people, especially those with white skin throughout the world. Examples such as the 2005 Cronulla riots in Australia, a racial conflict involving Middle East Appearance, show that until today, people with coloured skins are still targets of racism due to bigotry and conservatism.
Topic: racism

In the movie ‘Skin’, Sandra Laing has been struggling to figure out whether she was a ‘black’ or ‘white’ throughout her school life which can be shown when she said to her maid, ‘Am I black? ’ Sandra has been discriminated for her skin colour all through her tragic life. From her primary school classmates calling her ‘monkey’, the boy she went for a ‘date’ with saying, ‘you don’t have to feel bad for looking like a coloured person’, finally to her husband Pietrus who said ‘her skin is a curse’.
Topic: racism

Sandra’s miserable life was a classic situation of a coloured person in the last century. She has been exploring her identity throughout the entire film including a change of skin colour identification twice, before she finally defined herself as nobody else but her children’s mother. Under the influence of bias opinions over coloured appearance individuals, for instance the apartheid system in South Africa, a vast amount of people are possibly undergoing similar conditions as Sandra, persevering to figure out there true identity.
Topic: racism

Besides racism, a personal choice of approach to an event, one’s cultural background can also possibly cause struggle to their identity. As the modern society involves more immigrants changing their nationalities, children in recent generations may have multiple identities in terms of where they are from, and has become a social norm for the new decade. For instance, the Australian-born-Chinese people, also known as ‘ABC’ in general, has developed into a stereotype or even a race over the history of Chinese immigrating into Australia since the gold rush.
Topic: racism

The act of immigrating to a new country can profoundly affect a person’s social identity. Within a country, the individual is at least given a chance to be himself. He may be treated with contempt because of his social class or gender but he at least knows the social rules of the country to understand why. However, when he immigrates to another country, he will not be familiar with many of the social rules. It is most likely he will not only meet contempt because of his class or gender but also because of his ethnic origin. Bilton gives the example that a West Indian immigrating to Britain in the 1960’s would undoubtedly have faced serious ethnic and racial discrimination.
Topic: racism

However, it is difficult for these immigrant’s offspring to relate to their family’s culture as they may not have had any type of interaction with it. In the short story ‘Sticks and Stones and Such’ written by Sunil Badami, Sunil failed to understand the meaning of his name due to the lack of understanding to the Indian naming culture, was however conscious of his peers not pronouncing his name correctly, which further led him into obstacles of fitting into his friends’ groups and referring himself as ‘Neil’.
Topic: racism

In response, he would have ended up living in the place where the rest of the population had so thoughtfully given “people like him”. Of course, these places would have probably been a better home for rats. The West Indian would have become withdrawn and insecurity would germinate. Style of clothing may have changed and the individual may have begun to question his values, beliefs, and culture. Because he is of an ethnic minority, his plight might never be considered as important by the authorities of his neighbourhood. Acknowledging ethnic differences are a major part of constructing one’s social identity.
Topic: racism

These immigrant’s offspring may even find it challenging to answer questions like, ‘where are you from? Using the ‘ABC’s as an example, should they answer Australia, where they have grown up in, or China, where their parents are from? According to a survey done by the Herald Sun in January, 77% of the participants answered ‘I don’t know’. The result has portrayed the difficulty of self-identification by ‘ABC’ racial groups, which also may apply to various societies with similar cultural conditions. Despite the main causes of identity struggling mentioned above, every individual in the human’s society will somehow doubt their identities in their own manner, including you and me.
Topic: racism

Let us think back together, have we ever felt left out in a group of people? Did we question ourselves on sporting fields when we had a bad game? Did we ever think why are we even born in this world? The answer is yes. We have all questioned ourselves at some stage throughout our lives. It isn’t something to be ashamed of. By doubting ourselves, we can revise what actions have we done wrong, it is a motivation for ourselves to do better in all areas, with the ultimate goal to not doubt ourselves ever again-noting it isn’t possible.
Topic: racism

Writing, reading and literature in all its shapes and forms is an efficient way to confine the struggles and hardships that come while fighting for equality. The novel, The Book of Negroes, written by Lawrence Hill deals with the struggles of African Americans and how they deal with prejudice and discrimination within their society. Racism has a negative effect on the life of Aminata which results in her loss of freedom, lowered her self-esteem, and left her feeling powerless against others.
Topic: racism

Aminata’s freedom was lost when Americans started treating her ruthlessly and in a different manner than others. As a helpless woman, Aminata was unable to do anything about the matter. When her white owner gives her food and she states, “I would sooner die than eat pork” (Hill, 105). Although knowing that eating pork is forbidden in Aminata’s culture, her white owner still gives her pork to eat without any other choices or substitutes. Aminata feels like she cannot do anything without her owner torturing her.
Topic: racism

She needs their consent to drink water and eat food. Aminata gets treated like a slave because of the color of her skin and feels that she has lost all the freedoms that come with being a human. Aminata was always fond of studying and being free to do as she please, but she does not feel independent when she dreams “I would be the only woman, and one of the only people in my entire village, to be able to read Qur’an and to write Arabic script” (22).
Topic: racism

Racism is renowned for lowering the self-esteem of any targeted group or person, in this case Aminata pride was hurt due to the matter of other peoples prejudices. Aminata lacks self-confidence, she believes that she was born a slave and always will be a slave when her friend Chekura affirms that, “any nigger in you at all, then you is a slave as clear as day” (134). This makes Aminata feel like she was a slave from day one and that was her sole purpose in life. She does not feel secure about her self-worth and believes that blacks are meant to be treated like slaves. Furthermore, the white owners show their right over Aminata by abusing her physically to dehumanize her. “I screamed as I have never screamed before, I did not recognize myself, I had no clothes, no beauty, no hair, and no womanhood” (178).
Topic: racism

Aminata feels like she deserves this treatment as she is an African. The whites abusive and harmful behavior towards her and her fellow black skins makes her feel low of her. In addition, Aminata will always feel worthless because of the way she grew up and lived, this treatment will be embedded in her thinking. Aminata is used to all the indecency that is shown towards her and that is revealed when she says, “I was tied at the hands and yoked by the neck… but I felt no pain at all” (22). Aminata cannot feel the throbbing anymore because she gets beaten every day and is used to the pain now. She believes that she is worth of this pain because she is black. Thus, due to physical abuse and dehumanization towards Aminata, her self-esteem is extremely low and she sees herself as a worthless individual.
Topic: racism

Aminata’s owner physically abused her due because of the fact that she was lower in Social status and her owners had more power over her. The Americans called Aminata names like, “the crazy big mouthed African” (175) to show that she was simply a crazy African nothing more. This has a negative impact on Aminata due to her lack of power, as seen when her friend exclaims, “you call a white man white, he beat you black and blue” (129). Africans were not allowed to call a white man ‘white’ because they are seen as powerful whereas Africans are not considered humans because they are slaves.
Topic: racism

Americans could call them niggers but Africans has no right to call the Americans white displaying that Americans are in more supremacy compared to Africans. Aminata gets abused daily, her owners abuse her physically, and this can be seen when her owner tore her clothes off and said, “Your clothes he tore them off and threw them down. We have a law “niggers don’t dress grand” (176). This shows that Aminata is not allowed to dress according to her own wishes because she is an African. Hence, Aminata’s feeling of powerlessness, and the Americans physical abuse towards her affected her to feel in a negative way about herself.
Topic: racism

As one can see, racism can have a huge impact on the targeted group or person; it can cause one to feel in negatively about them. As demonstrated in Lawrence Hill’s novel, Racism can have a negative effect on a person which can result in loss of freedom, lowered self-esteem, and feelings of powerlessness. American owners’ abuse towards Aminata has left her to behave in a way which she cannot see herself as a normal human being as she was shown from the beginning that all Africans are born as slaves and should be treated as such. Discrimination is the result of narrow mindedness as one cannot accept another as an equal and cannot overcome or mentality get past another persons’ physical appearance.
Topic: racism

a) Compare the methods which these two poems deal with the experience of oppression and racism. b) State which of the 2 poems you find more disturbing, and offer reasons to support your answer. c) Identify and remark on 2 poetic devices utilized in each poem to highlight the operations of injustice or bigotry. “Dreaming Black Boy” and “Epitaph” are two poems which attend to the issues of oppression and bigotry. though they both deal with the very same issue, it is dealt with and talked about differently.
Topic: racism

the sugar cane continues to grow. Unlike in “Dreaming Black Boy”, the personality in “Epitaph” is an adult, searching a past occurrence and talking about how these types of occasions have impacted on our lives today. “Epitaph” appears to be the most troubling as it suggests that much of these slaves’ deaths are forgotten. The idea or concept that life goes on after you die and all you are awarded is a “pause”.
Topic: racism

The images in “Epitaph” are also more graphic. In “Dreaming Black Boy”, the poet uses euphemism to down play the harsh reality of the young black boy. For example, “plotters in pajamas” is used to refer to the klu klux klan, a group infamous for the terror they caused on the black race. The main literary device used in “Dreaming Black Boy” is allusion. The persona alludes to white supremacy groups, a famous singer etcetera, to express the things he would like to change about his reality. “Epitaph” uses the “apostrophe” to give a visual image of the black slave hanging and swinging as he is hanged.
Topic: racism

This metaphor is effective in showing also how the slave has taken on the problems of the black race as his own. And his death belongs to the blacks. It is their history. Racism and slavery are two of the most controversial and oppressive elements in human history. Though both poems differ in style and technique, both successfully describe the physical and emotional effects of racism and oppression (slavery). This success is achieved through the use of allusions, vivid images, symbolic language and even euphemism.
Topic: racism

It is generally agreed that discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin is morally wrong and a violation of the principle of equality. Race refers to groups of persons who are relatively alike in their biological inheritance and are distinct from other groups. Ethnicity is a cultural phenomenon referring to a person’s identification with a particular cultural group. Racism in its most general sense can be defined as “social practices which (explicitly or implicitly) attribute merits or allocate values to members of racially categorized groups solely because of their ‘race’”.
Topic: racism

There are at least three aspects to racism: personal prejudice; ideological racism, where culture and biology are used to rationalize and justify the superior position of a dominant culture; and institutional racism, where the policies and practices of institutions operate to produce systematic and continuing differences between racial groups (Banks 67). To determine whether racial discrimination exists within the criminal justice system, criminologists have conducted research studies that have examined the major decision points within criminal justice systems in the United States (Banks 68).
Topic: racism

This however can be traced not in the overt practices as the case of the Jim Crow laws in the Southern States at the height of the Civil War, but rather in the covert ways (Wheeler, 2005, p 5). The blame campaigns being witnessed in the American society is a clear example of racism in modern times. In the recent times, the victims have been blamed for the predicament that they find themselves. For instance, the unemployed are blamed for unemployment; those who are not educated are being faulted for not accessing education; and the homeless are being blamed for not having the homes (Dols, 2004, para 3).
Topic: racism

Evidence of Modern Racism: There has been some statistics that were revealed by studies indicating some biasness in events leading to unemployment and lopsided delivery of criminal justice. After the economic booms of the 1990s, majority of those affected by the economic downturn were the blacks. In the early 2000s, the rate of unemployment amongst the blacks was said to be rising at a faster rate compared to the unemployment rate of the whites (Wheeler, 2005, p 75).
Topic: racism

The lay-offs that were carried in some of the big corporations including Coca-Cola; Sears; and J. P. Morgan reflect on issues of discrimination in modern times. The African American work force in these corporations comprised of 18% at Coca-Cola, 16% at Sears and J. P. Morgan and yet the lay-offs at these corporations had high proportions of the black workforce with percentages given as 42, 54 and 30 for the respective corporations (Dols, 2004, para 5).
Topic: racism

Another study at the University of Chicago revealed that African Americans applying for a job were more likely to be denied the opportunity than their white counterparts using the name criterion. It is also worthy noting that studies indicate that African Americans are most likely be found guilty of drug offences compared to the whites (Cole and Smith, 2006, p 16). Apart from the examples provided above, the Africa Americans have continued to bear the consequences of the slavery and the Jim Crow rules at the height of discriminative policies in the United States (Smith, 1995, p 6).
Topic: racism

Conclusion: The incidences of racism are rampant in our society even though most individuals would think that we have advanced from the dark years. The government and the stakeholders need to be proactive in addressing the issue of modern day racism through the enhancement of affirmative policy actions that would bring parity and stop propagation of the racism connotations. Work Cited: Cole, George, F. and Christopher E. Smith. 2006. The American System of Criminal Justice.
Topic: racism

As such, common street scenes — like the three bums who wasted their time exchanging aimless banter, “Mother Sister” on the front steps of her Brooklyn apartment her hair being combed by a young lady, children playing on the streets, young men gathered together with friends drinking beer on the sidewalks, a peddler selling sweet flavored ice cones, a radio on top of a car being played on full-blast while some young Puerto Rican men swayed to the rhythm of the loud beat, among others – were presented in the film which typified the local environs in Brooklyn which are now popularly known to be “black territory”.
Topic: racism

It showed a slice of the life of typical Black Americans without the unnecessary prejudice or bias usually associated with films done from a “white” perspective. The presentation of the film is done in the usual manner, from beginning to end, and there are no superfluous, decorative scenes or drama to provoke empathy or hatred for or against any type of race. The plot of the film slowly unfolds and transforms the neighborhood from a quiet peaceful locale to one that is hostile and belligerent.
Topic: racism

The radio disc jockey as portrayed by Samuel Jackson, was one of the more important characters in the film as he gave some significant details and narration to create the film’s setting like the rising temperatures at the beginning, and an advice at film’s end for his listeners to “Chill” since the heatwave was not about to peter out. The film’s director, Spike Lee, who also plays the role of Mookie, was able to infuse a lot of substantial and rousing factors in the film denoting his pro-black stance.
Topic: racism

From the opening part of the film where one of the film’s actors, Rosie Perez, was dancing to the tune of “Fight the Power! ” against a red backdrop, it was already evident that Lee was already trying to send an important message to the viewers. After the dance sequence, focus is made on an alarm clock, a microphone and lower portion of Samuel Jackson’s face asking the listeners of his radio program to “Wake up! ” which also figuratively connotes that the film is a wake-up call to his fellow Black Americans on the need to be more concerned with issues, especially those pertaining to racism and bigotry.
Topic: racism

Another one of the characters named Smiley, an American, also a local resident who was sort of a retardate who stuttered when he spoke, constantly held pictures of Black men, the most significant of which showed Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. At the opening part of the film, Smiley is focused and he explains the two popular figures – “Now they are dead, but we still have to fight against apartheid”, once more against a brick building and a predominantly orange-tinted scene. At first glance, the viewer would merely regard this scene as one useless, isolated act of child-like nature.
Topic: racism

However, it will be seen later on that Smiley will be one of those who will actively participate in the initiation of the riot, further implying that his adherence to the black cause is more than just skin deep. Smiley will be the one to set Sal’s pizzeria on fire, which will signify victory for the Black race. The inclusion of these scenes in the movie once again indicate the standpoint from which the film’s director comes from, making it apparent that Lee is trying to educate the viewer about these significant racial issues.
Topic: racism

As mentioned earlier, the circumstances in Brooklyn were presented objectively with no added drama to emphasize their respective causes. Each of the characters thought that their own perspective was the right one, hence, there was no letting down especially in the confrontation scene between Sal, Radio Raheem and Buggin’ Out just before the riot erupted. “No characters think they’re racist, yet the racial divide defines the social currency of the film” (Seanax. , 2009) which is parallel to what takes place in society as each individual or entity sees things through his/her own perspective and never from the other’s.
Topic: racism

Sal saw himself as one of the area’s old-timers after having been in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. Radio Raheem just wanted to play his music out loud while he walked the streets. Buggin’ Out on the other hand merely felt like he had to have some of his brothers’ pictures up on the “Wall of Fame” posted on Sal’s pizza store. Radio Raheem and Buggin’ Out considered Sal as racist because of his dislike for loud music and not wanting to put up pictures of Black celebrities on his wall.
Topic: racism

Conversely, Sal thought that they (RR and BO) were being racist because they wanted to meddle with his business and play loud music in his place. Either way, the film did not side with anybody but the situation was presented — as is — in its nonplus and complicated form for the viewer to make his/her own analysis and conclusions. One remarkable thing about the movie is the prominent use of backdrops to emphasize the Brooklyn setting. Just like one movie review states, the film ”looks and feels more like a play than a movie” (Criterion Collection.
Topic: racism

, 2010) because of the recurrent use of theatrical-like shots and backdrops. As mentioned earlier, the bright orange tint is unmistakable in most scenes which sought to highlight the scorching heat in the community, that is, the visual palette on which this film is based – in the literal sense. Figuratively though, the film intended to bring to fore the controversial issue of racial discrimination which has been extant since the early times. Red or bright orange is the figurative way of representing the zeal with which the director treated the issue, implying an ardent desire to be addressed at the soonest possible time.
Topic: racism

Lighting in other scenes was also excellent with the indoor scenes still having that necessary brightness coming from the summer heat. It is notable that some of the shots made were like still photographs. One of these scenes is the close-up shot of Mookie and Tina kissing where an extreme close-up of their lips is shown. Shots of newspapers were also shown to underline the ravaging heat being felt in the district at that time. And then, the three men who were having their conversation under an umbrella against a bright red wall is also another such shot.
Topic: racism

Some shots are also done from a skewed angle like the way Radio Raheem and Buggin’ Out were speaking to the camera, but the dialogue directed at Sal. Director Lee also made his characters to speak directly to the camera in some scenes, which made the audience somehow involved in the film. The theme of the movie is the racial prejudice which exists between the Black Americans and other ethnic minorities living in the US like Sal and his sons, who were of Italian origins, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Koreans and other nationalities. Each person can be termed as a “racist” depending on the circumstances, and at times, it can’t really be helped.
Topic: racism

However, what the movie presents is an intricate interplay of emotions and racial biases which somehow come out naturally to each person, and that each action should not be interpreted as being for or against another group/race. The movie does not aim to widen the already broad chasm between races but rather “the film focused on racial differences just to point out human commonality” (Dawsey, 1989). The riot which occurred in front of Sal’s store was initially triggered by Radio Raheem and Buggin’ Out who wanted to assert themselves and their contentions to Sal.
Topic: racism

Unfortunately, the manner with which they delivered their message to Sal was not really encouraging or positive, hence, the situation went from bad to worse, then later on worst when the pizza store was engulfed in flames. The characters in the film gave more credence to the movie which made it more comprehensible and realistic. Sal was credible as the pizza store owner who just wanted to make a living from his 2-decade business, which he intended to bequeath to his 2 sons later on.
Topic: racism

The racist tendencies were unintentional on his part especially when he addressed Buggin’ Out to go find his own place to put up the faces of his brothers – that is, when questioned as to why he didn’t have the faces of Black celebrities on his Wall of Fame. He merely wanted to assert his ownership of the place and not be meddled with, which was misinterpreted as being a racist. Both Radio Raheem and Buggin’ Out were believable in their parts of being irate customers who just wanted to be treated as regular customers, or just like everybody else.
Topic: racism

However, the manner by which they expressed themselves was not received well by Sal, who also reacted in rage for being challenged in his own place of business. Mookie was also portrayed well by Director Spike Lee as one who wanted to stay in the middle of the Blacks and the Italians, as represented by Sal and his sons. Just like Sal, he only wanted to earn a living, but circumstances went differently, hence, he also had to react in a distinct and instinctive manner. He was a peace-loving individual that was why he always tried to pacify things between Pino and Vito, and also between the two with Sal.
Topic: racism

The similarity in behavior between Mookie and Sal is also seen in the way they both treat Smiley, reacting toward the latter with consideration, compassion and patience. It was just surprising that Mookie was the one who started the destruction of the pizzeria, but analyzing his actions, it was also expected in a way because the choice was now between the loss of his source of income and the anger from his Black American family, relatives and friends. The characters of ‘Da Mayor’ and ‘Mother Sister’ provided “the story with the dignity and the artistry–and the sense of historical perspective” (Champlin, 1989).
Topic: racism

They also provided a means by which the situation could somehow cool down or be less intense or less violent. In a way, they gave the balance to the story, allowing the viewer to have a breather, especially in the escalating tension before the outbreak of the riot. They are like a douse of water to the heated arguments between the lead characters. The costumes used by the actors made the film more realistic and faithful to their characters. Sal, Pino and Vito alternately wore an apron as part of their work in the pizza store.
Topic: racism

Mookie clad in a baseball shirt was the typical garb for teens and young adult males at that time. Da Mayor was dressed up in an obviously well-worn suit which had already become grubby and soiled with age, just like his character. Most of the actors were also shown sweating out because of the heat which also lent more accuracy to the scenes. The dominant mood was also one of tension building up, parallel to the increasing heat of the weather, which climaxed to a riot and the burning of the pizza store. Music also played an important role in the movie.
Topic: racism

It is heard from the introduction of the film as the film credits are rolled, within the film and until the last scenes of the movie. Reference to the introductory song has already been cited previously. Within the film, as the summer heat builds up and scene shots are made of tabloids with headlines of the sizzling weather conditions, a song is played in somewhat of a slow Latin beat with the lyrics “I know you can’t stand the heat…”. After the tabloids, the face of Tina, Mookie’s girlfriend is focused where she is supposedly immersing herself in a basin filled with icy cold water.
Topic: racism

Then, cut to Tina taking a shower in a bathroom, still with the hint of an orange lighting in the background. In another scene, the Puerto Ricans are listening to some of their music on the radio while they are seated on the front steps of an apartment. The Puerto Rican beat is slowly overpowered by a kind of hiphop or Black type of music which was way louder than their music’s volume. This irks the Puerto Ricans, and they look to find that it is Radio Raheem with his huge boom box. They hurl expletives at Raheem who doesn’t go, so they put their volume on full blast and the Spanish song fills the air again.
Topic: racism

Raheem doesn’t say anything but turns his volume up too. They surrender, but then again, they shout invectives at Raheem who turns around and walks away. In this manner, it is seen that music was able to reinforce the feeling of heat in the movie, as well as act as a source of conflict between the Puerto Ricans and Blacks. Overall, the element of music contributed to the film’s total mise-en-scene in a significant manner as to make the movie more visually interesting and appealing to the viewers. Some classify this film as part of the comedy genre, which is definitely a gaffe.
Topic: racism

Do the right thing is not a mainstream type of movie since it cannot be classified as a drama, action, horror, family, adventure, coming-of-age, detective, fantasy, love story, etc. It is a kind of film which will hold up on its own because of its customized message for the viewer seeking to elicit more respect for the Black Americans. Perhaps it can be categorized as a social drama, although it cannot exactly fit the pattern because there is no specific social problem which gives rise to the conflict that ensues. In a social drama genre “usually the Champion has a personal stake in the outcome of the struggle” (Create your Screenplay, n.d. ). Although Mookie is somehow depicted to be that champion, he did not experience a struggle in the movie because he was well accepted at his place of work and in the community. The social problem which is raised in this movie is more of a subjective type of racial discrimination since the perspectives may vary with each individual, as well as the circumstances which took place. Such subjective views are manifested by Sal, Radio Raheem and Buggin’ Out. As a whole, the movie Do the Right Thing is an enlightening cinematic reproduction of the situation in Brooklyn during the 1980s.
Topic: racism

Introduction Huckleberry Finn is a wonderful book that captures the heart of the reader in its brilliance and innocence. Despite many critics have attacked its racist perspective;the piece merely represents a reality that occurred during antebellum America,the setting of the novel. Twain’s literary devices in capturing the focal of excitement,adventure,and human sympathy is a wonderful novel that should be recognized, not for bigotry, but that it is the candid viewpoint of a boy that grew up in that era.
Topic: racism

And even then,the protagonist does overcome some social prejudices of slavery because he is concerned with the well-being of his runaway slave friend Jim. That the mockery of the slave race in the end allowed by Huck is more about fulfilling the awes of Huck towards Tom. The novel is a success because it does not fail to capture the one singular point of growing up for Huck:boyhood. Mark Twain definitely characterizes the protagonist,the intelligent and sympathetic Huckleberry Finn,by the direct candid manner of writing as though through the actual voice of Huck.
Topic: racism

Every word,thought, and speech by Huck is so precise it reflects even the racism and black stereotypes typical of the era. And this has lead to many conflicting battles by various readers since the first print of the novel,though inspiring some. Says John H. Wallace,outraged by Twain’s constant use of the degrading and white supremacist word‘nigger’,”[The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is]the most grotesque example of racist trash ever written”(Mark Twain Journal by Thadious Davis,Fall 1984 and Spring 1985).
Topic: racism

Yet,again to counter that is a quote by the great American writer Ernest Hemingway,”All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn…it’s the best book we’ve had…There has been nothing as good since”(The Green Hills of Africa [Scribner’s. 1953]22). The controversy behind the novel has been and will always remain the crux of any readers is still truly racism. Twain surely does use the word‘nigger’often,both as a referral to the slave Jim and any African-American that Huck comes across and as the epitome of insult and inferiority.