Past Present Future The Great Political Films: Do The Right Thing
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Dec 26, 2024 Dive into the intense world of racial tension as Spike Lee's 'Do The Right Thing' mirrors today's societal challenges. Explore how a simple pizza dispute escalates into a riot, raising questions about blame and community dynamics. Discover the clash of cultural identities within a pizzeria, and the impact of historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The discussion also touches on contemporary political figures and their parallels to past leaders, spotlighting the film's enduring relevance in our current landscape.
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Subway Chokehold Case
- David Runciman discusses the "Subway Chokehold Case," where Daniel Penny choked Jordan Neely to death.
- This case, like the chokehold in Do the Right Thing, highlights the fraught history of chokeholds in American law enforcement.
Chokeholds and Riots
- Do the Right Thing depicts a chokehold death sparking a riot, mirroring real-life cases like Michael Stewart's.
- The film's dedication to victims of police brutality underscores its timeless relevance.
Technological Absence
- Do the Right Thing, while timeless in its theme, feels dated due to the absence of ubiquitous technologies.
- Air conditioning and social media were not prevalent in 1989, impacting the film's setting and narrative.