Do The Right Thing Sparknotes

Analysis of Do the Right Thing Do the Right Thing directed by Spike Lee is harsh criticism of the rising racial tensions in a multicultural neighborhood. From the American-Italian pizzeria to the Korean-owned corner store, to the African American and Latino residents, racial undertones are asserted in nearly every interaction. Throughout the movie, the theme of racial tension is exploited by Lee’s use of character types, perspective, patterns, and viewer expectations. From the introductory scene, Lee is making a strong statement in his choice of music and Rosie Perez’s dancing and boxing. This introduction induces the viewer to ask why he chose this black anthem, and what Rosie’s fighting means. The viewer will begin forming expectations

The scene starts with Buggin’ Out complaining that there isn’t enough cheese on his slice of pizza. Here we can start developing a sense of perspective, and empathize with Buggin’ Out, whose simple request is more cheese on his pizza. To most people, this seems a reasonable request, and we can easily relate. However, Sal’s response is to tell him extra cheese is two dollars, more than doubling the price of the pizza slice. By this point the viewer has developed a connection with Buggin’ Out, who is, in our perspective, the victim in this situation. Later, as Buggin’ Out sits down, he realizes there are no people of color on Sal’s “Wall of Fame,” and is greatly offended. The camera establishes a pattern, of at first cutting between Buggin’ Out and pictures on the wall, until the progression becomes more rapid and of just the pictures. We are again able to sympathise with Buggin’ Out as he asks first his friend Mookie, and then Sal why there are no colored people on the wall. Again, Sal’s response is automatically defensive, and this time racist. Instead of taking a suggestion from his customer, he takes a firm stance that if Buggin’ Out has a problem with it he should find a new establishment. At this point Buggin’ out is furious, and begins to demand that all the black folk in the restaurant boycott it. This further establishes our connection with him as the victim of the racial discrimination he is facing by Sal, and Italian-American. Despite his mostly peaceful protests, he is kicked out of the restaurant for simply asking for Sal to have more representation on his Wall of