Psychology of prejudice
Watching the Video:
There is a high-quality video version available for 24 hour rental from Amazon, It only costs $3.99. (You can purchase the video as a permanent download for $14.99. Woo-Hoo!) The weblink is: http://www.amazon.com/Do-the-Right-Thing/dp/BOOOICXQTC
Question
The following is an extra-credit question to be answered in a 5-6 page paper.
This question concerns your interpretation of “Do the Right Thing.” For starters, Spike Lee never tells his audience what “the right thing” is. What is “the right thing?” Why?
Based on your sense from the film, which psychological explanation of prejudice (i.e., sociocultural, personality, or cognitive) does Spike Lee seem to favor? Why? Trace a few of the significant events that occur throughout the film and explain how they illustrate the particular theory you choose.
Using any of the theories, discuss the ultimate conflict at the end. In general, does Spike Lee seem optimistic or pessimistic about the future of race relations? Could this film be of use in the battle against racial prejudice? Explain.
Finally, using your knowledge (and insight) from the course, analyze the film, and answer each of the following questions:
Was Buggin’ Out justified in his demand that Sal place pictures of African-Americans on his wall?
Why was “da Mayor” treated poorly by the neighborhood residents? –Of what importance were the three black males sitting on the sidewalk?
Pay particular attention to their discussion of the Korean market across the street.
Can one characterize each of the following as racist: Sal, Sal’s sons, Buggin’ Out, Radio Rahim, Mookie? Why?
What purpose was served by Mookie’s throwing a trash can through the storefront of the pizzeria?
