Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing is an influential film that explores themes of racial tension, cultural identity, and the consequences of systemic racism. One of the central themes is the simmering racial animosity in a predominantly African-American neighborhood in Brooklyn during a sweltering summer day. The film highlights the complexities of racial relationships through the character, Mookie, who is caught between his loyalty to Sal’s Pizzeria where he works (owned by an Italian-American) and the growing frustration of the African-American community.

The film delves into the destructive nature of prejudice and stereotypes, particularly through the character named Sal, the pizzeria owner, whose wall of fame only features Italian-American celebrities. This exclusion serves as a microcosm for broader societal issues, highlighting the exclusion of African Americans from the mainstream narrative. Radio Raheem’s boombox, playing Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power,” becomes a symbol of resistance and the desire for equality, amplifying the cultural clash at the heart of the narrative.

Lee also explores the recurrent nature of violence and how it can escalate when fueled by deep-seated racial tensions. The tragic climax, where Radio Raheem loses his life in a confrontation with the police, highlights the devastating consequences of racial prejudice and systemic injustice. The film challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about race relations and the lengths to which individuals may go when pushed to their limits.

Do the Right Thing is a timeless film that remains relevant in its exploration of social and racial issues by encouraging audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and the societal structures that perpetuate injustice.