On Do the Right Thing

In relation to Lee’s film, the doing the “right thing” is often more complicated than it seems on the surface.  While doing what’s right can be viewed in a general sense so as to not conflict with decency and moral guidelines, the “right thing” is also subjective – depending on one’s own circumstances and surroundings.  As demonstrated in the film, doing the right thing may vary from person to person. 

Throughout Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, different characters from different sides of the spectrum try to do the right thing, but often fall short.  Radio Raheem, for example, speaks about love conflicting and competing with hatred.  And, while Raheem realizes this conflict, and the need for love to defeat hate, he’s overcome by his own anger and hatred in the midst of his oppression.  The police who eventually murder Raheem could’ve done the right thing by letting him live.

So, I think an overarching theme of Lee’s Do the Right Thing is that, no matter of race or ethnic background, we should all strive to do what’s right, even in a society where it’s sometimes difficult to know just what that is.  Through his film, Lee shows that people on all sides of the spectrum are subject to hardship and stereotypes.  And, people handle such situations in different ways.  Many of the film’s characters could have done the “right thing” but let their hatred overcome their love.