The film took a turn for the worse during the closing, escalating into a situation that could’ve been avoided entirely. There were several occasions within the altercation between Sal and Radio Raheem where the both of the them could’ve “done the right thing” and avoided the grim ending. For one, Sal obviously did not have to wreck the radio, he could’ve just listened to Buggin’ Out and put at least 1 “brother” on the wall. Sal’s refusal makes me want to side with Spike Lee in deciding that Sal is indeed racist despite it not being as obvious and explicit as his son. While Mookie’s actions were not called for, I can’t really blame him for it. In this situation I don’t really think the title applies because although Mookie should not have destroyed the window which led to the ransacking of the pizzeria, I can’t help but put myself in his shoes. He lost a friend and in the moment was clearly distraught by that more than the way the community as reacting to Sal.
ṜẦḒẾḺ
