America is a great place to live. Though we have systematic issues that are failing populations of people, racial injustices which are killing cultures, and a deceiving economy stressing folk out, America is truly a place of illusionary growth and then some.
Straight Outta Compton critics have however, raised my eyebrow on a few points that are light weight being addressed and to some degree being contested. With a $111.5 million box office lead, no one can argue that the movie is not making an impression. According to articles, Straight Outta Compton is a “…profitable Hollywood power player.” On to the controversy…
Is the movie educational? To my own guilty conscience of taking the media’s word for describing events and circumstances, I once believed that NWA’s music was violent “Gangsta Rap” until my current understanding of the tricks and trades of media was reinforced through the movie. Gangsta Rap did not evolve through Ruthless. NWA described their music as “Reality Rap” based on what the teenagers were exposed to every day of their life [and many teenagers today who live in urban areas see].
Lesson #1. Who defines our understanding? Cultural traditions, oral history, Google research, or the media? Get real facts. My sincere apologies for not listening to the words of your music NWA and through the words of your “battle cry for disenfranchised urban youth unfairly targeted by police” according to Ice Cube. After watching the film, one has to wonder why it appears that the police madness has come full circle, especially with Blacks.
Is the movie relevant to today’s news? Ice Cube and O’Shea Jr. have been asked this question in many of their interviews, in which the reporters know good and well they know the answer to their own question. YES! Ice Cube identified what I think is a small difference in the relevancy from then and now – Technology (body cameras). Nice point Cube! A difference, yes. Small however. Are they effective? Is the purpose for why the cameras were initially implemented being obtained or neglected? I watched the video of the arrest of Sandra Bland and many others over and over again in attempt to wrap my brain around the question, “Why are the cops continuing to… (provoke, harm, or abuse) that… (man, woman, or kid) while they know they are wearing a body camera?” What I have come to believe are two theories: Cops are not trusted by civilians and they are aware of this, specifically by people who believe they are under-privileged living in urban areas AND Cops over assert their power when they feel disrespected. Now what is the problem with this equation? Yes, law enforcement for some time now has built up quite a reputation with applying their motto “Serve and Protect” and yes, the people have much to go on with suspicious behaviors. So now what?
Lesson #2. Former Mayor of New York City, Rudolph Giuliani, shared in an interview with Fox News reporter, Bill O’Reilly on Filmingcops.com regarding the topic Cops: Brutality isn’t the problem, it’s people who disrespect our authority that freedom is about submission to authority. Giuliani referenced the philosophy of fascism (a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism) proceeding to attest that people are property of the state and should submit to state authority. Perception of ownership. Politicians, law enforcers, and the like have a perception that lives are wards of the state; therefore, ‘how I see you is how I treat you’, as property or as something easily dispensable.
Know how to define your own identity. Are you unnecessary? If not, don’t wait for someone else to affirm that you are. Create your niche of why you were purposed to be alive. Why do you believe you were created? The caveat to defining who you are is having something other than aggression, rebellion, revenge, and offense to believe in; to stand for; to aim towards. What do you believe in? If it’s justice, okay. Just know that aggression, offended attitudes, and toxic schemes are not going to get the beneficial result that impacts the whole, meaning everyone. So, what do you believe in? Your belief system is the most important thing in creating your own perception, which is why having faith in something bigger than yourself is vital to your soul.
I mimic O’Shea Jr.’s sentiment, being hopeful that Straight Outta Compton is not a look into our future. I even want to identify with Ice Cube’s reference to how socialization has changed the music industry’s focus and everything around us. With these two concepts in mind: future and socialization, we too can change the perception of civilian lives mattering by demonstrating a genuine respect for all people, even when we think certain people do not deserve the respect. We all know that it does not kill to be the bigger person, build a bridge, and to be a part of the solution and not the problem. But yet, there is that anger again… I understand it feels frustrating to take the road less traveled but I encourage “us” (because I am speaking to myself as well) to focus on what is morally and ethically right of “self”. THINK SMART – SAVE A LIFE.
Written by: Dr. Fuller
