4-2 Redo

The speaker discusses the impact and misconceptions surrounding the film "Boys in the Hood." They mention assumptions of violence and gang culture, but emphasize that the film is educational and impactful, highlighting the struggles faced by black Americans in low-income communities. The speaker mentions the societal assumptions and violence that occurred upon the film's release, but defends the film as not responsible for others' choices. They discuss the importance of sociological theories, such as conflict theory, functionalism, and interactionism, in understanding the film's themes and societal issues. They also mention their own career goals in working towards fixing the imbalance in the criminal justice system, and how sociological concepts can be beneficial in analyzing different situations. Hello, everyone, and we are back with our exploration into Boys in the Hood. This week, we're going to take a look at some preconceived notions and opinions that people and myself have had about the film when it came out and decades after the movie's release in 91. Being what it is, this story has had a great impact on many of those that have watched it and enabled them to relate to numerous aspects. However, even for myself, there have been an array of assumptions made that miss the true purpose of the film. To be completely honest, I was a bit off on what this movie would be like. I did think it'd be centering around these teen boys in L.A. and there would be some violence and gangs involved. However, I also believed there was some rap focus because of Ice Cube. I did not look much past the cover art and the basic and quick descriptions others would give me. I also thought it'd be more of a comedy. Although there are some good snickering moments, it is most certainly an educational and impactful piece. The film showcases the struggles that black Americans face, specifically in the low-income community and the decisions that they face. It highlights gang culture as well and how it dominates the community it is in and influences many societal guidelines. Around the time of release, there are many societal assumptions surrounding the film and the consequences that would come from it. The gangs and violence portrayed in the film, some individuals saw as encouragement and approval. Unfortunately, violence was incited in different theaters that cost two individuals their lives and over 30 people were injured. This was threatening the so-far $10 million box office opening success. At certain theaters, extra safety precautions were taken, but this caused many to run even further with their preconceived notion that the film would only incite more problems, even without seeing the film themselves. A police chief at the time was on record insinuating a connection between the movie and the violence as he believed the film to be all about gangs and it's easy for everyone to draw their own conclusions with the incidents that have occurred. Singleton was sadly forced to defend the film against these actions as it's not responsible for the choices others make. The movie was made to highlight Trey's and the other boys' journey and the struggles black communities face. Sociological theories are incredibly important and can help dispel both of the biases and preconceived notions we discussed. Starting with my own, they helped me see past just a crime drama and understand the lessons that were laced throughout. By utilizing conflict theory, functionalism, and interactionism, I was able to look at all aspects of the film, its characters, settings, and the hurdles they must jump. Specifically, the conflict theory was able to show the power imbalance and mistreatment of those in South Central compared to its richer counterparts such as Beverly Hills. As Furious once described at that billboard, why doesn't Beverly Hills have a gun and liquor store in almost every street corner? Well, they aren't trying to get them to pluck themselves off one by one. Interactionism is also crucial when looking at Furious. He took raising Trey with the best possible morals, values, and understanding of the world around him incredibly seriously and knew it would not only help him survive in their city but make it out too. They force you to look past any biases you may have, unconscious or not, and explore the film or topic from other perspectives. As many of you know, I'm currently studying for my LSATs and hope to work for the Equal Justice Initiative working towards fixing the imbalance and issues in our criminal justice system. Being a research member on cases, it's crucial I'm well-versed in the law in varying states and understand how different societies function. While many of these theories and perspectives may not help with my direct casework, they help a great deal in understanding the bigger picture of society and an individual's background and societal makeup. I see conflict theory as the most beneficial in my eyes. For my path, that's not only in the courts but in the prisons as we are seeing an imbalance in each, and this theory can help identify the parties at play. I believe that no matter what the career research goals, sociological concepts, and theories are at their core can be beneficial to most of them. Each and every sociological perspective project that I have done over the last three and a half years has taught me the importance they hold when analyzing a situation. As we touched on a little earlier, they each have you look at something from a different and fresh angle that may open your eyes to something you did not previously see or think of. Once again, they might not always play a direct or key role in my work, but provide me with the basis and understanding on so many different facets of society from different perspectives that can have you looking at an issue differently. All right, that's all for this week, and I will see you next with a deeper analysis in Du Bois in the Hood.