Introduction
"Boyz n the Hood" is a film produced in 1991 by John Singleton. It primarily captures the story and experiences of three black Americans from South Central Los Angeles. It explores the black culture in various dimensions (Singleton, 1990).
Negative Portrayal of African Americans in Films
For instance, it tells how the youths from the black community can be transformed to being good as opposed to what various films always reveal. Most films from the previous decades have negatively portrayed African Americans. For examples, many movies have used black characters as criminals, robbers and drug dealers. Such expressions have made people believe that blacks are violent people who can be of no good in a moral society. However, the movie "Boyz n the Hood" dismisses all the negative impressions imposed on this group of people. It explores various themes including peer pressure, Education, crime, poverty, sexuality, and religion among others. An analysis of the mentioned themes will be crucial in understanding how the movie addressed the universal human concerns.
The Storyline
The film talks about half-brothers, Doughboy and Ricky Baker and their friend Tre styles growing up together in the same neighborhood (hood). Ricky is portrayed as an athlete seeking salvation through sports. He is trying to win a football scholarship. On the other hand, Doughboy gives in to alcohol, crime, and violence that occurs around. However, he maintains an active code of pride and honor. The two brothers do not have parents or guardian to take care. Their friend Tre is lucky to have a father who can teach him to have the courage to avoid what is wrong and to become responsible.
Themes Explored
Peer Pressure
The dominant theme explored by the film is that of peer pressure. Temptations are strengthened in environments where the youth are exposed to the bad company, for instance, gangster associates. In real life, South Central Los Angeles has the reputation in violence and crime. Therefore, many youths are likely to succumb to pressure from the surrounding. The theme of peer pressure is seen when doughboy is released from the prison and starts to hang with his friends Chris, Dookie, and Monster who he influences into being gangsters (Matthei and David, 1998).
Crime and Education
In real life, the environmental condition created by neighborhoods like South Central Los Angeles are harsh on the youths. They risk getting involved in gang-related violence and drug use. In the film, almost 70 percent of its coverage shows how the teenagers of black origin are involved in criminal acts. Therefore, the theme of crime is quite an issue in the film. Further, Doughboy happens to have been released from prison at the beginning. He was arrested for shoplifting from a local convenience store. However, Tre Styles is portrayed as an intelligent student who encounters disciplinary challenges as he is ejected from school after fighting a fellow student (Matthei and David. 1998). Such a scene is used to explore the theme of education. Since many parents in real life believe education is the key to success, Tre does not want to disappoint his parents despite the peer pressure from his friends especially Doughboy.
Poverty
Poverty is the hidden theme that surrounds all other factors explored in this movie. First, Doughboy and Chris decide to shoplift a local store because they do not have money to purchase whatever they need. In many societies across the globe, poverty is believed to be one of the major causes of criminal activities as people struggle to survive (Matthei and David. 1998).
Sexuality and Religion
In the film, the themes of sexuality and religion are fused to some extent. For instance, Tre has a girlfriend, Brandi. There is tension between the two since Tre wants a sexual relationship, but Brandi is opposed to the idea because of her Catholic faith. Therefore, religion is seen to hold moral power, which can guide the youth on how to live better. In many cases, people like to refer to religious teachings before giving in to certain events and actions. Lastly, the movie "Boyz n the Hood" portrays the lifestyle and experiences of Black Americans.
Works Cited
Matthei, Linda Miller, and David A. Smith. "Belizean ‘Boyz’n the Hood?’: Garifuna labor migration and transnational identity." Transnationalism from below 6 (1998): 270.
Singleton, John. "Boyz n the Hood." (1990).
