The recent opening of a new movie called “Straight Outta
Compton” certainly had a lot of people on edge.
Many movie theaters took extra precautions with additional security and
the local law enforcement on alert if something happen. No one knew what to expect and how it would
be received. But to everyone surprise
the movie was a big hit: no disruptions, riots, outrage and disorderly
conduct. But nothing happen!!!
Universal Studios took the risk to
produce this movie based on the rap group N.W.A from the 1980’s. And now it is reaping the rewards and after
just two weeks the movie has been at the top of the box office in US ticket
sales with over $112 million so far. What a gamble, since the last such movie based
on a singing group the “Four Seasons”
released by Warner Bros. and called the “Jersey Boys” did not fair that well. Was it a matter of good timing, good
marketing and promotion or an understanding about where we are in our national discourse
about race in America?
To me the movie was more than just looking
at the rise of rap group that exploded upon the national scene, gained a
following and launched the future careers of some of its member to unparalleled
success in music, production, directing, TV and in movies. But they were able to capture the real life struggles
of those living in the inner city. It also
included issues in personal relationships, hustles, black-on-black gang violence,
poverty, crime, justice, drug trade, street survival and mistreatment by law
enforcement. Many of the things they
spoke about and lived through continue to resonate even today.
Even the media critics saw the strength,
message and the mission of the movie. In
so many ways the movie captured a period of uncertainty and downward spiral within
many Black communities. It also exposed
the linger gap in community leadership, meaningful employment and the abandonment
of those living in the inner city of America. To my surprise the interest and
acceptance of this move by a younger generation of African Americans also reflected
a growing need to take a serious look at history, the roads taken and paths
walked. We all are “outta” some place...if we claim it or
not. What do you think?
Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.
You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N.
Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.
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