A pizzeria’s Wall of Fame becomes a symbol of hate. One neighborhood. Two sides. And a drama that will change them all.
Watch the original version of Do the Right Thing
Prologue:
Brooklyn, 1989. The summer sun beats down on the city’s streets, making everything feel like it’s on the verge of boiling over. In the heart of the borough’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, tensions are already high. Salvatore “Sal” Fragione, the owner of a local pizzeria, has inadvertently become embroiled in a controversy that threatens to tear the community apart. It all started with a Wall of Fame in his restaurant, which showcases only Italian actors. For some, this seems like a blatant display of racism, and they demand that Sal add black actors to the exhibit. But Sal refuses, insisting that his restaurant is a tribute to Italian-American heritage. The conflict quickly escalates, with tempers flaring on both sides. As the days tick by, everyone in Bedford-Stuyvesant is caught up in the mounting tension, wondering where it will lead.
Chapter 1: The Pizzeria’s Wall of Fame
It was a hot day in Brooklyn, and Sal’s Pizzeria was busier than usual. The air-conditioning was struggling to keep the place cool, and the kitchen was a flurry of activity as the cooks worked to keep up with the orders. Sal himself was manning the counter, taking orders and chatting with the customers. It was a routine he’d perfected over more than two decades of running the place. But on this day, his routine was about to be disrupted.
As Sal rang up an order for a slice and a soda, a young man burst through the door, his eyes flicking back and forth as he scanned the room. Sal recognized him as Buggin’ Out, a neighborhood local who’d been coming into the pizzeria for years. But something was different today. Buggin’ Out’s expression was tense, his lips pursed in a frown. Sal could tell immediately that this wasn’t going to be a friendly conversation.
“What’s the problem, Buggin’ Out?” Sal asked, trying to keep his tone calm.
“You know what the problem is, Sal,” Buggin’ Out shot back. “The Wall of Fame. It’s racist.”
Sal’s Wall of Fame was a collection of photos and posters of famous Italian-American actors and musicians. It had been a fixture in the pizzeria since Sal had opened it, and he saw it as a source of pride. To him, it celebrated his heritage and the contributions of Italian-Americans to American culture. But Buggin’ Out saw it differently.
“I don’t see what’s racist about it,” Sal said, his voice taking on a defensive edge.
Buggin’ Out shook his head, his curls bouncing as he did. “It’s a pizzeria in a black neighborhood, Sal. You gotta show some respect. Where are the black actors, huh? What about Sidney Poitier? Denzel Washington?”
Sal scowled. “What does this have to do with respect? I opened this place, I put in the time, I put in the effort. It’s my Wall of Fame, and it’s staying just the way it is.”
Buggin’ Out’s eyes narrowed. “You’re telling me you can’t put up one picture of a black person? That’s messed up, Sal.”
Sal’s face twisted into a sneer. “Nobody’s telling me what to put up on my walls. You don’t like it, there’s plenty of other places to eat around here.”
“That’s not the point,” Buggin’ Out said, his voice rising. “You gotta do the right thing, Sal. You gotta show some respect.”
Sal snorted. “Respect? You want respect? How about you show some respect for my heritage? For my family? For all the hard work that’s gone into this place?”
The room had gone quiet as the two men squared off. Other customers looked on nervously, their eyes flicking back and forth between them. There was a palpable tension in the air, and everyone could sense that something big was about to happen.
Buggin’ Out took a step forward, his hands balled into fists at his sides. “You need to do the right thing, Sal. You need to put some black actors up on that wall.”
Sal’s face was red now, his nostrils flaring. “I’ll put up whatever I damn well please. This is my restaurant, and it’s staying just the way it is.”
With that, Buggin’ Out stormed out of the pizzeria, the bell over the door jangling behind him. Sal watched him go, his jaw clenched. He knew that this wasn’t the end of the matter. The Wall of Fame controversy was only just beginning, and he had a feeling that things were only going to get worse before they got better.
Chapter 2: The Neighborhood Reacts
The news of the Wall of Fame controversy spreads throughout the neighborhood like wildfire. People discuss it in barber shops, on street corners, and in local stores. Some agree with Buggin’ Out, while others side with Sal. The debate rages on, and tensions in the community begin to rise.
As the days pass, more and more people become aware of the Wall of Fame and its implications. It becomes a symbol of the deep-seated racial tensions that exist in the neighborhood. Buggin’ Out becomes a vocal advocate for change and starts a petition to have the Wall of Fame removed.
Sal, meanwhile, refuses to budge on his position. He insists that, as the owner of the pizzeria, he has the right to decorate it in any way he sees fit. He argues that it’s not about race, it’s about celebrating his Italian heritage.
The community is split on the issue. Some people boycott the pizzeria, while others continue to patronize it. The tension in the air is palpable, and people are on edge.
One day, as Mookie is making a delivery to the pizzeria, he sees a group of people gathered outside. They’re protesting the Wall of Fame, and things are starting to get heated. Mookie tries to keep his head down and stay out of trouble, but he can feel the tension in the air.
As the days wear on, the neighborhood becomes more and more divided. Some people start to take sides, while others try to stay neutral. The Wall of Fame controversy becomes the talk of the town, and people can’t seem to stop talking about it.
One night, Buggin’ Out organizes a group to protest outside the pizzeria. They chant slogans and carry signs, demanding that the Wall of Fame be taken down. Sal watches from inside the restaurant, his arms crossed over his chest.
Mookie is caught in the middle of it all. He’s loyal to Sal, but he also understands where Buggin’ Out and the protesters are coming from. He tries to remain impartial, but it’s becoming harder and harder as the tension in the neighborhood continues to rise.
One day, as Mookie is making a delivery, he overhears a group of teenagers talking about the Wall of Fame. They’re angry and frustrated, and they suggest that they should take matters into their own hands. Mookie tries to reason with them, telling them that violence isn’t the answer, but they’re too fired up to listen.
As the situation continues to escalate, the police get involved. They patrol the neighborhood more frequently, trying to keep the peace. But their presence only seems to add to the tension, and people start to feel like they’re under siege.
Despite all of this, there are still people in the neighborhood who believe that the situation can be resolved peacefully. They organize meetings and try to find a compromise that both Sal and the protesters can agree on. But it seems like everyone is too entrenched in their positions to ever find a resolution.
As the community becomes more divided, Mookie finds himself wondering if there’s anything he can do to bring people together. He loves working for Sal, but he also understands the frustration of the protesters. He feels like he’s caught in the middle of a battle that he can’t win.
The tension in the neighborhood is at an all-time high, and everyone is waiting to see what will happen next. The Wall of Fame controversy has become so much more than just a disagreement about decorations. It’s become a symbol of the deep-seated racial tensions that exist in the community. And no one knows how to solve it.
Chapter 3: Radio Raheem and His Boombox
Radio Raheem was a fixture in the neighborhood. He was known for his towering height, his imposing presence, and his powerful boombox. He carried it with him everywhere he went, blaring music for all to hear. It was his way of expressing his love for life and his defiance against the world that threatened to crush him.
The boombox was his most prized possession, and he took excellent care of it. He had it modified to push out the maximum volume allowed by law, and he was proud of its power. He saw it as a symbol of his strength, his resistance, and his unapologetic blackness.
On this day, Radio Raheem was wandering the streets with his boombox, feeling the heat of the summer sun. He was wearing his trademark love-hate brass knuckles, and he had a determined look in his eyes. He wasn’t involved in the Wall of Fame controversy, but he was about to be.
Radio Raheem made his way to Sal’s Pizzeria, looking for a way to quench his thirst. The heat was getting to him, and he needed a cold drink. He strolled into the pizzeria, boombox blaring, and asked for a bottle of soda.
Sal, the pizzeria’s owner, was not pleased. He didn’t like the interruption and the noise. He saw Radio Raheem as a troublemaker, and he wanted him gone. Sal took the soda bottle from Radio Raheem’s hand and threw it in the trash.
Radio Raheem was offended. He saw Sal’s actions as an insult to his culture and his pride. He demanded that Sal give him another soda, but Sal refused. The two men began to argue, and the tension in the small pizzeria rose.
Buggin’ Out walked in just as the argument was heating up. He saw the scene and immediately sided with Radio Raheem. He accused Sal of being racist and demanded that he put black actors on the Wall of Fame. Sal refused, and the argument escalated.
Radio Raheem’s boombox was still blaring, adding to the chaos. Sal grabbed a baseball bat and threatened to destroy it, but Radio Raheem wouldn’t back down. The two men faced off, and the other patrons in the pizzeria watched nervously.
Mookie, Sal’s deliveryman, tried to intervene, but it was too late. Sal smashed the boombox with his bat, reducing it to a pile of broken plastic and wires. Radio Raheem was devastated. He saw the boombox as an extension of himself, and its destruction felt like a personal attack.
The tension in the pizzeria was palpable. The other patrons, who had been watching the argument, were now on edge. They felt the divide between the Italian and black communities growing, and they didn’t know what to do about it.
Radio Raheem left the pizzeria, heartbroken and angry. He walked out into the street, brass knuckles glinting in the sun, and continued to blast music from a portable cassette player. The people on the street watched him go, wondering what would happen next.
Later that day, Radio Raheem returned to the pizzeria with a mob of angry black residents, who were now determined to exact revenge on Sal. They smashed the windows of the pizzeria and set it on fire, sending a message that they would not tolerate racism and hate.
The destruction was a wake-up call for the neighborhood. They realized that the Wall of Fame controversy was just the tip of the iceberg, and that the divide between Italian and black residents ran deeper than they had thought. They knew that something had to be done, but they didn’t yet know how to move forward.
Chapter 4: The Heat Wave
The summer heat was oppressive. The sun blazed down relentlessly on the streets of Brooklyn. Everyone was more irritable than usual, and tempers flared on both sides of the Wall of Fame debate.
Buggin’ Out was convinced that the Wall of Fame was a symbol of racism and hate. He rallied people to his cause, urging them to boycott Sal’s Pizzeria until the wall was taken down. He couldn’t understand why Sal refused to see the issue from his perspective.
Sal, on the other hand, didn’t think there was anything wrong with the Wall of Fame. To him, it was a tribute to his heroes, the Italian actors he admired. He didn’t see how it could be perceived as racist, and he resented Buggin’ Out’s accusations.
The tension between the two men grew with each passing day. When Buggin’ Out entered the pizzeria and saw that the Wall of Fame was still up, he exploded. He started shouting at Sal and demanding that he take it down.
Sal, never one to back down from a fight, stood his ground. “It’s my store, Buggin’ Out,” he said. “I’ll put up whatever I damn well please.”
Buggin’ Out stormed out of the pizzeria, but the damage was already done. The other customers had heard the argument, and they were taking sides. Some agreed with Buggin’ Out, while others supported Sal.
The heat only made things worse. People were already on edge because of the Wall of Fame controversy, and the hot weather made them even more irritable. It seemed like every little thing was setting someone off.
Radio Raheem was walking down the street with his boombox, its powerful speakers blasting out his signature song, “Fight the Power.” He walked into the pizzeria, and Sal told him to turn the music down.
Radio Raheem refused. He turned the music up even louder, and Sal lost it. He grabbed a bat and started smashing the boombox to pieces. Radio Raheem was furious. He grabbed Sal, and the two men started fighting.
The other customers tried to break it up, but it was no use. The heat, the tension, and the anger had reached a boiling point. The pizzeria was a battleground, and everyone was caught in the middle.
Finally, the police arrived. They separated Sal and Radio Raheem and took them outside. The other customers spilled out onto the street, their emotions still running high.
It seemed like the entire neighborhood was in chaos. The heat wave had turned Brooklyn into a pressure cooker, and the Wall of Fame controversy was like a lid that wouldn’t stay on. Something was going to blow, and soon.
As the police drove away with Sal and Radio Raheem, the neighborhood fell silent. The only sound was the hum of the air conditioners struggling to keep up with the sweltering heat.
Everyone knew that this was just the beginning. The Wall of Fame controversy had been simmering for weeks, and now it had bubbled over. No one knew what would happen next, but they knew it wouldn’t be good.
The heat wave continued, and with it came the tension, the frustration, and the anger. Brooklyn was a powder keg, and the Wall of Fame controversy was the spark.
Chapter 5: Love and Racism
Mookie was in love, but his relationship with Tina was causing him more stress than joy lately. The Wall of Fame controversy at Sal’s Pizzeria was putting a strain on their relationship, and Mookie didn’t know how to navigate the situation.
Tina was supportive of Buggin’ Out and his boycott of Sal’s Pizzeria, but Mookie still had to deliver pizzas to the shop every day. He felt like he was stuck in the middle of the conflict, unable to take a side without alienating someone he cared about.
One day, Tina told Mookie about an incident at her job. A white coworker had made a racist comment, and Tina had called her out on it. The coworker had gotten defensive and started crying, saying that she wasn’t racist, she just didn’t know any better. Tina didn’t know what to do. She felt like she was constantly fighting against racism but wasn’t making any progress.
Mookie could relate. He had grown up in a predominantly black neighborhood and had seen firsthand the effects of systemic racism. But he also knew that not everyone who was ignorant about race was intentionally racist. It was a difficult line to walk, especially when emotions were high.
Mookie went to work at Sal’s Pizzeria with a heavy heart. He knew that Sal had always treated him fairly and paid him well, but the Wall of Fame controversy was making him question everything. When he arrived, Sal was in a foul mood. He had heard about the boycott and was angry that people were trying to hurt his business.
Mookie tried to remain neutral, but Sal wouldn’t let him. “What’s the matter with these people?” he ranted. “I don’t have to put up pictures of anyone I don’t want to. It’s my damn restaurant.”
Mookie didn’t know what to say. He didn’t agree with Sal’s stance, but he also didn’t want to lose his job. He tried to change the subject. “How’s business been?” he asked.
“Terrible,” Sal replied. “Ever since that damn boycott started, we’ve been losing money. I don’t know how much longer we can keep this up.”
Mookie felt a pang of guilt. He knew that the boycott was hurting Sal’s livelihood, but he also knew that Buggin’ Out and the other protesters had a point. The Wall of Fame was exclusionary and only reinforced negative stereotypes about black people. Mookie wished there was a way to reconcile the two sides.
Later that evening, Mookie and Tina were sitting on her front stoop, enjoying the warm summer night. They had ordered a pizza from a different restaurant, not wanting to cross the picket line at Sal’s. They were chatting about their day when Tina brought up the Wall of Fame controversy.
“I don’t understand why Sal won’t just put up some pictures of black actors,” she said. “It’s not like it’s a big deal.”
Mookie sighed. “It’s complicated,” he said. “Sal doesn’t see it as a big deal, but to a lot of people, it’s a symbol of racism. And I get that. But at the same time, Sal’s been good to me. He’s always treated me fairly.”
Tina nodded. “I know. It’s tough when you’re caught in the middle like that. But at some point, you have to take a stand, you know?”
Mookie looked at her, thinking about what she had said. He wanted to take a stand, but he didn’t want to lose his job. He also didn’t want to hurt Sal, who had been a kind and generous employer. It was a difficult decision to make.
As the night wore on, Mookie and Tina talked about their hopes and dreams. They talked about what they wanted for their future and how they wanted to make a difference in the world. They laughed and joked and held hands, and for a while, everything felt okay.
But as they said goodnight and Mookie walked home, he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. He knew that the Wall of Fame controversy wasn’t going away anytime soon, and he didn’t know what he was going to do about it. All he knew was that he loved Tina, and he wanted to do right by her, whatever that meant.
Chapter 6: The Aftermath
The morning after the new boycott of Sal’s pizzeria, the neighborhood is buzzing with gossip. Everyone seems to have heard about what happened, but no one knows exactly what. Mookie, Sal’s deliveryman, is on edge. He’s not quite sure how he feels about the situation. On one hand, he’s loyal to Sal, who’s always treated him well. On the other hand, he sympathizes with Buggin’ Out and the other protesters. He knows they have a point.
When Mookie arrives at Sal’s pizzeria, he sees that the Wall of Fame has been destroyed. The pictures of Italian actors that had once graced the wall are now in pieces on the ground. Mookie is stunned. He knows that things have escalated. He wonders what will happen next.
Sal arrives at the pizzeria, and he’s livid. He looks at the destruction with tears in his eyes. This wall was his pride and joy, a symbol of his Italian heritage. He can’t believe that someone could be so disrespectful. He turns to Mookie and demands to know what happened.
Mookie hesitates for a moment, unsure of how to answer. He knows that he should side with Sal, but he can’t bring himself to lie. He tells Sal the truth: that the Wall of Fame was destroyed during the protest the night before.
Sal explodes. He blames Mookie for not stopping the protesters. He tells Mookie that he’s fired and orders him to leave. Mookie is hurt and angry. He feels like he’s being punished for something he didn’t do. He leaves the pizzeria, wondering what his future holds.
As Mookie walks through the neighborhood, he sees that tensions are still high. The protesters are more organized than ever, and they’re gaining support from other groups in the community. The police are out in force, trying to keep the peace.
Meanwhile, Sal is left to deal with the aftermath of the destruction. He’s lost his Wall of Fame, and he knows that it’s going to be difficult to replace. He’s also lost one of his most loyal employees, but he’s too angry to care. He’s determined to get to the bottom of what happened and make those responsible pay.
As the day wears on, the tension in the neighborhood grows. Rumors spread that someone has been hurt during the protests, and people become even more agitated. The police start to get nervous, and they begin to move in on the protesters.
Finally, the chaos boils over. The protesters clash with the police, and violence erupts. Shop windows are smashed, and cars are set on fire. The neighborhood becomes a warzone.
In the midst of the chaos, Mookie sees Sal’s pizzeria burning. He’s horrified. He knows that Sal’s livelihood is being destroyed. He feels like he’s partly responsible for what’s happening.
As the night wears on, the violence continues. The police struggle to maintain control, but they’re outnumbered. The protesters are fueled by anger and frustration, and they’re not going to back down.
When the dust finally settles, the neighborhood is in shambles. Sal’s pizzeria is destroyed, and many other businesses have suffered significant damage. The community is left to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of what has happened.
Mookie and Sal face each other in the aftermath. They’re both devastated by what’s happened. They recognize that their relationship will never be the same. They’ve been pushed to the breaking point by the events of the last few days.
As they stand there in the wreckage, Mookie and Sal know that they’ll never forget what’s happened. The Wall of Fame controversy has forever changed their lives, and the lives of everyone in the community.
Chapter 7: The Funeral
The air in the neighborhood was thick with sorrow and mourning. The death of Radio Raheem had hit everyone hard, and the funeral was an opportunity for the community to come together and pay their respects. The heat of the summer was still in full force, but the mood was somber and reflective.
Mookie arrived at the funeral home early, wearing a black suit that he’d borrowed from Sal. He felt out of place, like an outsider in a sea of people who were closer to Radio Raheem than he ever was. He wondered if he was even welcome, but he knew he had to be there. He had to pay his respects.
As he made his way through the crowd, he saw faces he recognized – Da Mayor, Mother Sister, Buggin’ Out, Sweet Dick Willie, and more. They all looked sad and weary, their eyes glazed over with tears. Mookie felt a sense of unity in their shared grief.
The funeral home was packed, with people crammed into every available space. Radio Raheem’s body was laid out in an open casket at the front of the room, surrounded by floral arrangements and pictures of him with his boombox. A choir sang gospel hymns in the background, their voices filling the room with a haunting beauty.
Mookie stood near the back, watching as people filed past the casket to pay their respects. He felt a lump in his throat as he looked at Radio Raheem’s lifeless body. He couldn’t believe that he was gone. It seemed so senseless, so unnecessary.
As the funeral service began, the mood shifted from mourning to anger. Several speakers took to the podium, railing against the police and the injustice that had been done to Radio Raheem. They demanded justice, and they demanded change. Their speeches were fiery and passionate, laced with emotion and fury.
Mookie watched as tensions rose in the room. He could feel a sense of unease spreading through the crowd, like a storm cloud gathering. He wondered if things were about to get out of hand, if the grief and anger in the room would boil over into something dangerous.
Just as he was starting to feel overwhelmed by the intensity in the room, a small hand slipped into his. He looked down to see Tina, his girlfriend, looking up at him with tears in her eyes. She squeezed his hand tightly, and he felt a sense of comfort wash over him. He wasn’t alone.
The service ended with a rousing rendition of “Amazing Grace,” and then it was time for the procession to the cemetery. Mookie fell into step with the other mourners, feeling a sense of camaraderie with them. They were all in this together.
As they made their way through the streets, Mookie noticed that the tension in the neighborhood had reached a boiling point. There were signs of unrest everywhere – broken windows, graffiti, overturned trash cans. He wondered what would happen next.
When they finally arrived at the cemetery, the scene was serene and peaceful. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the rows of headstones. Radio Raheem’s casket was lowered into the ground, and people began to scatter. They hugged each other, exchanged words of comfort, and then went their separate ways.
Mookie stayed behind, watching as the grave was filled in. He felt a sense of closure, a sense of finality. Radio Raheem was gone, but his memory would live on. He knew that he had to do something to honor Radio Raheem’s memory, to make sure that he didn’t die in vain.
As he made his way back to Sal’s Pizzeria, he felt a newfound sense of determination. The neighborhood might be in chaos, but he wouldn’t let it consume him. He’d do whatever he could to make things right, to honor Radio Raheem’s memory, and to help the community heal.
Chapter 8: The Verdict
Tensions are high as the community awaits the verdict in the case of Radio Raheem’s death. The prosecution and defense have both made their arguments, and now it’s up to the jury to decide the fate of the officers involved. The entire neighborhood is on edge, waiting for the news that could make or break their community.
Sal and his family are watching the news on television, anxiously waiting for the verdict to be announced. Mookie is with them too, as he has become a part of their family. Tina is sitting next to Mookie, holding his hand tightly. She’s scared of what might happen if the verdict goes the wrong way, and Mookie can feel her fear.
As they watch the news, they see the courthouse where the trial is being held. It’s surrounded by protesters, angry and demanding justice for Radio Raheem. The tension in the air is palpable, and everyone is holding their breath, waiting for the verdict.
Suddenly, the news anchor breaks in with the announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, the jury has reached a verdict in the case of the officers involved in the death of Radio Raheem.”
Sal and his family sit up straight, their eyes glued to the television. Tina squeezes Mookie’s hand even tighter, and he can feel her shaking. The neighborhood is silent, waiting for the verdict that will determine their future.
“The verdict is in,” the news anchor says, his voice tense. “The officers involved in the death of Radio Raheem have been acquitted of all charges.”
The room erupts in chaos. Sal jumps up from his seat, his face contorted in anger. Mookie stares at the television in disbelief, his heart racing. Tina bursts into tears, and Sal’s family looks at each other in shock.
The news shows footage of the protests outside the courthouse, now turning violent. The police are moving in, trying to maintain order, but it’s clear that the community is outraged.
Sal turns off the television, unable to watch any more. He’s angry and frustrated, not just with the verdict but with the entire situation. He feels like he’s lost everything he’s worked for, and he blames Mookie for being involved in the protests that led to the destruction of his pizzeria.
Mookie feels torn between his loyalty to Sal and his loyalty to his community. He knows that what happened to Radio Raheem was wrong, and he can’t just sit back and do nothing. But he also feels responsible for the destruction that took place, which has left Sal devastated.
The neighborhood is in chaos. Riots break out, and the anger and frustration explode into violence. The police are overwhelmed, and they struggle to maintain control. The community is divided, and the future is uncertain.
As the riots rage on, Sal’s pizzeria is again destroyed, this time beyond repair. Sal is devastated, feeling like he’s lost everything. He’s angry with Mookie, blaming him for what’s happened. “You’re nothin’ to me now,” he tells Mookie in a fit of rage. “You’re like a son to me, but you betrayed me.”
Mookie leaves Sal’s pizzeria, feeling hurt and confused. He doesn’t know what to do or where to go. The neighborhood is in chaos, and the future is uncertain. He feels like he’s lost everything, including his friendship with Sal.
The aftermath of the destruction is severe. The community is left to pick up the pieces and try to rebuild. It’s clear that things will never be the same. The scars of the Wall of Fame controversy and its aftermath run deep, and it will take time for the community to heal.
Chapter 9: Rebuilding After the Chaos
The neighborhood was in ruins. The streets were littered with debris and broken glass. Storefronts had been destroyed, and the pizzeria was no exception. Salvatore Fragione looked out at the wreckage before him, his heart heavy with grief and regret. He had lost everything.
Mookie approached him, his face solemn. “We gotta rebuild, Sal,” he said softly. “We gotta start over.”
Sal nodded, tears rolling down his cheeks. “I know,” he whispered. “But how do we do that? Where do we even begin?”
Mookie put a hand on his shoulder. “We start with what we have. We start with each other.”
Slowly, the community began to come together. They worked tirelessly to clean up the streets and repair the damage. The pizzeria was restored to its former glory, but it was different now. The wall of fame was gone, replaced by a mural of black and Italian actors standing together, side by side.
The community worked to bridge the divide that had torn them apart. Black and Italian families shared meals, played music, and laughed together. They learned from each other, and they grew together.
But there were still those who clung to their hate and their anger. They refused to let go of the past, and they threatened to tear the community apart once again.
One night, a group of young men gathered outside the pizzeria, shouting and throwing rocks. Sal and Mookie watched from the doorway as the chaos unfolded.
“We can’t just stand here,” Mookie said, his voice tense. “We have to do something.”
Sal nodded. “You’re right. We have to show them that we won’t be torn apart again.”
Together, they stepped out into the street, facing the angry mob. Sal looked into their eyes, seeing the fear and the rage that consumed them. He knew that he had once been like them, blind to the pain and suffering that he had caused.
But he had learned. He had grown.
“Listen to me,” he said, his voice strong and steady. “We can’t let this hate consume us. We can’t let it tear us apart. We have to stand together, as a community, and work together to make things better.”
Mookie stood beside him, his eyes blazing with passion. “We’re not just black and white,” he said. “We’re people. And we’re all in this together.”
The mob slowly began to disperse, their rage tempered by the words of Sal and Mookie. The community knew that they still had a long way to go, but they also knew that they had come so far.
As the sun began to set, Sal and Mookie stood together, looking out at the neighborhood that they had worked so hard to rebuild. They knew that there would be more challenges ahead, more hate to overcome, more obstacles to face.
But they also knew that they had each other. And that was enough.
Some scenes from the movie Do the Right Thing written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters:
– Sal Fragione: Italian owner of Sal’s Pizzeria
– Buggin’ Out: neighborhood local and activist
– Mookie: Sal’s deliveryman and Buggin’ Out’s friend
– Tina: Mookie’s girlfriend
– Radio Raheem: neighborhood resident with a powerful boombox
Setting:
Brooklyn, New York on a hot summer day.
Scene 1:
INT. SAL’S PIZZERIA – DAY
Sal is behind the counter of his pizzeria, preparing slices of pizza. Buggin’ Out enters the pizzeria.
Buggin’ Out: Yo Sal, what’s up with the Wall of Fame?
Sal: What do you mean?
Buggin’ Out: It’s all Italian actors up there. What about Black actors?
Sal: Look, it’s my pizzeria and I can put whoever I want up there. It’s nothing personal.
Buggin’ Out: It’s about representation, Sal. You’re in a Black neighborhood. You should show some respect.
Sal: I respect my customers, but I don’t see why that means I have to put up pictures of Black actors too.
Mookie enters the pizzeria with a delivery.
Mookie: What’s going on?
Buggin’ Out: Sal’s Wall of Fame is all Italian actors. He’s not showing any love to the Black community.
Mookie: Come on, man. It’s just a wall of pictures. It’s not like it’s hurting anyone.
Tina enters the pizzeria, and Mookie greets her.
Tina: Hey, Mookie.
Buggin’ Out: Hey, Tina. What do you think about the Wall of Fame?
Tina: I don’t think it matters, Buggin’ Out. Sal’s food is good, and that’s what counts.
Sal: See, even Tina thinks it’s not a big deal. Now, can I get back to making pizza?
Buggin’ Out storms out of the pizzeria, frustrated. Mookie shakes his head and follows him out.
Mookie: Don’t let it get to you, man. It’s not worth it.
Buggin’ Out: (sighing) I just want people to see things from our perspective, you know?
Mookie: I hear you, but sometimes you gotta pick your battles.
Buggin’ Out nods, but the frustration still lingers.
The camera pans out as Tina orders a slice of pizza and Sal continues to work behind the counter.
END OF SCENE 1.
Scene 2
Characters:
Buggin’ Out, a fiery young activist
Sal, the owner of a pizzeria
Mookie, Sal’s deliveryman
Tina, Mookie’s girlfriend
Rai, a streetwise graffiti artist
Radio Raheem, a larger-than-life neighborhood figure
Setting:
An Italian-American neighborhood in Brooklyn during a sweltering summer heatwave. The local pizzeria is a hub for the community.
Dialogue:
Buggin’ Out: “Sal, don’t you see? It’s not about the pizza, it’s about the message. You got all these Italian actors up on the wall, but what about our people? Where are the black faces?”
Sal: “Listen, kid. It’s just a wall. You’re making a big deal out of nothing. You want to put up some black actors, fine. But don’t come in here telling me how to run my business.”
Mookie: “Guys, calm down. This isn’t worth fighting over. Let’s just enjoy the pizza.”
Tina: “Mookie’s right. Let’s not ruin a good thing over a stupid wall.”
Rai: “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m going to do something about it.”
Radio Raheem: “Yeah, man. We gotta make them hear us. Loud and clear.”
Word about the Wall of Fame has spread around the neighborhood like wildfire. Buggin’ Out has taken up the cause to remove the Italian actors and replace them with black ones. He’s rallying the neighborhood, trying to get more people to join his crusade.
Buggin’ Out storms into Sal’s Pizzeria, holding a clipboard and a pen.
“Sal, we need to talk,” he says, slamming the clipboard down on a table. “This wall thing is getting out of control. You need to make things right.”
Sal looks up from his pizza, annoyed. “What are you talking about now, kid?”
Buggin’ Out starts to pace, waving his pen at Sal. “The Wall of Fame. You know what I’m talking about. It’s racist. You can’t just have Italian actors up there. We want representation too.”
Sal rolls his eyes. “It’s my pizzeria, I can decorate it how I want.”
Mookie and Tina sit nearby, watching the argument unfold. They exchange a silent look, both feeling uncomfortable.
Rai enters the pizzeria, his backpack full of spray cans. He sees the tension in the air and grins.
“Yo, Buggin’ Out. You still mad about that wall?”
Buggin’ Out nods. “Yeah, man. It’s wrong.”
Rai pats his backpack. “I got you. Let’s make our own Wall of Fame, with all the black icons we want.”
The two of them rush out of the pizzeria, eager to start their project.
Radio Raheem stays behind, his booming boombox filling the room with its bass-heavy music. He watches Buggin’ Out and Rai leave, then turns to Sal.
“I ain’t taking sides, Sal. But you gotta admit, that wall ain’t right.”
Sal grunts and goes back to his pizza. Mookie and Tina exchange another look, both feeling uneasy about the growing tensions in the neighborhood.
Scene 3
EXT. BROOKLYN STREET – DAY
Radio Raheem, a large black man with a massive boombox on his shoulder, struts down the street. His music is so loud that it shakes the windows of nearby buildings.
A GROUP OF TEENAGERS walk past him, staring in awe at the size of his boombox.
TEENAGER 1
Yo, Raheem! That thing weighs a ton!
Radio Raheem just nods, barely acknowledging them. He keeps moving down the street, his music blaring.
Suddenly, a group of POLICE OFFICERS approach him.
POLICE OFFICER 1
Hey! You gotta turn that music down, man!
Raheem ignores them, turning up the volume on his boombox.
POLICE OFFICER 2
I said turn it down!
Radio Raheem just glares at them. The situation is tense.
POLICE OFFICER 3
Sir, turn down the music or we’ll have to confiscate your boombox.
Radio Raheem snarls, his anger building. He refuses to back down.
Suddenly, things escalate. The police officers swarm Radio Raheem, grappling for his boombox.
But Raheem doesn’t go down without a fight. A violent struggle ensues, with Raheem using his boombox as a weapon.
Finally, one of the officers pulls out his gun and shoots Raheem. The boombox falls to the ground, and Raheem’s body goes limp.
The neighborhood erupts in chaos. People scream and run for cover.
SAL, the owner of the pizzeria, watches from afar. He knows that things are only going to get worse from here.
Scene 4
FADE IN:
EXT. BROOKLYN STREET – DAY
The sun beats down mercilessly on the Brooklyn street as people go about their daily business. The heat is oppressive, and it has made tempers flare in the neighborhood.
INT. SAL’S PIZZERIA – DAY
Sal mops his brow with a handkerchief as he watches Buggin’ Out and Radio Raheem enter the pizzeria. They’re arguing about something, and their voices are rising.
BUGGIN’ OUT:
(pointing to the Wall of Fame)
You see that, Sal? That’s racist!
SAL:
(defensive)
What are you talking about, Buggin’ Out? Those are just actors!
RADIO RAHEEM:
(yells)
Turn up the volume, Sal! I want to hear my music!
Sal rolls his eyes and gestures for Pino to turn up the stereo. The music thumps loudly, drowning out Buggin’ Out and Radio Raheem’s argument.
The door opens, and Mookie enters with a pizza delivery.
MOOKIE:
(to Sal)
Hey, Sal. It’s hot as hell out there.
SAL:
Yeah, no shit.
Mookie notices the tension in the air and decides to keep quiet. He heads to the back to put away the pizza.
The argument between Buggin’ Out and Sal continues, and tensions mount. The heat seems to make everything worse.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
EXT. SAL’S PIZZERIA – NIGHT
Mookie and Tina sit on the stoop of Sal’s pizzeria, eating slices of pizza.
TINA:
(attempting to break the silence)
So, you gonna tell me what’s been bothering you?
Mookie hesitates, then takes a deep breath.
MOOKIE:
It’s this stupid Wall of Fame thing. It’s causing all this tension in the neighborhood, and I don’t know what to do.
TINA:
(nodding sympathetically)
I know, I’ve seen it too. But what are you gonna do about it?
MOOKIE:
(Sighing)
I don’t know, Tina. Sal’s a good guy, but he doesn’t see how this is affecting people.
TINA:
Well, maybe it’s time for him to see. You know what they say, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
Mookie leans in to kiss her, but is interrupted by the sound of Glass breaking.
They look up to see an angry Buggin’ Out standing in front of the pizzeria, holding a brick.
BUGGIN’ OUT:
(to Mookie)
You know what I just saw, man? Another picture got put up on that Wall of Fame. And it wasn’t no black person, neither.
Mookie stands up, looking at him in confusion.
MOOKIE:
What are you talking about?
BUGGIN’ OUT:
(furious)
I’m talking about this!
He pulls out a magazine with an article about African American actors and throws it at Mookie.
TINA:
(alarmed)
Buggin’ Out, calm down!
BUGGIN’ OUT:
(ignoring her)
We gotta do something, Mookie. We can’t let him get away with this.
Mookie looks conflicted, torn between his loyalty to Sal and his love for Tina.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE PIZZERIA – LATER THAT NIGHT
Buggin’ Out and a group of angry protesters gather outside Sal’s pizzeria, banging on the windows and demanding that Sal take down the Wall of Fame.
SAL:
(through the door)
I’m not taking it down! It’s my pizzeria, and I’ll do what I want with it.
Mookie watches from a distance, unsure of what to do. Suddenly, he sees a group of police officers approaching.
MOOKIE:
(whispering to Tina)
We gotta get outta here.
They start to back away, but it’s too late. The police have arrived, and chaos ensues.
CUT TO:
INT. MOOKIE’S BEDROOM – LATER THAT NIGHT
Mookie and Tina lie in bed together, holding each other close.
TINA:
(whispering)
I’m scared, Mookie. What’s gonna happen to us?
Mookie strokes her hair, trying to reassure her.
MOOKIE:
(softly)
We’ll get through this together. I promise.
They cling to each other, their future uncertain.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 6
FADE IN:
INT. SAL’S PIZZERIA – DAY
Sal stands in the middle of his destroyed pizzeria, staring in shock at the wreckage around him. Mookie enters, looking just as stunned.
Mookie: “Sal, you gotta calm down.”
Sal: “Calm down? Look at this place! Look what they did!”
Mookie: “I know, I know. But getting angry isn’t gonna help. We gotta figure out what to do next.”
Sal: “What to do next? I’ll tell you what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna find out who did this and make them pay!”
As Sal rants, Pino enters, looking shaken.
Pino: “Dad, I just heard. Is it true? Is the place really destroyed?”
Sal: “You’re damn right it is. Look at it!”
Pino: “This is insane. Who could’ve done this?”
Mookie: “Word on the street is it was a group of kids. They were all riled up about the Wall of Fame.”
Sal: “I knew it! I told you all this was gonna happen.”
Pino: “What are we gonna do now?”
Sal: “We’re gonna rebuild. We’re gonna show them that we won’t be beaten down. And we’re gonna find those kids and make them pay.”
Mookie: “Sal, I don’t think that’s the answer. Violence begets violence.”
Sal: “I don’t care. They destroyed my livelihood. They destroyed my pizzeria.”
Mookie: “I understand that, but we can’t fight fire with fire. We gotta think of other solutions.”
Sal looks between Mookie and Pino, clearly torn.
Sal: “I don’t know what to do. This is my life’s work. And now it’s gone.”
As Sal breaks down in tears, Pino and Mookie come together to comfort him.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 7
INT. CHURCH – DAY
The church is packed, with people standing in the aisles and overflowing onto the street. In the front row, Mookie sits with Tina, looking solemn and heartbroken.
A pastor stands at the pulpit, delivering a moving eulogy for Radio Raheem. The congregation is riveted, hanging on every word.
As the pastor finishes, there’s a rustling in the back of the church. A group of police officers enter, led by a stern-looking captain.
Mookie and Tina exchange worried glances, sensing trouble.
CAPTAIN
(to the congregation)
Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sorry to interrupt this service, but I’m here to deliver some news about the ongoing investigation into the death of Radio Raheem.
The crowd murmurs, anxious and tense.
CAPTAIN (CONT’D)
After a thorough investigation, it’s been determined that the officers involved acted within their rights, and no charges will be filed.
The church erupts in outrage. Mookie jumps to his feet, shouting.
MOOKIE
Bullshit! You’re telling me that killing a man with a chokehold is within your rights?
The captain glares at Mookie, his face stony.
CAPTAIN
We followed procedure. That’s all there is to it.
The tension in the church is palpable. People press in around Mookie and Tina, shouting and cursing.
TINA
(to Mookie)
We have to get out of here.
Mookie nods, and they push their way past the crowd. Once outside, they’re confronted by more chaos. The streets are filled with angry protesters and police in riot gear.
Mookie and Tina hold hands tightly as they make their way through the chaos, uncertain of what the future holds.
