The drunkard of the block, Da Mayor, is quite an interesting character. It seems he is Spike Lee’s response to the black-face minstrel stereotype that was popular in the 1800’s. Lee shows Da Mayor as a drunkard, but directly contests the idea that black men are unethical and stupid. Instead Da Mayor is a philosophical and moral entity, which often provides words of wisdom to the other characters. Lee employs Da Mayor to be an embodiment of ethics and wisdom in black Americans.
One great example of this ideology coming through in the film is the fact that Da Mayor tried his best to calm the mob and show that Sal was not directly responsible for Radio Raheem’s death. He urges the mob to stop before they do something they will “regret.” This encouragement shows that what the people did was not the “right thing” in Da Mayor’s mind; however it does not seem that anyone regrets their actions the morning after. The two quotes at the end of the film put the act in perspective and raise questions rather than justify or criticize it. Though Da Mayor encourages Mookie to “do the right thing” he never tells him in regards to what or what is the “right thing.” Was Mookie’s action in self-defense towards white establishment or was it unethical and counteractive in dealing with racial tensions? Destroying Sal’s Pizzeria did not bring back the life of Radio Raheem or provide punishment for the murderer. Instead the destruction tore down a racially co-existing neighborhood (one might argue that Sal exploited the money of the black’s without being respectful of them, however I would disagree). Sal’s was a place where racial tensions were discussed and openly met – a progressive educational experience.
We also could argue that Buggin’ Out represents the ideology of Malcolm X whereas Da Mayor is an allusion to MLK’s ideas. It seems that Da Mayor wants human relationships to transcend race while encouraging this shift in an educational and nonviolent way. While his ideas are often not respected, especially with the younger black males in the neighborhood, he nevertheless is a present and integral part of the community. He saves the child’s life, tries to teach the same boy about rough economics, attempts to calm the mob, and provides Mookie with key advice. He is the teacher to the neighborhood – an old man who has been through a lot including the pre-Civil Rights era.
Da Mayor also seems to embody work ethic and responsibility in the black community. He is in stark contrast with the young Mookie who has a hard time being responsible in his work for Sal. Though Da Mayor receives criticism for not having a job and wasting his money on alcohol, he still recognizes the importance of working and doing your best. As he sweeps Sal’s sidewalk, he tells Sal that he will have the cleanest sidewalk around. In addition, he knows how to save money and not squander all of it away. This is evident in him being able to buy the very expensive bouquet of roses for Mother Sister. He seems to be a commentary on the economics and work ethic of black Americans.
Interesting stuff, Bradley. It seems, though, that Da Mayor, while representing some really good impulses, is also somewhat debilitated, or compromised, by his history. Maybe it's generous to call him responsible, someone who values hard work. His performance sweeping Sal's sidewalk is reminiscent of goofy, subservient black roles in films of an earlier era. And while his intentions are good, his impulsive purchase of roses for Mother Sister isn't very wise. So, as Jeremy pointed out with Mother Sister, Da Mayor seems to represent some very positive values for the community, but his effectiveness is limited by his age and his failings. Perhaps there's something to be made of the idea that the individuals who you suggest represent the values of Malcolm X and MLK are both deeply flawed.
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