In a 2013 article in the Chicago Tribune, anti- violence activist Mariame Kaba said the word Chiraq “summarizes the disinvestment in young black people.” He added that “there’s the abandonment of them, the closing of their schools, the dismal graduation rates, the inability to get work, all those things are ‘Chiraq.'” Ultimately the word represents a mentality of those who feel they have no way out.
As a fellow Chicagoan who has pride for my city; I do understand not wanting to be associated with that name. I personally don’t feel like I’m walking through a warzone when I’m in the city of Chicago. But being from the ghetto; I do see the desperation becoming more evident within our community. I do see a deterioration of morals and values amongst our people. Do these factors lead to a warlike atmosphere for those who have to live with it everyday; maybe so.
However those factors were in place before Spike Lee start shooting his movie. Those factors might be the reason he is making the movie. “A lot of people have opinions about the so called title of the film who know nothing about the film,” Lee said. That’s my point exactly, let the man make his movie. Now if it is wack, glorifies violence and exploit our culture, that’s one thing. I understand the negative ramifications of presenting bogus images to our youth and community. If that’s the case, then all means, grill Spike Lee ass. But until then, let’s give this man a break and let him create. Why do our black artists have to create and perform a civic and moral duty to their people? Like I said before, I defend his right to create and call his art whatever he wants.
In the meantime, if we want to change the perception of our city, then we need to do it ourselves. As hard as it may seem; we have to consistently challenge the youth to do better. If we are not an advocate for change, then we should put ourselves in a position to criticize other people. Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago echoed these sentiments in a letter he wrote defending Spike Lee. Although I don’t always agree with everything he says, I have to repeat a question he asked in that letter. “Im so tired of hearing people on [Facebook] upset about the Spike Lee movie title Chiraq,” the Catholic priest wrote…”And to all those outraged about a title…are you outraged about the 1 killed and 11 shot last night?”
The point is, we need to put more effort into stopping the violence; than we need stopping a movie that may (or may not) exploit it.