The Racially Charged Clash in In the Heat of the Night

Abstract

Reflection: In the Heat of the Night Introduction “In the Heat of the Night” is an interesting film directed by Norman Jewison. It was released in the late 60s addressing complex theme of racism, justice and social change in America during this era. The film stars Rod Steiger as Gillespie; a white police chief in Sparta town Mississippi and Sidney Poiter as Vigil Tibbs; A black detective from Philadelphia. It begins with tension as Philip Colbert is murdered. Unfortunately, due to racially coined stereotypes a white cop Wood arrests a black man Virgil Tibbs who was waiting for a train to Memphis. After questioning, Sheriff Gillespie learns that Tibbs was not only innocent but also a first rate homicide detective in Philadelphia. Despite such hostility and racial prejudice, Tibbs accepts to assist with the murder investigation due to his expertise forming uneasy alliance with Gillespie. The film did not surprise me that much as racial discrimination is not a new theme in American Movies as well as from the real-life context. However the film proved inspiring as the racially discriminated black man proved beyond reasonable doubts that what a white can do a black can do even better. I felt sorry for Tibbs upon being arrested by Woods simply because of his color. Based on the film, it is open that during the 60s when the civil rights movements were on top notch, being black proved a threat as the whites associated it with chaos. However, as Tibbs revealed his identity and accepted to assist in the murder case, he beat all odds to prove that just like the whites the people of color also deserved respect and being understood as not all are criminals. He managed to save the innocently held blacks until he revealed the main culprit regardless of the racial discriminations he experienced in the process. The film reinforced certain beliefs I hold about race. I have always believed that race plays a significant role in determining American privileges. Based on the film, it became open that race exposed Tibbs to severe treatment in a white man land. Since his arrival at Sparta, he faces hostility just because he is black. His arrest at the station it attributed to his color and assumptions that he has money as can afford the train which reinforces my belief that systemic racism leads to unjust treatment of the people of color. The white officer questions Tibbs source of money saying “what do you do in such a small town to earn such kind of money? Tibbs responds, I am a police officer” (02:48-59). Such a question is based on criticism and undermining of the lacks as assumed to be poor and gangster that deserves nothing better in the midst of the whites. The most significant moment in the film which impacted me most is when Tibbs watched the white cop straight to his face and revealed that he is a police officer at Philadelphia. He went on to show his identification and Gillespie could not help but express his astonishment. I bet he was wondering how a black like Tibbs could have secured a position in law enforcement department as well as his guts while addressing this white police. Conclusion In the Heat of the Night revolves around the themes of racial tension, social justice and change. Tibbs one of the main characters reveals the ignored potentials in the people of color emphasizing on the need to respect and stop undermining the blacks. Although the 1960s proved a sensitive era when race subjected the people of color to severe discrimination, Tibbs managed to engage in a relationship with Gillespie and though started on low note grew into a gridging respect symbolizing the possibility of understanding and cooperation across racial lines.