In the Heat of the Night: Reflection

IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT: REFLECTION

IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT

The 1967 mystery thriller, In the Heat of the Night, showcases a gruesome murder case and the racist ideologies that permeated the South. The primary characters are Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) and Bill Gillespie (Rod Steiger). These two individuals attempted to solve a local murder involving Phillip Colbert and the town's citizens. 

As seen in the Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) conclusion, the "separate but equal" doctrine was an attempt to segregate white and black citizens. The Supreme Court argued that the doctrine would result in harmony and social stability. On the other hand, In the Heat of the Night showcases the detrimental results of this decision. More prominently, the film highlights the chaos and destruction transpiring after the enactment of these racist ideologies. There were frequent brawls and periods of violence, all with the intent to harm Virgil Tibbs. This concept placed the citizens of Sparta, Mississippi, into utter mayhem. 

Regarding Virgil Tibbs' circumstance, the character was held in an unsettling and discriminatory position. Despite the man's intelligence and proven competence, others still treated him as inferior. He attempted to alter the system with his efforts and success in the Phillip Colbert murder case. As the film progressed, certain officers began to view Tibbs' importance and African American proficiency.

TIBBS AND CHIEF GILLESPIE

With the progression of In the Heat of the Night, the relationship between Det. Tibbs and Police Chief Gillespie evolved. Initially, Deb. Tibbs was seen as the predicted "killer." From there, the character was brought onto the investigation, acting as a key member of the case's conclusion. These changes altered Chief Gillespie's beliefs and attitude toward the African American Northerner. The level of respect grew, causing Chief to physically defend Tibbs and fight off four violent men. Comprehensively, their alteration in relationship directly reflected the future changes occurring within society. As time proceeded, certain citizens became more accepting, straying away from blatant racism. 

DELORES PURDY

Furthermore, women held a prominent place in the movie's value. With the enactment of the Jim Crow laws, women were severely disadvantaged. Men, African American and Caucasian alike, were treated at a higher standard than any woman. This fact is evident through the tribulations of Mrs. Colbert, Delores Purdy, and Mamma Caleba. Their societal dilemmas highlighted their inadequacies. 

Notably, the topic of abortion held prominence in this production. With the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade (1973) via the Dobbs case, women are currently forced to rely on the decisions of state governments. Today, abortion regulations are delegated to state governments and is no longer considered a federally protected right. This is viewed in Delores Purdy's (a 16-year-old girl) attempt to receive the treatment at the hands of an unlicensed individual. In this era, women were forced to take initiative even in its illegality. Once again, this was considered separate but NOT equal. 

RALPH

Similarly, there were several male characters who were wrongfully accused of criminal activity. This includes Officer Sam Wood and Harvey. Fly-swatting Ralph was the true murderer. Within a system prioritizing the protection of white individuals, these men weren't prioritized or considered "above the law." Additional advantages were reserved for WEALTHY, white men rather than low-income individuals. 

Lastly, the appearance of Mr. Endicott displayed a pivotal moment in the film's composition. In response to an accusation, Mr. Endicott slapped Det. Tibbs with an eventual strike back. From there, Endicott claimed, "There was a time when I could have had you shot." This emotional statement displayed the deep hatred white Southerners had for African Americans. Evidently, the man began crying due to his loss of power and control. Prior to the Civil War, Mr. Endicott was a slave owner and possessed full authority over the lives of his slaves. With the conclusion of the Civil War, he lost these capabilities. 

Overall, In the Heat of the Night left me with pessimistic emotions. This film demonstrated the clear prejudice that persisted in the United States and the bias held toward several individuals.