Divine Okafor

UWRT 1102
February 20,2017

America was built on the idea of freedom and equal opportunity for all. Our forefathers

came to this land in search of new opportunities in the form of religious freedom. Their

ideas created the basis of American Identity, the ability to determine ones own fate

based on their own actions and accomplishments. While their specific goal surrounding

religion was later forgone with separation of church and state, their central idea of equal

opportunity for all individuals still stands. The 1993 film, Menace to Society, however,

sheds light on a major flaw in American Identity. This flaw being that it is not equally

represented in all communities in a positive light. The movie shows how although equal

opportunity is promoted, certain hurdles such as the inability to fund sufficient and

legitimate lifestyles as well as bigger issues regarding racial tensions can heavily

influence the course of many individuals lives. Menace to Society discusses how an

individuals upbringing, especially within the African American community, can heavily

influence their American Identity and ultimately their opportunities in life. The films plot
Divine Okafor
UWRT 1102
February 20,2017
line and underlying question is a timeless concept that is seen throughout society today

in movements such as the Black Lives Matter Movement and other peaceful protests.

Menace to Society explains the subjectivity of American Identity and the importance of

determining ones own fate despite the odds against them.

In the 1990s the face of American Identity was far from the clean and patriotic face it

once was in previous decades. From the reeling of the crack infested 80s to the war

tormented 70s the United States seemed to be beginning to pick up the pieces of this

once great land throughout the 90s. One of the faces of American Identity during this

time period is shown clear throughout the movie Menace to Society. The film tells the

story of an 18-year-old Cain as he struggles find his one opportunity in the world.

Besides the apparent set back of being an African American male living in the projects,

Cains life was filled with a whirlwind of setbacks. From becoming the orphan of a crack

addicted mother and drug dealing father at an early age, he had already witnessed life

and death far beyond his years. Menace to Society follows Cain as he graduates high

school and struggles to find a way out of the lifestyle he was born into. Cain must

choose between the dangerous life he knows or follow love to a far land with new yet

uncertain opportunities. Unfortunately, before he can make his final decision, his

lifestyle catches up to him and ultimately becomes his downfall. Cains tale is that of so

many African American men that struggle to find their own place in society. American

Identity has always been based around the American Dream of self-sustained success,

but often neglects to tell the story of others stuck in a cycle of doubt and hopelessness.

Cains life shows the subjectivity of American Identity and how it can be adjusted to fit

each individual.
Divine Okafor
UWRT 1102
February 20,2017
On the surface, Menace Society, appears to be explaining to social complexities of

American Identity through racial interactions, the movie also places emphasis on

common American values. One of the main values seen throughout the movie is an

emphasis on family life. Although Cains parents passed away when he was young, his

grandparents stepped in to raise him most of his life. Although, he rarely listened to their

advice, Cain valued their opinions and respected their presence. His desire to please

his grandparents is a common theme in American society today as a childs main role in

life is to be obedient and mindful of their parents. This idea is also prevalent in Cains

girlfriend Ronnie. Her character as a single mother represented the stability that Cain

needed to get his life on track. Although her son was not his own, Cains need to be a

father figure to her son further exemplifies the importance of a family unit in society in

order to provide structure.

Throughout the movie, the importance of religion is reoccurring just as the importance of

religion is seen in our American forefathers as they came to the Americas in search of

religious freedom. Cains grandparents are devout Christians and often used Bible

scriptures to caution Cain about his dangerous ways. In addition to this, Cains best

friend Sharif, was another prevalent religious counsel as he often warned Cain with

Muslim teachings. Both Cains grandparents and Sharifs repetitive guidance showed

how prevalent religion is in American Identity as well as its importance in decision

making. Although it is often not acknowledged, a great deal of decisions in the United

States are heavily influenced by ones religious stance, as it also effects ones moral

compass. It is difficult to separate American Identity from religion as a whole, because

religion makes up so much of what is American Identity. From the daily divides of
Divine Okafor
UWRT 1102
February 20,2017
Americans today to the complete separation of church and state by our forefathers,

religion has and always will be a major part of American Identity.

Menace to Society does an excellent job of telling the story of a young African American

Male as he struggles to find his place in the world while also shedding light on multiple

complexities within American Identity. Although American Identity can be assumed to be

the typical story of a successful American Dream, the movie shows one of the many

alternate routes individuals can take in life. Despite his rough start, Cain did have all of

the makings of a progressive individual and was well on his way to bettering his future.

Although Cains story did end in tragedy, his life was a perfect example of how flaws in

American Identity can be proven to be detrimental in the progression of others.

Nonetheless, Menace to Society accurately depicts the different roles relationships,

religion, and how ones life experiences can shape them far beyond their expectations.

All of the characteristics are what make up American Identity. Cains story can be seen

as a metaphor for the different faces of American Identity and shows how without a

common understanding and coercive goal, failure is bound to be an inevitable result.