Clare Cloyd-Talk to Me
It is clear throughout the movie that Dewey has some minor struggles when it comes to race and identity. Even if Petey is not the perfect role model for the black community, he lives his life exactly the way he wants to and does not let ANYONE tell him what to do. Unlike Dewey, Petey never stoops to levels to fit in or appear more "white". Despite all his "flaws" regarding alcohol and women, Dewey is impressed by Petey's ability to maintain his "real" personality even if it means he may appear a little over the top. Petey will never mold to society and Dewey recognizes his strong opposition to conformity.
Some may view the way Petey acts as racism towards whites. However, I completely disagree with that claim. Petey, regardless of his color, lives his life exactly how he wants to and does not let anything or anyone get in the way. Obviously based on the sole fact that he got his job by sticking with his strong pursuit to get what he wants shows exactly what type of person he is. The timing of the MLK assassination makes it hard for Petey because while he normally just minds his own business, this pushes him over the top and fuels his anger that some people view as racism. His ability to "stay real" and just live serve as a great qualities for a role-model to the black community in the time of pain and sorrow. He is a black man with a strong will but above all he is a human being who by changing his lives, changed the lives of everyone who knew him.