American Politics & Pop Culture

The film "Talk to me" has strong themes that consist between race and power, and the struggle of African Americans to succeed and find themselves in "white society". In the film, radio was a way to promote African American culture. According to Newman “Black radio at the time was something that happened overnight. Something that was not really heard of, but something that society was ready for“(pp. 118). Radio was one of the ways for the African American community to say what they thought and become apart of the mainstream life. Petey Green was one of those voices on the radio trying to make a positive impact on the African American community. Petey used his voice on the radio to discuss controversial topics that were brought up in the news and from his past experience. Radio made it possible for Petey to have his thoughts heard. Petey was not a racist, he had some strong views about race, and did not hold back from stating how he felt about race but he didn't take anything from any person no matter what color their skin white or black. He stuck to his own values and went against what his employers believed in, and never ‘sold out’. Petey also did not disrespect anyone and for this reason Petey wasn't racist, he was just trying to help promote African American positions in the white community, and as an African American radio DJ he tried to bring everyone together. Petey gave hopes and dreams to people all over the world through his voice on the radio. For these reasons Petey was not a racist he only used his voice to discuss controversial topics, and enable people to have their voices heard no matter their skin color.