Green Book is a American film talking about the true story of a tour of the Deep South by Don Shirley, an African American pianist, and Italian American Tony Lip. The Green book was used for identifying the place that would accept African American travelers during segregation era in the United States. The film made a big contrast that Don Shirley was a famous pianist and lived in a mansion, but Tony Lip was a guard and lived in small apartment. In the film, Shirley hired Tony as his driver for his 8-week concert tour in Midwest and Deep South. During 8 week concert trip,
We could see many racial discriminations happed and Dr.Shirley was treated badly. For example, when Dr.Shirley wanted to use room toilet during the concert intermission, the house owner refused his request due to his black identity, and asked Dr.Shirley to use outside toilet for colored people, which was racism. In the last stop of concert, Dr.Shirley also didn’t allow to have dinner in the restaurant where invited him to play piano. Dr.Shirley was lonely, because he wasn’t accepted by white and black groups. African Americans seemed him like high educated pianist, who had different socioeconomics with them. Tony taught Dr.Shirley how to eat fried chicken, which was popular food throughout African Americans, but Dr.Shirley had never eaten this, which alluded that Dr.Shirley lived totally different situation with normal African Americans. Americans treated him as “others” due to his black identity.
Furthermore, Tony helped Dr.Shirley to find the true self. Tony took Dr.Shirley to African American music club nearby the restaurant, and appealed Dr.Shirley to play piano. At first, Dr.Shirley refused it, because he considered African Americans could not understand what was he playing. When many people around Dr.Shirley knew he was a famous pianist, and asked him to play. After he played the piano, all people applauded and admired his talent in playing piano. In the end, Dr.Shirley recognize his black identity and found out real himself. I believe the film conveys an idea of equality. Each group has their own identity and culture, and people should not only respect others but also recognize their own unique identity and culture.
Reference:
https://www.universalpictures.com/movies/green-book