Straight Outta Compton was released at a time where systemic racism and police violence against African Americans were beginning to become more publicised in the media. This was at the time were international movements such as ‘Black Lives Matter’ were gaining more popularity as police brutality in America has become more pronounced in recent years. These movements help campaign against the unnecessary violence and discrimination that we often witness in modern day America. This film covers the controversial topic of racism and the rollercoaster the NWA group partake on to their rise to fame.

The representation of men and women are contrasted throughout, with all the main characters being male on all the film advertisement posters so there is this sense of empowerment for male African Americans yet a form of discrimination against their own race by not including a whole gender as a marginally important role. Typically, women of colour are subject to more victimisation, harassment and exposure to abuse than men. However by having only minor roles in the film for women, it constitutionalises the dehumanisation of women of colour who are typically more oppressed than the average black man. An example of this in the film is the exclusion to address the issue of public and repeated abuse that one of the members of the group (Dr Dre) inflicted on several different women. It is clear that producers decided to not include this as it would damage the reputation of Dr Dre, but adds to misogyny, which the group are known for in their music, and disrespect to the victims of this abuse. Nevertheless it would be hard to damage a group with talent and style which has had a significant impact on hip-hop culture in America and all around the world. Likewise it could be argued that the film was produced to be realistic and complimentary to the artists’ lives and by having smaller roles for women in the film this makes it more focused on the group themselves.

Masculinity is explored in the film as the group are presented as a collective rather than individuals when it comes to Connells Theory. The group are very dominant of their roles as they represent true rebellion against not only police but general law enforcement as they were targeted by the FBI during their career. The NWA align with complicit and marginalised masculinity, they feel defined by their race and therefore embrace it, but are willing to fight for their cause. The NWA are shown as an extremely powerful and influential group, they aren’t necessarily politically correct yet they express a form of power for their race and people living in Compton which was not previously seen through the genre of both music and film.

In many Hollywood films, there are a repeated structure of including few minorities for the sake of ‘diversity’. Straight Outta Compton breaks that LA tradition of white main characters in order to portray the realism of what they have created. The characters in the film are well developed which further adds to the conflicting typical Hollywood film narrative. There is also the controversial decision element of no white extras in the film to reinforce this idea of realism. Some of the first scenes depicting white people include the NWA management and crowds watching their shows, creating a symbolism of acceptance for their music and the message that it holds.

The narrative of the film follows the subject of racism which at the time the film was set was not common knowledge to most privileged people. The film covers sensitive and controversial topics of racial stereotyping which is the judgement and oppression on the black community throughout history up to present day. Racial stereotyping was clear in one scene were the police show up to where the NWA are recording, presuming they are a group of drug dealers primarily due to their race. Even after explaining the misunderstanding to police, they motioned their weapons and forcefully push members of the NWA to the ground. This physical behaviour further illustrates the brutality that the black community face at the hands of the enforcement which are meant to protect them. Furthermore the police officer in charge of the orders himself was a person of colour, along with the groups manager maintaining and defending their innocence in the matter was a white man, presenting the fine line and sometimes confusing concept of racism.

In conclusion, the film illustrates the theme of racism which is rarely spoken about in film and media. The NWA’s success and relevance highlights how you can make a difference in society regardless of your background and the successful outcome of the film further demonstrates this. Since NWA many members of the black community such as Kendrick Lamar have continued their legacy and story behind the hidden concept of police brutality. Overall the film grossed $201.6 million worldwide, which represents more than one race joining to experience the history behind NWA. The film helps shed light over Compton and help reveal the topic of institutionalised racism and stereotyping within urban culture.