In Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” the Heat plays a significant role. Spike is noted for his inspirations from real life events such as the Howard Beach Incident and the Tawana Brawley rape case.  The Idea of a hot summer day in New York city is derived from New York summer’s notorious crime rates. The setting of a hot Brooklyn summer foreshadows that something bad will happen.

In addition, the heat can also be a symbol of Racism. In the movie people constantly complain about the heat and try to find ways to escape it, whether it be through fans, fanning themselves, or ice water. However, it is impossible to get away from the omnipresent heat. The heat symbolizes racism because people may try to escape it or get over it but no matter what is done it still exist. When one may assume that the heat wave would only last one day,  Spike furthers the symbolism by keeping the crippling heat for another day. Assuring the audience that racism is still prevalent.