Spike Lee's next film "Chiraq" based on Chicago

Should Spike Lee Make A Film

About The Infamous "Chiraq"?

(By JD Collins)

Chicago citizens are weary about the possible new Spike Lee film, "Chiraq" which is an infamous term used to describe Chicago, Illinois. The city took on this term in 2012-2013 because of the rampant gun violence and gang related murders. The number of deaths in Chicago amongst the youth exceeded the number of deaths overseas during the war in Iraq (hence the term 'Chiraq').

Spike Lee has already met with many of the city's leaders and advocates against gang violence such as: Rev. Michael Pfleger from St. Sabina, Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Operation P.U.S.H Coalition, reformed gang leaders and parents who've lost kids to gun violence. Spike Lee is also using power as a successful filmmaker to bring in big names like: Samuel L. Jackson, Kanye West, Common, Jeremy Piven, and many more.

Still, with these big names attached, all Chicago citizens aren't too thrilled with the use of the infamous term, "Chiraq" and someone who's not from Chicago making a film about our city. Many citizens want the term to stop being used and associated with Chicago because Chicago is so much more than the gang violence. Chicago has thriving downtown, cultural scene, food, events, and is one of the largest most thriving cities in the United States.

While I understand the apprehension about the revisiting of a very dark period in Chicago's history its important to note that Spike Lee is considered one of the greatest black directors ever! he has always addressed social issues and african- american issues in his films, and never shied away from controversy. Hollywood has always gravitated towards Chicago's beautiful skyline and diverse neighborhoods seen in films & TV shows such as: "Batman: The Dark Knight", FOX's 'Empire", Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, The Wachowski Brother's "Sense8", etc.

Whether citizens are split about the use of the term, "Chiraq" or not the fact is the film will bring jobs to our city, roles for local actors, highlight our thriving music scene, neighborhoods, bustling downtown, our infamous & ruthless politicians, and overall exposure to Chicago. Maybe we need to address our city's ills on film in order for things to change in Chicago, maybe it takes one of the greatest filmmakers ever to use art to put a mirror on our see to show it's complex culture for the world to see. So many classic films have been made in New York and LA but just maybe this could be another one of Chicago's 'classic' films.