Analysis of a Documentary - Street Fight - Assignment Example

The two factors or characteristics of power are highly conspicuous in the film. James sharper uses his political position (power) to influence people’s way of thinking. Ideally, the character influences people’s thinking and decisions through voting and rigging elections. According to the film, Sharpe has been in office for four consecutive terms. His political success can be traced back to a network of corrupt city workers who protects his interests in Newark streets. Ideally, Sharpe threatened city workers with demotions and false accusations. In addition, traders who did not concur with his political ambitions were either accused of being terrorists or criminals. Consequently, their businesses were denied the mayor’s protection and, hence subjected to sabotage. Although power is instrumental in social development, power can be applied in a negative sense, as depicted in the film. James Sharpe uses power for his interests without considering people’s needs.

Power gives authority to leaders and, therefore essential in leadership. However, power does not determine the quality of a leader. If it did then Sharpe would have been a better leader than his opponent. Although the film does not reveal most of Booker's leadership qualities, he seems a credible leader. His profile and academic qualifications make him an outstanding leader compared to his political rival. Power is exercised through influence. In this context, leaders can also be influenced by the very power they owe the people. It is unclear whether Booker can sustain his credibility if elected the mayor of the city.

The first election illustrates the relationship between power and leadership. Ideally, candidates who had the most power won the elections. Although James and Booker were both African-Americans, James had more political power than Booker did. Despite Booker having the best manifestos and visions for Newark and NJ, James had better chances of winning the elections. In the first elections, power trumps leadership because political aspirants use their power to influence voters. As illustrated in the film, Newark’s politicians either win or lose an election in the streets. In addition, power trumps leadership because leaders are not willing to accept change.

For instance, James is not ready to step down as mayor of Newark. Presumably, he fears political reprisals that might be directed at him by his political rivals on losing the elections. The film raises the issues of power and democracy that characterize American politics and leadership. Read More