Boyz N' The Hood is a film based on the urban youth and it's growing problem with neighborhood gang violence. The main character Trey, is a 17 year old young man who lives with his father, Furious. Furious devotes his life to educating Trey and the minority youth on why violence is wrong. Trey tends to put on a "tough guise" around his friends, and even his father at times. When his father asked him about his sexual activity, he made up an entire story about sleeping with some girl, when in reality, he is still a virgin. Depending on which situation he's put in, acting "manly" could be to his benefit or detriment.
In my opinion, and I'm sure many other would agree, Rick is the "better man" in this story. Unlike his friends. he's is staying out of trouble. He's not into gangs or drugs, and he doesn't carry around a gun like his brother, Doughboy. He doesn't really ever put on "the tough guise". Instead, he spends his time applying for colleges and scholarships so he can make something of himself and better his life and his family's lives.
I think this film sends mixed signals to the audience of what a "real man" truly is. In one sense, we see a person like Rick or Furious or even Trey, trying to overcome to "norm" of the neighborhood, which is to be a heartless thug. Then there's a character like Doughboy, who we have sympathy for. Even though he's involved in gang type violence, we see his softer side. We see how intelligent he really is and even the feelings he has. And then we may think that since he's a pretty good guy and he won't shed a tear, that that's what "tough guys" or "better men" do.
Maybe in this case, the "best man" is Trey because throughout the story he really overcomes alot and breaks through the "tough guise". He cries on his girlfriend's lap, he ditches his friends when they go to shoot down Rick's killers, and he ends up going to college. So, by taking his father's advice, he creates a better life for himself.
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