A Symbol of Personal Moral Compass
When it comes to embodying the strength and grace of living by a personal moral compass on The Wire, there is no character quite like Omar Little, who happens to be President Obama’s favorite character, as he once mentioned that Omar is his favorite character. Omar plays the role of a modern-day Robin Hood within The Wire, quite literally. His livelihood revolves around robbing drug dealers and reinvesting in his community. Omar seems almost mythical because it appears impossible to carry out his actions and survive. Omar’s true superpower lies in his code. While he engages in theft and violence, we admire Omar as a morally upright character because he demonstrates bravery, integrity, and a consistent worldview by adhering to his established principles. Ultimately, Omar illustrates the fundamental value of a personal code—it grants us the freedom to be true to ourselves without fear or remorse and to uphold our deepest values.
Omar’s Distinctive Moral and Ethical Framework
Omar is widely recognized for his unique set of morals and ethics. He lives according to a stringent personal code that includes principles such as avoiding harm to children, refraining from profanity, and showing respect to others. Omar primarily directs his actions against drug dealers, particularly those associated with the Barksdale Organization, whom he believes are responsible for the harm inflicted on his community. Despite engaging in criminal activities, Omar places great importance on principles of honor and integrity, staying true to his commitments and expecting the same from others. He views himself as a community protector, driven by a strong desire to deliver justice in a world where the legal system often falls short.
Omar frequently collaborates with law enforcement, providing them with information to target more significant threats than himself. This adherence to his code of conduct makes him a multifaceted character, as he simultaneously embodies the roles of a criminal and a folk hero in the eyes of certain members of the community. This complexity adds depth to the show’s exploration of the moral ambiguity and systemic issues within Baltimore’s drug trade and law enforcement.
Omar’s Code and Its Importance
Omar is the character who initially underscores the significance of adhering to a personal code, which he does when he shares his most unbreakable rule with Bunk. In the Baltimore drug trade realm, encompassing roles such as lieutenants, soldiers, corner boys, junkies, and cops, all participants are part of the same overarching game and comprehend its regulations. Omar displays no hesitation in robbing or eliminating anyone deemed necessary within this environment, as it is a risk implicitly accepted by those involved in the game. However, Omar takes offense when confronted with the suggestion that he would harm someone who had not tacitly agreed to such terms. Omar’s actions are deemed fair game in this context—albeit highly perilous, as he challenges the established order.
Later, when Omar finds himself incarcerated for a crime orchestrated by Marlo’s associates, he revisits his conversation with Bunk. He underscores the importance of individuals adhering to their codes, even if he and Bunk do not necessarily share the same values. This dedication to personal codes fosters equilibrium and cohesion within the game. From Omar’s perspective, it is imperative to uphold the principles of fair play, and transgressions of these principles, whether due to human frailty, intrigue, or greed, must incur swift consequences. Alongside other experienced players in the game, like Prop Joe and Bodie, Omar needs more tolerance for newcomers who fail to respect the established norms of the game.
Additionally, Omar possesses a virtuoso-like quality—he derives satisfaction from excelling at his craft and recognizes the importance of remaining sharp and at the pinnacle of his abilities. Despite his disdain for Stringer and Avon, he expresses concern about the waning influence of the Barksdale empire because he requires a formidable adversary to challenge and hone his skills continually.
Omar’s Role as a Champion of Corrective Justice
Omar embodies the concept of justice as a corrective force, aiming his actions at drug dealers and criminal organizations, particularly the Barksdale Organization and Stanfield Organization. He perceives these dealers as the primary source of crime and suffering in his community, believing that his interventions disrupt the drug trade and rectify the situation. Fueled by a deep sense of justice for his community, Omar confronts drug kingpins and delivers vigilante justice when the legal system falls short. His moral choices align with his vision of justice, concentrating solely on those responsible for the community’s distress.
Omar’s actions disrupt the established norms of the drug trade and law enforcement responses, placing pressure on criminal organizations and the police to adapt and respond. This dynamic can be seen as a corrective response to the complacency and corruption that have allowed the drug trade to prosper. Furthermore, Omar collaborates with the police as an informant, aiding their efforts to dismantle larger criminal organizations. This unconventional partnership with law enforcement can be interpreted as his way of operating within the system to effect change and achieve justice.
Omar’s character exhibits intricate layers of complexity, blurring the boundaries between a hero and an antihero. His presence challenges viewers to reevaluate their notions of right and wrong within a flawed criminal justice system.
A Singular Force for Justice
Omar is a lone beacon of justice in a world marred by injustice, serving as a corrective force. These drug kingpins, including figures like Avon, Stringer, and Marlo, often project an aura of invincibility, yet Omar disrupts their schemes and indulgences. While they may exude an almost god-like aura or appear beyond the law’s grasp, Omar can stride in with a shotgun, causing them to incur massive financial losses, sullying their reputation on the streets, and, most crucially in this ego-driven contest, exposing their foolishness. In a realm where nearly everything else in The Wire underscores life’s inherent unfairness, Omar is incredibly gratifying because, on occasion, he succeeds in rectifying the situation.
When Omar teams up with Brother Mouzone to eliminate Stringer Bell, it becomes clear that these two characters share profound similarities. They not only rank among the most intellectually astute figures we encounter, demonstrating meticulousness in their actions, but they also share a core sense of justice. Omar opts not to kill Brother Mouzone once he realizes that false information has been provided. It is of great significance to him that he avoids taking the life of the wrong person for fabricated reasons, even though refraining from eliminating this perilous individual, who is likely to seek vengeance, is now riskier. Similarly, Brother Mouzone is uninterested in killing the wrong person; he seeks justice against the individual who violated the rules of their agreed-upon game. When Stringer attempts to negotiate for his life by offering money, Omar’s response underscores how distinct his code is from Stringer’s. It transcends mere monetary considerations or even a desire for vengeance; it revolves around justice.
Living Each Day with Freedom
In The Wire, Omar personifies “living each day with freedom” through his self-reliant way of life, unwavering courage, defiance of authority, focus on the present moment, and unwavering adherence to a strict personal code. He operates on his terms, making decisions and taking actions aligning with his principles and goals. His fearlessness is a standout trait, as he fearlessly confronts dangerous situations and formidable adversaries without hesitation. His resistance to authority figures, particularly law enforcement and criminal organizations, serves as a means of asserting his personal liberty.
By living in the present moment, Omar can direct his attention to immediate challenges and opportunities, enabling him to lead a life free from societal expectations. Guided by a strict personal code, he shapes his behavior by his commitment to principles such as refraining from harming innocent individuals and upholding honor. Omar resists becoming entangled in the drug trade and the prevailing violence in his environment by targeting drug dealers and challenging the existing power structures.
Additionally, Omar serves as a symbol of hope and liberation for his community, particularly the residents of the neighborhoods he defends. He stands up against oppressive forces, providing a glimpse of freedom and justice in a world burdened by despair. In The Wire, Omar’s character embodies the concept of living each day with freedom, asserting his independence, challenging authority, and unwaveringly adhering to his code of ethics.
The Intelligent Choice
Omar, one of the brightest characters in The Wire, may not initially make the wisest choice by assuming the role of Baltimore’s Robin Hood, given that it does not assure a long life. Therefore, considering Omar’s intelligence and his deliberate embrace of the lifestyle we are familiar with, it implies that there is profound value in living as he does. After thoroughly evaluating all available options, why has Omar decided on this path? This path is the only one offering genuine freedom—a freedom to live authentically, refuse allegiance to a despised leader, and shape his life according to his personal values.
Omar consciously opts for freedom, fully cognizant of the price it demands—the perpetual risk of sudden death. However, he has accepted the dangers and disadvantages associated with his code. Most notably, he is liberated from fear. While other characters may feign ignorance about their true motives, Omar is authentic and devoid of pretense. Thus, another significant facet of his freedom is the ability to express himself with unfiltered honesty, a rare and precious quality only a few possess. He eloquently clarifies the fundamental rules of the game for us and observes other players with exceptional clarity.
Moreover, Omar is not driven by materialism, which keeps him immune to the traps of insatiable greed for more money or the fear of losing it. Money holds little significance for him, except for the discomfort it inflicts on the kingpins when he takes it from them. His greatest indulgence is enjoying a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios.
Omar’s Unconventional Way of Life
Omar embodies an unconventional way of life rooted in the principle of “gotta have a code,” emphasizing the importance of adhering to a personal moral compass. He adamantly avoids causing harm to innocent individuals, especially those unrelated to the drug trade, and holds a strong distaste for any harm to children. This individual moral code drives his choices and decisions, marking him as a unique figure within the criminal realm.
Omar’s code steers him toward targeting drug dealers and criminal organizations, viewing his actions as a manifestation of vigilante justice aimed at disrupting the drug trade, which he believes is wreaking havoc on his community. His independence allows him to make decisions and take actions that align with his code, free from the confines of criminal hierarchies and their associated expectations.
Moreover, Omar’s resistance extends to authority figures, whether they belong to law enforcement or are the drug lords he pursues. This defiance poses a formidable challenge to the prevailing power structures that hold sway in his surroundings. In essence, his actions and principles inject depth and intricacy into exploring ethics and morality within the series.
Omar’s Unconventional Code
While most individuals unconsciously adopt societal norms without questioning these shared beliefs, Omar has constructed his code from scratch, unburdened by concerns regarding what others might perceive as usual or correct. Omar allows certain freedoms that would never occur to most people. He has no reservations about testifying in court to bring down Bird or cooperating with the police to capture Stringer. It is a feat almost no other character could achieve without being branded a snitch, but Omar does not view law enforcement as his adversary.
Omar’s sexuality is a prominent aspect of his character. In a society predominantly focused on performing hyper-masculinity, Omar demonstrates tenderness and gentleness toward his loved ones. He refrains from putting on a macho facade in public, unburdened by the community’s assumption that a rugged individual should not openly identify as gay.
Additionally, Omar imposes a set of rules on himself that others disregard. His code mandates a certain level of politeness and etiquette. He refrains from using profanity, maintains composure, and communicates with civility.
Omar forms a small alternative community around himself, composed of individuals who share in a liberated yet perilous existence. However, the drawback of his lifestyle is that anyone who becomes close to him inevitably becomes a target. Omar pays a price for his chosen path. He must grapple with the guilt stemming from his loved ones being targeted and tormented by individuals attempting to reach him. As a result, Omar’s code ultimately leads to his isolation. Nevertheless, those who love him and choose to be part of his alternative community are fully aware of and consent to this reality.
Omar’s Reputation as a Deterrent
Omar underscores the importance of one’s reputation and name in various ways. His reputation serves as a deterrent, a representation of fear, and a symbol of justice within the criminal underworld. Speaking his name evokes respect and fear, granting him a strategic advantage. His distinct personality and imposing presence ensure that he remains unforgettable, and his name is synonymous with boldness and defiance.
Furthermore, Omar’s name is intrinsically tied to his distinct moral code, adding depth to his character and elevating him beyond being a mere symbol of criminality. It symbolizes justice as he takes on the drug trade and the violence afflicting the neighborhood. For those oppressed by drug lords, his name becomes a symbol of hope.
Even after his passing, Omar’s legacy persists, as his actions and reputation continue to shape the characters and developments in the series. His name remains a potent force, influencing the choices and actions of those who remember him.
The Power of Omar’s Reputation
Omar’s influence hinges on his reputation, which wields significant power. He commands such profound respect and instills fear that even during routine tasks like buying cereal, he inadvertently receives drug stashes tossed his way without any intention of robbing anyone. Nevertheless, this specific scene, depicting his quest for Honey Nut cereal and showcasing the potency of his name, also serves as a foreboding hint of Omar’s eventual demise.
Omar does not require a weapon in this particular context, as he is shielded by the aura of his almost mythical, superhuman reputation. However, beneath this veneer, he remains inherently human. Omar’s life does not conclude at the hands of one of the relentless kingpins pursuing him or someone who views him as the illustrious “Great Omar.” Instead, his fate is tragically sealed by Kenard, a young boy who lacks the maturity to fear Omar or his name genuinely.
Initially, Omar’s death might seem frustratingly random and avoidable, but upon closer scrutiny, it becomes evident that it unfolded as it had to. It mirrors the demise of Prop Joe, another venerable figure we assumed was untouchable but met his end at the hands of the youthful upstart Marlo. The established order, characterized by systems of trust and respect, fails to anticipate the advent of youth with its inherent and callous disregard. Ultimately, it is a mere child who reaches Omar, underscoring the whimsical nature of fate.
A New Breed of Independent Operator
Omar embodies a new breed of “independent operators,” individuals who work autonomously and do not align themselves with established criminal organizations. This quality sets him apart from the conventional “big players” who operate within the hierarchy of the drug trade. Omar’s unique approach to criminal endeavors distinguishes him, including his emphasis on robbing drug dealers, unwavering moral principles, and fearlessness. These elements deviate from the typical criminal profile.
Furthermore, Omar’s resistance to external influence and steadfast commitment to a moral code, which includes principles like refraining from harming innocent individuals, including children, as well as promoting respect and fairness, set him apart from the older generation of criminals, who often exhibit greater ruthlessness and a lack of mercy. His presence and actions symbolize a shifting landscape within criminal activities.
Omar, an orphan raised by his grandmother, is a character that has a complex backstory. In the fourth season, Michael Lee, a more innovative and strategic young man, is noticed by Marlo and his second-in-command, Chris. Michael’s intelligence and independent thinking make him a potential agent, but at the end of the fourth season, he decides to become an independent agent.
Omar and Michael are warm people motivated by deep emotions and care about protecting and providing for their loved ones. Omar is after retribution for the murder of his love, Brandon, and Michael’s start in crime is triggered by the return of Bug’s father, who sexually abused him as a child. It explains his distrust of Marlo’s offer of a free handout and Cutty’s offer to train him.
Omar’s choice to enter crime was likely a mix of emotional pain and logical response to an environment with another option. When Michael steps into Omar’s shoes, we may be surprised because we think of Omar as an irreplaceable individual. However, Omar’s role in the system is not just about him; it is a part of the system, even if there can only ever be one Omar. We love Omar because he lives honestly without fear, and his freedom comes from his remarkable intelligence, making peace with the choice to be who he is and accept the consequences.
In conclusion, The Wire‘s Omar is a testament to the power of intelligence and the importance of understanding the complex relationships between characters like Omar and Michael.
Bibliography
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- Klare-Ayvazian, S. (2021). A Man Got to Have a Code: A Look at the Fierce Ethics of Omar Little. MMH.
- Malik, K. (2021). In an age too given to moral certainty, let’s remember The Wire’s Omar as a study in complexity. The Guardian.
- Sager, M. (2015). Why Omar Is the Greatest Character on The Wire, No Doubt. Esquire.
- Wartenberg, T. (2008). The Wire. Issue 70 | Philosophy Now.
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