Racism in the American Society
Sports are a huge part of our society, whether it’s the Patriots winning the Super Bowl or it’s the Yankees winning the World Series but it wasn’t always inclusive like it is now. When Football and Baseball first started, they were predominantly Whites and Blacks weren’t allowed to play. Two great films that represent the racial division within the social construct at the time are Remember The Titans directed by Boaz Yakin and 42, by Brian Helgoland. The two movies display the theme of racism in a more exciting way. It was evident that racial segregation was a severe menace within the United States, and up to today, some people are still discriminated based on color. The two movies have displayed the subject of racism on American people and more than 200 years still Americans cannot hold reasonable discussions on racism. Despite the eminent intents of racisms that have been in existence in the American societies the two movies remember the Titans and the movie 42.
There is a significant change in the manner in which sports are conducted in recent years compared to that of the past. Initially, certain sports were very specific for some race; as a result, more
people of different races were excluded from participating. The case of exclusion in sports
provides a relevant example of how racism was rampant in the past decades. The two movies, Remember
the Titans” directed by Boaz Yakin and “42”, by Brian Helgland. Seem to be the most ideal in
addressing the theme of racism in societies.
Various scenes of the movie remember the titans helps in fortifying the theme of racism prevalent throughout the movie scenes. The movie reveals the incredible story of T.C William Titans, who won the high school state championship. It tries to work against the existing racism that was predominant among American society by integrating both racial and color together. The team comprising of both colors finally becomes successful, and they manage to win the state Championship of Virginia. The Movie is thus a perfect mechanism used by Hollywood to show how far the two racial divides can go if they join hands. The movie affirms the fact the integration of white and blacks was still an uphill task, but people can manage for example the coach Booster has managed to eliminate some sense of racism in the school’s basketball team. With various scenes of the movie, the movie has emphasized on the fact that the American racial divide which has sparked controversies, tensions and hatred within the American Society.
The “42” movie by Brian Helgland, on the other hand, uses its characters, and various literally devices to present the theme of racism. The author uses a simple, blunt, and sentimental movie to teach a lesson about racism. The movie revolves around the main character, who is Jackie Robinson. Jackie has been used as the protagonist in the film to show a turn that is taking place in sporting activities. He becomes the first African American to participate in major league baseball in the modern days. He serves as a symbol for transformation and an epitome of change. Moreover, As Jackie interacts with other characters; the theme of racism dominates the interaction. This is important because it helps the audience to know that all people are equal despite their races. From the above discussion, the two films are among the most influential movies about racism. The authors in both cases, tactically use their characters to present the theme of racism vividly. Though they all look blunt and straightforward, they provide valuable lessons about racisms. Moreover, to achieve the demonstration, the authors of both films wisely choose the right setting, tone, styles and other literary devices. For instance, they both use the context of sports, which seems to be the most ideal in explaining the theme of racism to more audiences.
Even though both movies acknowledge the fact that racism is a menace that has limited the progress of the American nations, there is hope for great things why American look beyond the racial issue. Sports have thus been effectively used in expressing the extent of this hope.