In the review I read about “Coach Carter” the author takes an interesting standpoint on the way the movie wants us to view the school system. In a world where it is obvious that some races are viewed as below others, the stereotype that black children are not meant to graduate, and make a educational pathed life for themselves out of them selfs, seems to be evident as shown in the movie. The review wants us to understand that this hypocrisy of teaching student, with out actually trying to help them learn and do well is the basis for a lower class black community. As Carter argues with the principle that he needs the players teachers to send in the players class assessment, the principle seems to be dumbfounded by Carter’s interest in these students academic path. She says that for some of these kids basketball is the highlight of their lives. He responds by saying that that is the whole problem. If teachers and schools stoped subjugating these kids to the false narrative that they don’t have the ability to be successful and get a college education, then maybe the stereotype of lazy black community will change. Maybe there will be a insurgence of opportunity for this minority community that lacks the incentive to improve their school systems. This is the standpoint taken by the author of this analysis. I most certainly agree with this argument, as Carter is what those students needed. He was the only one who believed in their future and allowed them the opportunity for potential. In the end of the movie, we are shown the futures of the Richmond players. We are shown the extremely positive impact their Coach had on them as they are playing for school where scholarships are involved. One of the main characters, Kenyan, had the privilege of getting a full ride to Syracuse where the school offered to help him with his pregnant girlfriend, Kira. When Carter first walked into that gym, college had not even crossed Kenyan’s mind, but because of Carter’s aspirations in him, Kenyan was able to go to college and make his own path, regardless of any cultural stereotype places onto him by society. The analysis by this author shows us how much of a disadvantage black minority groups are, in terms of schooling and treatment of children and how Coach Carter disregarded this and followed his heart.
I agree that the stereotypes are what brings the black community down. Society labelling them as lazy without seeing their abilities first can suppress the black students. I think Carter’s support pushes the students out of their comfort zones and helps them strive to be the opposite of their stereotypes.
I’m one of the believers that the world of team sports can be a lens from which we view, understand, and work with an array of cultures. I personally think the decision to employ a sports flick that seeks to highlight negative aspects (or perceived aspects) of the African American community to be an astute choice for a rhetorical analysis. Great Work man!
I thought it was really interesting that many of the teachers in the movie seemed to have given up on helping the student. From my experience, growing up I’ve been told constantly that I could be anything I want to be. It doesn’t matter if it’s being a teacher, an astronaut, or the President of the United States. Yet, for the players in the film, it would seem that the only path they have down their life is to play basketball in the high school career. It’s quite baffling to be honest, but it’s a reality and the crux of the problem in some of our schools.
I never really got a chance to see this but I remember watching clips of it on YouTube over and over again and being amazed with the compassion and belief a coach can have on his players. I think now I will try to watch the full movie. I think you and the publisher do a great job in analyzing how Coach Carter is different. He wants the best for his students off the field and for them to grow into greater people than society is trying to keep them in. This also resonates with me as I had a very passionate soccer coach in high school. Overall great analysis.