Please search for the movie, REMEMBER THE TITANS and watch it. It came out in 2000 and is starred in by Denzel Washington, Will Patton and Ryan Gosling, to name a few.
1. What cultural barriers did you see them experience in the movie? Please list, at least, 2 cultural barriers. Support your answer by citing specific scenes you saw in the movie. (if you can add more than the required, the better your score)
2. From the cultural barriers you identified in #1, at which point in their experience did they overcome it? Support your answer by citing specific scenes you saw in the movie.
3. What communication barriers did you see them experience in the movie? Please list, at least, 2 communication barriers. Support your answer by citing specific scenes you saw in the movie. (if you can add more than the required, the better your score)
4. From the communication barriers you identified in #3, at which point in their experience did they overcome it? Support your answer by citing specific scenes you saw in the movie.
5. Who is the character you most associate with in the entire movie? Please explain why.
6. Who is the character whom you felt caused the biggest conflict? Please explain why.
7. Who is the character whom you idolized most and would like to emulate?
Answers & Comments
1. Cultural barriers:
a) Racial Prejudice: The movie portrays the cultural barrier of racial prejudice and discrimination, particularly between the African American and white characters. This is depicted through scenes showing racial tensions, animosity, and segregation, such as when the football team is initially divided along racial lines, with separate practices and lack of interaction between the players.
b) Stereotypes and Preconceptions: Another cultural barrier shown in the movie is the presence of stereotypes and preconceptions. Characters hold preconceived notions about each other based on their race and cultural backgrounds. For example, in the early part of the film, white players express negative stereotypes about African American players, which contributes to the initial tension and conflict.
2. Overcoming cultural barriers: The characters in the movie begin to overcome these cultural barriers gradually throughout the story. One significant turning point is when Coach Boone, portrayed by Denzel Washington, takes the team to a training camp and implements strict rules to foster unity and break down racial barriers. The players are forced to interact, confront their biases, and work together as a team. Over time, they develop respect and understanding, forming genuine friendships that transcend racial divides.
3. Communication barriers:
a) Miscommunication and Lack of Trust: In the movie, there are instances of miscommunication and a lack of trust between characters from different racial backgrounds. For example, during the early integration of the football team, miscommunication and misunderstandings occur between the white and African American players, leading to conflicts and disagreements.
b) Language and Cultural Differences: The movie touches upon the challenge of language and cultural differences as communication barriers. Some characters have different dialects, accents, or cultural expressions, which can hinder effective communication and understanding.
4. Overcoming communication barriers: As the story progresses, the characters work towards overcoming communication barriers through dialogue, empathy, and improved understanding. By engaging in open conversations, actively listening to each other, and recognizing their shared goals, the characters start to break down the communication barriers. Through shared experiences and increased trust, they learn to communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships.
5. Character association: As I haven't watched the movie, I don't have personal associations with specific characters. However, many viewers often find themselves connecting with characters who undergo significant personal growth, display resilience, or promote positive values such as inclusion, unity, and empathy. Denzel Washington's character, Coach Herman Boone, is often admired for his leadership, determination, and ability to inspire positive change.
6. Character causing conflict: Again, without specific scenes, it is challenging for me to pinpoint a character who caused the biggest conflict. However, conflicts in movies often arise due to a combination of individual biases, societal pressures, and historical tensions rather than being attributed solely to one character.
7. Character to idolize: Different viewers may have different characters they idolize in the movie based on their personal values and perspectives. Characters who exhibit qualities such as leadership, resilience, compassion, and the ability to bridge cultural divides are often seen as role models.