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Great Debaters

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Great Debaters
4/29/13
English 102.008
The Great Debaters In reviewing the film “The Great Debaters” I found it to be captivating and the elements of the movie made it very relatable to the viewers. With this being a true story I found that it was very easy for me to understand that these young kids really wanted to find themselves and a voice in the process. I found that this film was an earnest drama about the search for self-esteem and sense of responsibility among young black people that successfully relies and reflects upon its audience. In my opinion, I feel that all young teens who are being raised in an urban environment should watch this movie. I believe that this film teaches students not to give up because equality and justice is worth fighting for. The events in this film take place in Texas during the 1930s, where racial injustice was an everyday part of life. This is also relevant because the Wiley College, for over 130 years, has served African Americans and other minorities, much as the HBCU’s of our time. During these times the students had to face awful Jim Crow laws and were pushed for the better by their professor to take responsibility for their own future. This is relevant to today because, though we don’t have Jim Crow laws, racism and stereotypes are very much part of our everyday life. Students today need professors like Professor Tolson to push them with his power of words to be more than what they imagined and to actually make a difference. The audience in my opinion is primarily for African American students who attend an HBCU type college or institution. I say this because this film is focused around young black kids who have to deal with the struggle against racial oppression. This movie would give an insight to young adults who can relate and have been through the same situations. The Great Debaters gives a really good depiction and staying true to the actual events that occurred. This movie shows that with words, power is given. It teaches

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