Empowerment Through Film

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper details how Hollywood takes the examples of real-life educators to provide them with their plots. This paper discusses several such films in this particular genre, including: "Standby By Me," "Lean on Me," and "Remember the Titans," while focusing on "Coach Carter," starring Samuel L. Jackson. "Coach Carter" is a prime example of how students can be empowered to change their lives for the better. This paper describes the plot of "Coach Carter," in which the coach is shown as a human being and not just a savior. Carter attempts to put down student fisticuffs and fighting by using positive encouragement rather than intimidation to enforce discipline while at the same time inspiring his players to respect one another, as well as respect him as an authority figure. The writer also discusses how films like "Remember the Titans" and "Friday Night Lights" tell the tale of student empowerment through sports.

From the Paper:

"Of course, films like "Remember the Titans" and "Friday Night Lights" also tell the tale of student empowerment through sports. But these football films are more intent upon showing the dark side of sports, rather than seeing sports as having any potential for becoming tools of empowerment for young people, when in the right hands. The use of football in these films is a tool more for the empowerment of the coaches, fans, and outsiders such as the depressed people of the town rather than students. In contrast, the students of "Coach Carter" are taught to succeed for themselves and to advance their own interests."

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