One of my favorite movies is called Remember the Titans. It is based on actual events that happened in Virginia during the time of the Civil Rights movement. The movie begins by showing scenes from T.C. Williams High and its new school integration program. No one is happy with the new arrangement. Blacks mistrust white people, and whites resent the intrusion of African-Americans. To make matters worse, the school’s favorite head coach, Coach Yoast, is replaced by Herman Boone, a black coach. Mistrust between these men exists also. For a long time, friction between black and white teammates and their coaches continue. Over time, however, both the players and coaches realize that if they want to become winners, they must put their differences aside, depend on one another, and unite as one team. When they do this, success happens and friendships form. The friendships that begin because of football continue off the field. One by one, others in the town are influenced by what they are seeing, and many become “color-blind” as well. In the end, all win. The Titans win the State Championship and go on to place second in the nation. The people win because they become a united community, supportive of all who need it whether black or white. All were forever influenced by the Titans.
I liked this movie because of the sports, but I also liked watching strangers become friends. One of my dad’s friends went to a rival high school of T.C Williams during this time. He said their football program really did change the way many in Virginia looked at segregation. It does not matter if a person is black or white, boy or girl, rich or poor, smart or dumb. Each is unique. Each is important. I can learn something from each person I meet, and I think each person can learn something from me, also. If we are wise, we will follow the Titan’s example. We will learn to value people because God made them and remember that they are important no matter what.
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