This article continues our Power of Film series, in which thoughtful viewers share their experiences of meeting God at the movies. (SPOILERS are possible in this series.)
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I have always been interested in the black/white race issue. Growing up playing basketball, most of my teammates were black, and we developed friendships over time. At the same time, I attended a predominantly white, private school closer to home and was exposed often to the degradation of black people. So I found myself as living in two worlds where inappropriate things often would be said about or done to the minority. On top of that, my dad’s side of the family is from a small town in Georgia, where I learned that my great grandfather “owned” a black man. Because of my teammates and family, I often took offense to racism and an interest in living contrary to those traditions and beliefs.
With that as the background, a movie that has moved me deeply is Remember the Titans. I recall the first time seeing this movie and being totally captured by the story told. So much of the movie was a vicarious experience for me, watching privileged white boys on a high school football team living out the teachings of their parents and discriminating against black people. Gerry and Julius wrestle through what they had been taught and learn to move beyond it and see each other as equals, as peers, as friends and teammates. As I watched, I was captured by their struggle to unify their team and come together as a unit.
I recall burning inside as I watched a community’s polarized nature be exposed while their children, the players, were forced to become integrated. I did not like the way Coach Boone was set aside and dismissed because he was a black man. I hated the way the team was mistreated by leaders in the community, by officials in the games, or even by each other. The injustice stirred something within me and had me totally captured by the story of the Titans.
My own experience resonated with the young men’s ability to be taught and learn that they are all “on the same team” and can actually become great friends. The film really took off when the team goes off to preseason camp. They unify there, away from their families and communities, and develop a bond beyond themselves, beyond their races, as a team, the Titans. I loved watching Gerry stand up to his mom, his girlfriend, and his best friend because he valued Julius and his other black teammates as friends. His story hit me more so because he was the white high school boy (me). Julius too had to learn. He had to move beyond what he has been taught and so much of what he had experienced growing up. Watching, I learned to be a leader and felt empowered to stand up according to my convictions and not be ashamed when others do not see the world the way I do.
Remember the Titans taught me to see others through God’s eyes. It showed me who my neighbors are, whether black, white, Asian, European, or anything else. It helped me to understand that the culture at times needs to be challenged and changed for the better. The team’s unity despite its diversity painted a beautiful picture of what community is really supposed to look like. The entire team shows up at the hospital to be with Gerry when he has his terrible accident. Only Julius, his “brother”, is allowed in to see him immediately following the crash. Their love showed me that my love, God’s love, knows no limits or bounds. It reminded me that I am called to extend that type of love to others in their time of need.
So often in our faith we come up against situations that can be compared to this story. If we value relationship with our neighbor over our differences, we can find a deeply committed community that will be able to support each other. Often even our own community makes decisions for us, and so even our own convictions need to be challenged and weighed upon. Remember the Titans, although not directly spiritual, influenced me and my journey as a Christian. It taught me to love my neighbor, the importance of community, and also the value of standing up for my convictions even if it means dealing with backlash. It resonated with something inside which looks beyond the color of someone’s skin and values people for who they are.