Great Debaters Discussion Questions

Great Debaters Discussion Questions
In the film The Great Debaters, the true story of a college debate team in Texas highlights the importance of public speaking. In numerous instances, if
a topic makes a large group uncomfortable this topic goes untouched. However, in this film, the debate team bravely brings on those topics that are
close to their hearts, even though society does not want to talk about these issues. The most prominent example of uneasy topics is when James Farmer
Jr., in the middle of a Harvard debate, with a predominantly white audience, goes to talk about the lynching of people of color. While this was a topic
purposely not brought up due to making people uncomfortable, by Farmer doing this it started the discussion. Obviously, one man saying lynching is
inhumane does not solve the problem. However, one voice can start a discussion. Discussions lead to ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Public speaking is the spark that leads to the realization of the need for change. When the world becomes so conditioned to not talk about the
uncomfortable issues, it becomes easy to forget how harmful they truly are. However, public speaking is that opportunity to hold up that mirror to
society, and command a change to be made. All of the great social shifts were fueled by the speeches of those who cared. The famous of all being
the famous "I Have a Dream" speech, which still is quoted today. In order for change to take place, an individual must speak up in some sort of public
forum to identify the problem.
As a passionate person, in my own public speaking experiences, it is extremely easy to let my emotions overpower my logic. Whether this be
negative feelings making me too hotheaded to focus, or too passionate and rambling, my own emotions get in my way of public speaking. However, in
this film, the character Samantha Brooke was an excellent way to represent people like me. During her tryout to make the
... Get more on HelpWriting.net ...

Rhetorical Analysis Of The Great Debaters
The Great Debaters This is a piece of history with the Harvard and Wiley college debate from the movie "The Great Debaters" with James Farmer
Jr and Samantha Booke. This document takes place during the time period where discrimination had a huge effect on the lives of blacks. The
purpose of this debate is to convince the audience whether or not civil disobedience is a moral weapon. Ms. Booke and Mr. Farmer believe that
justice isn't divided equally, and that civil disobedience is a moral weapon in the fight of justice. The three modes of persuasion used are ethos,
pathos and logos. After the Harvard dean finished speaking, Wiley college was up next and James Farmer Jr was the first to speak. As a result, Farmer
started his... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
He called it a moral victory." Based on what Farmer conveys this is an example of pathos because it shows how determined they were and how
they still chose domestic violence. Towards the end of Farmer's speech he finishes with another rhetorical question leading into logos, "Dyer's lesson
or Gandhi's victory. You choose." This is an example of logos because Farmer is letting his audience choose whether acting violently and letting
innocent people die, but succeeding or acting with civil disobedience and saving all those lives who succeeding is the moral thing to do. Once the
first Harvard debater concluded his part of the debate Samantha Booke was next to speak. She begins her speech employing ethos, Samantha proclaims
" Gandhi believes one must always act with love and respect for one's opponents –– even if they are harvard debaters." Samantha describes how
important it is to display love and respect even if they are your enemies and explains some things the trusted and famous protester believed in. Booke
also creates an ethical response using repetition when she says "Gandhi also believes that law breakers must accept the legal consequences for their
actions." Leading into this quote Samantha applies a rhetorical question, "Does that sound like anarchy?" Samantha uses this rhetorical question to
make the audience question themselves about their absence of authority. Samantha commences her second part of her speech by stating four powerful
sentences utilizing

Westminster College Speech Analysis
They came, they saw, and the conquered (some what). Last weekend, February 17th, the Westminster College Speech and debate team braved the cold
wind and snow and traveled to Bloomsburg University to compete in the State championship tournament for Forensics.
Six participants, Emily Gellatly, Matthew Causer, Christian Na, Julie Yesko, Jackson Gastmeyer, and Bailey Dunks traveled to the tournament and
competed in a variety of events that included, persuasive public speaking, after dinner speaking, duo interpretation, informative speaking, impromptu
speaking, and prose interpretation. Five other schools took part in the tournament along with Westminster College. Saint Joseph's University, West
Chester University, Lafayette College, Penn State ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Play cuttings and poetry are prohibited. The use of a manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes, including an original introduction. Prose
interpretation may be based on one selection which can be performed as an individual event or on a combination of selections from short stories,
novels, essays, or other prose material arranged in a theme–inspired program. Material from any other literary genre may not be included. The prose
should be of literary merit and suitable to the performer and the audience. The performance should possess a clear point in that it poses a question,
presents an issue or explicates or clarifies a conflict. Care should be taken in designing the cutting to include essential plot action and retain the original
intent of the

The Great Debates
The Great Debaters is a 2007 American biographical drama film directed by and starring Denzel Washington. Written by Robert Eisele, based on a
story by Mr. Eisele and Jeffrey Porro. The story is spin around the efforts of the debate coach Melvin B Tolson at wiley college who coached the
college debate team. The team was including merely of African–American students at a time when racismand Jim Crow laws were still facts of life in
the South. "The Great Debaters" is about a longs hot debate team that wins a national championship. The film is the journey of the coach
MelvinTolson. He is brilliant teacher..He's organizing both poor whites and blacks, whose serfdom is equal. He conducts auditions and selects four
members and he coach them and leads

The Importance Of Being In The Policy Debate
Debate is an activity that has existed for an extremely long time. People all over the world have participated in debates, whether a debate in a formal
setting or a friendly argument between acquaintances. Policy debate is a form of debate in which high schoolers and college students discuss policy
ideas to fix problems happening in society. This has also expanded to include philosophical ideas to fix social situations. Numerous students enterdebate
hoping to learn skills that could help them one day to actually fix the problems of the status quo. This idea of why students do debate begs the
question of "How does being in the policy debate community change and/or support one's desire for creating change in the broader community?" In
regard ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
In the "Help will always be there" evidence it is evident that debaters will always help other debaters. This also references the evidence in which
people in debate feel superior for the reason that they feel that helping others makes them better than those who don't. This also applies to those
who run affirmatives in which they discuss social issues that affect minorities, since they feel the need to help those in pain, however most claim
to be a part of that minority. Nevertheless, the debate community is full of people who believe that they are actually creating change when they
debate. This is evident in the piece of evidence called "Differing Views of Debate." Both teams were willing to risk the round to chance seeing that
they felt like the debate space is a place for education and community and that a discussion of issues would be more productive in creating change.
However, no one else is the room to hear this discussion and thus the ideas and messages conveyed during the discussion wouldn't likely move far
past the room. On the other hand, as indicated in the evidence "Why we do debate," there is a whole heap to learn by doing debate. The author of this
comment clearly shows the valuable skills one learns from doing debate such as, greater political knowledge, better speaking skills, greater
philosophical knowledge, and research skills. These can all shape the student to

The Great Debaters
The Great Debaters, released on December 25, 2007, is a Blockbuster film directed by Denzel Washington and produced by Oprah Winfrey and her
production company, Harpo. The film had a budget of $15 million, and made a total of $30 million. It stars Denzel Washington, who plays Professor
Melvin Tolson; Forest Whitaker, James Farmer Sr.; and Denzel Whitaker, James Farmer Jr. Based on actual events, the plot followsDenzel Washington
's character and his efforts at Wiley College to have his team able to debate with white schools in the South in the 1930s. This time period being
when Jim Crow laws were common and lynch mobs were a very real fear for black people. In the movie, the Wiley team defeats every opponent they
face, and, due to Tolson's ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
For instance, Belle is the only character in the town to wear blue. Almost every other character wore red. This leads the viewer to believe that
Belle is the only good person in a group of mean and often misogynistic people. Another aspect of the film is the use of seasons. The film goes
through Fall, Winter, and ends in Spring. The depicted seasons put the viewer in different moods, and let them know what is going on. For
example, Spring is often associated with rebirth, so it is with Beauty and the Beast. The Beast nearly dies until Belle tells him she loves him, and
he is turned back into a prince as the curse is broken. This scene, paired with the change from Winter to Spring, shows that the Beast is a changed
man, and no longer a "beast." Clothes played another important role in the film, as they showed the general temperament and disposition of a
character. Belle, in the beginning of the film, wore a very plain, blue dress. This showed that she didn't get much enjoyment from having nice things
and was happy enough with just her collection of books. The Beast's clothes showed much more about his character. When he is first shown, the
Beast wears an old pair of frayed pants, and a cloak to keep warm. Later, when he learns to control his temper and act more like a human being, we
see him in a cloak and a white shirt, then a smart jacket and trousers. When he has finally won Belle's love, he has a

Great Debaters Sparknotes
"The Great Debaters"
The Credits:
This motion film is called "The Great Debaters." The movie which was released in 2007 is based on a true story but does not trumpet that fact in an
opening caption, takes place on the campus of Wiley College during 1935. The movie is Directed by Denzel Washington and Produced by
Todd Black, Kate Forte, Oprah Winfrey and Joe Roth. This film was inspired by the American Legacy article by Tony Scherman. Molly Allen
Co–Produced the movies and the Executive Producers are Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein and David Crockett. Philippe Rousselot, afc/asc is the
Director of Photography and David J. Bomba is the Production Designer. The movie was Edited by Hughes Winborne, a.c.e. The Cast of this film
Denzel ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Neither of those faults plagues The Great Debaters. By highlighting themes of individual achievement against a daunting backdrop, this film provides
heroes who can be admired irrespective of their race, even though skin color is a huge part of the story. More significantly, it does not shy from
showing the darkest aspects of human nature. A scene in The Great Debaters is designed to shock and horrify, and it succeeds in doing so. But it is in
no way exploitative; it is necessary to the understanding of the characters and their motivations, and to coming to grips with elements of the social
fabric that are too often softened for mass consumption. The film makes it evident that racism can be more ghastly than calling someone degrading
names.Denzel Washington His initial goals are modest: face–off against other black colleges. But when the team goes on an undefeated run that
includes toppling one of the best black debating teams in the country, he sets his sights higher and challenges National Champion Harvard. If Harvard
agrees to the contest, it will be the first time the debating team from a black college will face off against a National Champion. The Great Debaters
does an excellent job forming a bond between the characters and the audience.

The Great Debaters Analysis
The movie, The Great Debaters, takes place in the 1930s and explores the struggles of three students from Wiley College's debate team. The first
character introduced is the youngest student from the team, 14 year old, James Farmer Jr. He is an ambitious young man who strives to live up to his
father's expectations. James struggles with fear throughout the movie. He is sheltered and does not understand the severity of the racial conflict of the
time. This trait is evident in the film in two key scenes. The first is when his family is out for a drive and his father accidently hits a white man's pig.
James's father is very cautious during this interaction and James witnesses the incident from the car. This interaction has a major impact on James and
gives him a greater understanding of the racial conflict. The second incident occurs when James is unsuccessful in his first debate. When given other
opportunities to debate, he questions himself and fears failure. This fear plays a role in the debate team's future competitions. James's fear can be
linked to Bandura's observational learning theory. He observes how his father cowers down to the white farmers and learns that he too should fear
whites. Bandura's learning theory comes into play because James is learning his behavior through observation. This fear of whites is instilled in him
and is evident through out the movie. The second link that can be made to Bandura is his theory of self–efficacy. James is not given the

White Characters In The Great Debaters In The Great Debaters
During the mid–1930's, racism against coloured people was a very prominent topic in America. In the Film The Great Debaters created by Denzel
Washington and Oprah Winfrey, the debate team and their fellow African Americans are truly discouraged by the white characters. However,
these ambitious individuals decide to stick to their goals and push for success. James is one of the main protagonists in the film who progressively
becomes more confident. The whole team also perceived racism and hate in such a way that made them want to bring change in their own, and
their people's lives. Despite oppression, the film demonstrates that the minority are still motivated to succeed. James Farmer Jr. is arguably a very
insecure individual, although, as the film progresses his confidence does as well. To begin, James stood up against his father when his father made
inaccurate assumptions about him. For instance, when James came home late at night, his father thought that he had been out with a girl and
drinking. He used to be a nervous child who would just listen and apologize to his father right away. However, progression is shown in James'
character when he decides to protest against his father's false accusations. He displayed a lot of emotion to get his message across as he showed
tears and even raised his voice. Evidently, James shows that he now has a voice as he now decides to go against his father's wrong claims. He believes
that he needs to stand up for himself as a result of

Process Essay: How To Become A Heated Sports Debater
How To Become A Heated Sports Debater Being an sports debater can be fun and very frustrating at times. Sports debaters are reliable to the public
because of their information about sports. It is also a time for people that love sports have a very ,sometimes heated, discussions about the sport they
enjoy. To become the best sport debater a person must learn as much as they can about the sport, become knowledgeable about statistics, and never be
biased. Becoming known with the history of the sport teams and players is a must before debating with someone. Knowing the history helps with
arguments and comparing different eras and show you are not a bandwagon,a person going with the hype. History of teams is knowing their great
players and the team changing moments. Knowing great players go hang–and–hand with the team changing moments, because it is when the franchise
becomes more relevant. MIchael Jordan,former basketball player,is one of the most well–known basketball player and athletes of time.Jordan changed
the Bulls organization around by winning 6 championships, 5 most valuable player, ten all–NBA ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Never ignore facts cause you like or dislike a player, best thing to do is take the information and use it in the future because it will be needed.
Always give valuable points about individual players. Sometimes stats is not always number. Mentally players could be better than one with better
stats because the player could play best when it matters most. Kobe Bryant,former basketball player for Los Angeles Lakers, is another great player
that gets compared to James. He average 25.0 points per game, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists for a career. Stats show James is a better player but Kobe
always showed up when it matters most.Kobe has won 5 NBA playoffs out of 7. Lebron has won 3 NBA playoffs out of 5.
Becoming a sports debater is fun and rewarding cause of the social talks with others and gaining knowledge about what so many people

Rhetorical Analysis Of The Wiley College Debate
The Wiley College team went against Harvard College in a debate in 1935 which took place at Harvard University. The author of the Wiley College
debate will be none other than James Farmer, Jr and Samantha Booke. The purpose of their debate is to convince the audience that civil disobedience
is a moral weapon in the fight for justice. After the first Harvard Dean finished, Farmer states that "Civil disobedience is a moral weapon in the fight for
justice." He then begins with using a rhetorical question which is " But how can disobedience ever be moral?". He uses a rhetorical question to
strengthen his upcoming argument. To make the argument stronger, he uses logos in response which is "General Dyer trapped them in a
courtyard and ordered his troops to fire at the crowd for ten minutes." to his opponent by using an example of a bad act violence. He later uses
pathos by explaining how in this "moral" act of violence, 379 people died, including children. At the last part of the debate, he uses another
rhetorical question which is " The definition of moral: Dyer's "lesson" or Gandhi's victory. You choose." He purposely asks us this because he knows
that the audience will likely to choose Gandhi's victory because it is far better than killing people to call it a "moral victory". After the first debater
was finished Samantha uses Gandhi's philosophy by stating facts about him. She then uses logos by saying ''Gandhi also believes that lawbreakers
must accept

Modern America 's Foundation Consists Of Equality And...
Modern America's foundation consists of equality and their values against discrimination. However, during the 1900's equality was not as easy as it is
today due to factors such as individuals viewing themselves as superior to others. According to the Anti–Defamation League (ADL), this is the
mentality known as racism. It's defined as "the belief that a particular race is superior or inferior to another, that a person's social and moral traits are
predetermined by his or her inborn biological characteristics..."(ADL). The persistence in the 1900's of White Americans to hinder blacks from
reaching their true equality was dominant in communities, specifically in the Southern States of the United States. The perception of race by the society
and its citizens affected the lives of blacks, from how they felt, to the nature and the extent in which they participated in social life. By looking at the
film entitled The Great Debaters, we can see that in order to persuade someone to do something, it is beneficial to create a sense of responsibility; this
works because, making actions seem personally relevant is more effective than a generic response.
Lloyd Bitzer employs that when trying to advocate for change individuals must illustrate a reality that will enable action. Individuals are often
persuaded through measures that provoke a reaction and an urgency for change in a given situation. Bitzer discusses that a situation, specifically a
rhetorical situation, comes into existence as

The Great Debaters: Movie Analysis
Although throughout history there were many conflicts between different groups of people who have different perspectives, the text, film and my
personal experience show that even today and many years back, that there will always be people who view other people differently. Specifically,
setting influence the characters conflicts and plot. The geographical location could both positively and negatively affect many different themes such as
character development, mood of the character and the overall plot. Changes in the geographical location could affect the feelings of characters, the
way they feel towards other people based on the way they were raised and much more. The Great Debaters was a film that portrayed how some people
(African American) ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The story was filled with endless counts of lying and trying to accuse others of something that they know isn't true just so you (Abigail) could stay
out of trouble. As the story progresses, Abigail who shows a very big presence in the story, her main objective is to acquit herself from any
accusations thrown at her while trying to accuse others that they are witches. Back then and based on the specific geographical location, if you do
one little thing that looks out of the ordinary, you will be considered a witch and most likely be brought to court to face charges. Since most of the
"witches" lived in the woods, that is symbolic because witchcraft is believed to be done in forests and villages, and in general the area is isolated
so they have to fight and survive. So since you are in an isolated part of the country, not only do you have to fight to survive to have food, water
and shelter, you also have to fight to acquit yourself from any accusations for being a witch. In the novel, Abigail is telling the other girls to keep
their mouths shut because she doesn't want to be hung for her crimes. Unfortunately, this leads to hangings of many other people in the village for
crimes they did not even commit. After this, it turns to a more violent scene. She tells the girls not only to keep their mouths shut, but if they don't
she will kill them. A quote from the novel that supports this is "Now look you. All of you. We danced. And Tituba conjured Ruth Putnam's dead
sisters. And that is all. And mark this. Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the
black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you". As you can tell, there is also a sense of violence that is
portrayed that reinforces the fact that you

Examples Of Equality In The Great Debaters
Equality is the concept in which everybody is defined to be treated the same way. Of course humans today are still finding a way to get its definition
correctly. For decades, equality was not only about blacks, white, and Asians, but rather, the women and men. In the film, The Great Debaters, its
central claim is equality. The movie is not only a common metaphorical situation all Africans had to face during 1930s, but also anybody that was
different from white, such as Asian people in general. First and foremost, Asian Americans had immigrated in theUnited States before 1965 with a small
number of people including Vietnamese, Japanese, Pilipino, and Chinese. One of the most important groups was Japanese or Japanese American
Community in

The Great Debaters Is Directed By Denzel Washington And...
The Great Debaters The Great debaters is a 2007 American film based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington). The film is
directed by Denzel Washington and stars Washington, Forest Whitaker, Denzel Whitaker, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett and Kimberly Elise. The film
was produced by Ophra Winfrey and her production company, Harpo production. The script was written by Robert Eisele. Melvin B. Tolson,
professor at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, who encouraged students to form the first debate team in 1935. Melvin B. Tolson coached the first
debate team to a near–undefeated season. The team featured a female student Samantha Booke (Jurnee Smollett), Henry Lowe (Nate Parker),
Hamilton Burgess (Jermaine Williams) and a 14 year old James Farmer, Jr. (Denzel Whitaker). The plot goes around how Melvin Tolson coaches
and tries to put his team in equal footing as the whites during the 1930s. Melvin Tolson believed in the power of words. He was a brilliant coach
who uses words to shape the group of students. Professor Tolsons teaching methods and his political views were radical, however Wiley College won
their first debate. The winning continued as Wiley College was the first black American college to debate a white college. They went to debate
Oklahoma City University which was a white college and they defeated the white college. In their pursuit for championship Willey college debate team
receives an invitation to debate the Harvard University. (However, the true

Comparing Freedom Writers 'And The Great Debaters'
The films "Freedom Writers" and "The Great Debaters" tell inspirational success stories of students fighting racism on their way to the top. Freedom
Writers tells a story of a school filled with gang violence. One class, led by teacher Erin Gruwell, is taught to overlook their differences and unite. The
Great Debaters accounts Wiley College's debate team and how they had to fight extreme racism, on top of becoming a successful team. In both movies,
discrimination based on race is clear. A group in power is looking down and taking advantage of people, based on their race. A strong teacher figure, in
Erin Gruwell and Melvin Tolson, is present to push the students to their potential. Although there is racial tension and discrimination in both stories,
they are between different races. The school setting is also different, as Wiley College in The Great Debaters is segregated, and Woodrow Wilson...
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When Erin Gruwell is attempting to obtain adequate supplies for her English class, her colleagues deny her, essentially saying that her class is not
worthy. "You can't make someone want aneducation" said Margaret Campbell, another teacher in the movie. The school is assuming that the students
do not care, and refusing to realize their potential, just because of their race. During The Great Debaters, almost every school the team debates in looks
down on them. The opponent schools take them less seriously because of the fact they are African–American. At one point in the movie, the team's
coach, Melvin Tolson, is arrested. Although he was planning to rebel against the government, the rangers had very little evidence that he was
breaking the law. Tolson was most likely arrested because of his race. Freedom Writers and The Great Debaters both contain stories of discrimination
based on race. There are powerful groups of people looking down and taking advantage of others, solely because of

Spirituality In The Film 'The Great Debaters'
Spirituality is a subtle but paramount theme throughout this movie. James Farmer Senior was a religious man and strong believer in the existence of
a higher power which explains why his first line in the movie is a bible verse from Corinthians Chapter thirteen, verse eleven. As he addresses the
freshmen of Wiley College, he reminds them that 'Education is the only way out of ignorance and darkness into the glorious light" He implies that the
freshmen have new and more important responsibilities to carry on their shoulders and things will be difficult for them especially since the level of
segregation is at an all time high. He explains that now that they've moved from one phase of life to another, they have to become more mature putting
away... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
At the beginning of the film, The Great Debaters, Henry Lowe is seen as conceited, philandering and impulsive. However, during the course of the
movie we find out that Henry is just a kid who has been through a lot including watching his parents become slaves to the white. He has seen things
and is at lost about how to deal with it and so he drinks his problems away. Through Professor Tolson's lessons and training, He becomes more
mature and responsible. Towards the end of the movie, Henry gives up his position as leader speaker to James Farmer Junior which to me shows a
tremendous growth on the part of Henry because he believes in James Jr. even though the last time James Jr. spoke in a debate, they lost. Henry
believes James Jr. is ready and sits in audience as a spectator to watch the debate. At the end credits of the movie, we learn each of the debaters have
grown into influential members of the society. Samantha Booke became the lawyer she always wanted to be and led the freedom walk to Alabama.
James Farmer Junior founded the Congress of Racial Equality and Henry Lowe became a minister; proving that 'the young too shall

Melvin B. Tolson's The Great Debates
The Great Debates is a drama that was released in the year 2007, it is based on a real life story of an African American man named, Melvin B.
Tolson. Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington plays Melvin B. Tolson in the movie. Melvin B. Tolson was a professor at Wiley College
Texas. In the year 1935, Mr.Melvin B. Tolson, motivates the students to join their school's first debate team. The team made it all the way up to
compete with Harvard in the national championship, furthermore, Harvard was known as the best. The debate team was a team of four students, three
boys and one girl. However, in this true life movie actor Denzel Washington engaged in numerous good communication ethics in more than one scene
(Washington, Black, Forte, Roth, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
He continued to tell them that his father was one of the meanest and the most restless slave in that time. He sternly told them that his father was strip
of his clothes with each leg tied to two horse facing opposite direction. His father was then set on fire, while each horse was whipped, causing him to
ripped apart. Basically he was telling them the slave masters take their minds but kept their bodies. Therefore, they should keep their minds, especially
being young and on the debate team (Washington, Black, Forte, Roth, Winfrey, Eisele & Porro, 2008). Denzel Washington was graphic and serious
while he was telling the students about his father. However, I believe he had thought them a good lesson in the dialogue. I believe the moral of the
dialogue is to keep your mind regardless of what may happened in your life. Because if someone control your mind they basically control your life, for
example, the slaves. Nevertheless, Denzel Washington used intercultural communication ethics which I think was good.
However, in another scene, Denzel Washington employs Public discourse ethics. Public discourse ethics protects and promotes a place of
conversation for diversity of ideas and persons (Arnett, Fritz, Janie & Bell, 2008). Moreover, Denzel Washington was in a secret and private barn
with approximately fifty five other men, they were African Americans, Hispanics as well as Caucasian. They seem to be discussing issues that they
were facing with the farm bosses, therefore they were trying to get organized and have a plan so to make things right for them (Washington, Black,
Forte, Roth, Winfrey, Eisele & Porro,

Reoccurring Themes In 'The Great Debaters'
The Great Debaters is an extraordinary and inspiring movie; it incorporated a rich story. The move is based on a true story; the story dates back to the
1930's. It was about four African–American students from Wiley College who are on the school's debate team, throughout the movie we see the
discrimination they faced in the South.вЂЁThere are many reoccurring themes that can be depicted from this movie. This includes "racial
discrimination and love. Racial discrimination can be seen when Mr. James Farmer accidentally ran over a white man's pig, as a result he was
charged a very high amount for the pig. We assume that if it were a white man he wouldn't have been charged nearly as much. However, when the
team challenged and defeated a few white... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The theme of love is also shown. James Farmer Jr., 14 year old boy, seizes to hide that he like Samantha, aspiring female lawyer, but sadly for Jr.
Samantha likes Henry,the other debater. After constant rejection,including Samantha sleeping with Henry, Jr. gets frustrated and get into an argument
with Samantha following Professor Melvin Tolson's arrest. However, the role shifts, and Jr. becomes angry at Henry because he cheated on her. Thus,
we can see the shift of both the themes racial discrimination and love. вЂЁThe various types of music in the movie The Great Debaters really did
evoke emotions in a way that was effective to the audience. Whether it was a positive or negative vibe. For example, during the party scene the music
was very up beat and uprising. It gave a sense of expression where the people were able to dance freely around people who liked the similar music.
Invoking a sense of unity and happiness. Furthermore, loud suspenseful music, seen in the night meeting scene evoked contrasting emotions to the
audience. James Farmer Jr. secretly went to the meeting, out of curiosity, he was watching the meeting the whole time. During the night meeting we
see Professor Tolson attempting to organize a union of black and white

Non Fictional Characters From The Movie ' The Great...
There were many reasons and examples for the non–fictional characters from the movie, "The Great Debaters; however, civil disobedience can be
cited and resonant with any society. First, describe a feeling of struggle and wanted to belong or presence from the beginning. How should a
person connect and understand the continued era for all generation. For Instance, could anyone be shamed or turn down by a certain racial group
at the same time. America has felt the urge to teach young children and adults not the need for positive human relations, but the primary source
should focus on how race, gender, labor and political social problems. It's clear to understanding what it meant to be separated but not equal, not
by default. For Example, sixty years ago African Americans were recognized by decline image for the world, a continued issue for decades to
come. A racial group of people not reaching their full potential in a society, a young black males not being recognize as a human. "The Great
Debaters," describe a variety of circumstance that everyone can relate or experience; but not all society have been involved or affected to a carried
curse over many generations. The critique structure between several incidents, and developments would be question throughout this essay. I would
give an example on how the overall context of the movies explains the magnitude on America. Every society has different views of what it holds in
concepts. To engages the topic by describing to

The Great Debaters: Melvin Tolson, James Farmer R.
The Great Debaters
The movie The Great Debaters is about a group of college kids debating other colleges in order to become equal to white americans in the south.
There are 5 main characters in the movie: Melvin Tolson, James Farmer Jr., James Farmer Sr., Henry Lowe, and Samantha Booke. The character I
chose to research is Melvin Tolson who is played by Denzel Washington. Based on all the movies that Denzel has played in, his character always
seems to be hard on the outside and soft on the inside. He believed in "tough love", so I was not very surprised by the way he acted in this movie.
In real life, Tolson was born February 6, 1898 to Reverend Alonzo Tolson and Lera (Hurt) Tolson. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Kansas
City in 1919 and then graduated with honors from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania in 1924. In 1922, he married Ruth Southall and had 4 children:
Melvin B. Tolson Jr., Arthur Lincoln, Wiley Wilson, and Ruth Marie Tolson. He moved to Marshall, Texas with his wife and taught English and
speech at Wiley College, but he also created an award–winning debate team called the Wiley Forensic Society.... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
You could tell he was humble because he did not really seem to like to dress up on certain occasions and wore "cotton–picker clothes" as Henry Lowe
described them. He had a wife but did not have any kids that I knew of. He did not play or joke really, but he was not uptight and mean. Tolson was
reserved in an emotional way and did not really show his

Nate Parker: The Secret Life Of Bees, The Great Debater
NATE PARKER
Nate Parker was born on November 18, 1979 in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for The Birth of a Nation (2016),
Non–Stop (2014) and The Great Debaters (2007). He has been married to Sarah DiSanto since 2007. He is an American actor, director,
Producer, writer and musical performer who has appeared in Beyond
The Lights, Red Tails, The Secret Life of Bees, The Great Debaters,
Arbitrage, Non–Stop, Felon and Pride. Parker was born in Norfolk,
Virginia, to Carolyn Whitfield, a 17–year–old single mother.
Although Parker's mother did not marry his biological father, Parker had a relationship with his father until his father died from cancer when
Parker was eleven. After a divorce, Parker's mother then

The Genre Of The Sub Genre
Each genre has their conventional way of displaying themselves in movie titles. The sub–genre not often talked about, inspirational teacher/drama has
this exact same flow, it has various key elements that make up their story and become part of that sub–genre. "Given the importance of storytelling as
an organizational knowledge transfer mechanism, there is a need to develop a comprehensive and well–grounded framework for analyzing
organizational stories to identify their salient characteristics, types of knowledge embodied and their likely effectiveness in achieving their
purpose."(Lee et al. 1). This concept can be applied to all types of storytelling, sub–genres are no exception. In the case of this sub–genre, there are
various... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This wasn't very given light on the subject however it is clear it is an issue due to the whole school having an academic failure and being played by
an all–black cast. 1988 was the time a film "Stand and Deliver" was directed by RamГіn MenГ©ndez. Their story's protagonists were a group of
Hispanic students taking AP calculus in a low academic achieving school. The school board doesn't believe they can produce great marks. As said by
their mentor Jaime Escalante said: "Those scores would have never been questioned if my kids did not have Spanish surnames and come from burial
grounds." The same correlation can be made in the movie "Great Debaters" directed by Denzel Washington in 2007 when a black debating team
staying in a white prominent community is chased off by some of the town members after witnessing a lynching of the black citizen. Is it obvious that
they are being discriminated after a white townsperson exclaims "There's niggers in that car" and chases after them. This film takes a more radical
approach to discrimination, which creates a more impactful emphasis on discrimination. A film that doesn't acknowledge discrimination however
clearly is presented is the 2010 "Karate Kid" directed by Harald Zwarts. Dre an African American moves to china and is outcasted due to not knowing
the culture. There is not verbal talk of being a different race, this method of discrimination is unique since the

Sojourner Truth's Essay 'Ain' T I A Women
Throughout all of these speeches there was one idea and that idea was freedom amongst all. At this time it was hard for certain people to get the
freedom and equality they deserved. Each speaker gave their own opinions towards how they feel about the roles women play like how they get
treated, and how they should be looked at, and if they should be granted the same rights as men, and in reality they should be allowed the same
rights I mean no matter what their gender is they are still human. Which shows that women are just as important as men, they should have the same
rights as men and should be able to work and voice their opinions. They should be able to have a job that doesn't keep them home all day cleaning
and cooking for the family. They should not be looked down upon for being a girl because if you think about it women play a huge role in... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
Which is portrayed in each of these four speeches and one movie.
Sojourner Truth was an African American women who spoke for women's suffrage and oppressed people in a fun, humor, and enthusiasm. In one of
her speeches called "Ain't I A Women" showed how she felt about the treatment women were receiving. She stated that "If the first woman God made
was strong enough to turn the

The Great Debaters: The Wiley College Debate Team Essay
Introduction Conflict is inevitable in any personal relationship or among members of any group. While we encounter many types of conflict in our
lifetime, we often look for ways to avoid conflict. So, why do we run away from dealing with our conflict? It is often because many of us fear the
conflict will escalate into a situation we will not be able to sustain. "As conflicts escalate, they go through certain incremental transformations. Although
these transformations occur separately on each side, they affect the conflict as a whole because they are usually mirrored by the other side. As a result
of these transformations, the conflict is intensified in ways that are sometimes exceedingly difficult to undo" (Pruitt, and Kim 89). We... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
has not yet learned how to truly harness the power of knowledge through action and assertion. James Jr. has seen the raving effects of racism all
around him, and longs to live in a future where no one must be in fear simply because of the color of their skin. Other talented debaters on Tolson's
team include fiercely independent student Henry Lowe, and Samantha Brooke –– the first ever female ever to join the Wiley College debate team.
While most educators may not have recognized the remarkable potential of assembling such a disparate team, Tolson's unique vision truly set him
apart from the pack as the team begins to experience a series of consecutive victories on their road to challenging Harvard at the National
Championships" (Buchanan). Event One of the challenges the Wiley College debate team was faced with in the film was during a debate against
Oklahoma City University. The topic selected for argument was whether Negroes should be admitted into the same colleges as Whites. This particular
subject is one the students at Wiley College were all too familiar with. The setting of the debate would begin the escalation of the conflict between the
two schools. The intensity of the conflict began when Oklahoma City University refused to hold the debate on campus and would only accept the
challenge to go up against Wiley College if the competition was held at another location. In a clip provided by YouTube the arguments begin with
Samantha

The Great Debaters
The Great Debaters by Denzel Washington is a dramatic film, which presents the tough reality of racism, through following the talented debate students
under the care of renowned poet, and practicing instructor, Melvin Tolson, from Wiley College, a predominantly African American college located in
small–town Texas. In the film, this team travels and competes against other debate teams all around the south, growing closer together, stronger as
individuals, and witnessing events that will forever shape their identity, such as coming across scenes of horrific crimes. Their perseverance through
these hardships allow viewers of the movie not only to relate to and aspire to be like these characters, but also to analyze several aspects of their
persona, including some which are discussed in this class, Psych 1300. These concepts which are applicable to this movie which were also discussed in
class include identifying personality types, assigning multiple intelligences, figuring out learning styles, and recognizing motivations that cause their
ability to... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
He is identifiable as an extroverted, logical, kinesthetic learner with a tendency towards reading as well. He would most closely be an ENTP
Myers–Briggs personality type, which is represented in his constant intuition, which saved the team in several instances and also in his tendency to
tear apart an argument and put it in shreds. Tolson represents extremely quick wit, a broad base of knowledge, and the ability to connect ideas to form
a solid foundation for arguments and claims. His intuitive way of thinking causes him to write the arguments that he wishes his students would use,
which are arguments based off an open mind with an interpersonal connection. He proves his ability to connect with items other than people as well
when he stands atop the table in order to make a point, showing his kinesthetic side, also allowing him a sense of

The Great Debaters Essay
Casey Green1 09/13/11 SPC 100 Section 14 The Great Debaters This film focuses on being a confident and decisive person in life, through
passionate and informed topics. Public speaking is the process of speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to inform,
influence, or entertain the listeners.В№ After watching this film it does strike a cord of wanting to be able to reach out to others and share my own
opinions in a strong, confident manner. To inspire others on something I may be passionate about in life, to share a different aspect of life that others
have not lived. I can't say exactly how much this film has impacted my views on public speaking although the film itself... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
I hope to control my anxiety while speaking in front of a group, since there might be a situation in my field that requires me to inform others of
daily logs or protocols. It would be fulfilling to get others passionate about a subject that I favor and means a lot to me, as well as presentations are
an expected process in future classes and need to be mastered. I think most people can identify with this movie, the fear of speaking out to others to
convince them of your point. The fear of trying to prove a point to others that may have more knowledge on the subject or be able to refute it
better. In reference to the movie it was about defending a personal honor, having the right to speak out and be equal with others. Debating requires
excellent mastery of vocabulary, logic, and nerves. In a debate, you need to be poised and confident in order to get your point across effectively. Just
like a regular speech. There are many speeches that have lifted hearts in dark times, gave hope in despair, inspired brave feats, gave courage to the
weary, honored the dead, and changed the course of history. Without inspiring, passionate public speeches many people may not have had the fortitude
to press on. In the eleven–year period between 1957 and 1968, Martin Luther King traveled over six million miles and spoke over twenty–five hundred
times, appearing wherever there was injustice,

Amid the 1930's it was a defining moment for African Americans lives since they needed to change their life. In the film The Great Debaters by Denzel
Washington shows the debaters overcame racism in the debating community. The debaters used their experiences as the minority group to create an
emotional attachment with the audience. The team was not a respected team by the white community but rather the team constantly pushed towards to
reach their goals. Regardless of being the minority group, the team uses credibility and emotion to win their debate competitions. One of the first ways
the team demonstrated their ability to uses emotion effectively is when Samantha is selected by Mr. Tolson during the tryouts. For example, Samantha
talks about

Similarities Between Freedom Writers And The Great Debaters
The films "Freedom Writers" and "The Great Debaters" tell inspirational success stories of students fighting racism on their way to the top. Freedom
Writers tells a story of a school filled with gang violence. One class, led by teacher Erin Gruwell, is taught to overlook their differences and unite. The
Great Debaters accounts Wiley College's debate team and how they had to fight extreme racism, on top of becoming a successful team. In both movies,
discrimination based on race is clear. A group in power is looking down and taking advantage of people, based on their race. A strong teacher figure, in
Erin Gruwell and Melvin Tolson, is present to push the students to their potential. Although there is racial tension and discrimination in both

Academic Movie Writing (the Great Debators)
Academic Movie Writing The name of the movie is "The Great Debaters". The director is Denzel Washington. The writing credits are Robert Eisele
(screen play), Jeffrey Pora and Tony Scherman. The main stars of the movie are Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett,
Denzel Whitaker, John Heard, and Kimberly Elise. The length of the movie is 124 minutes. The audio of the movie is Dolby Digital 5.1. The video of
this movie is Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1. The One part of the movie is about the relationship between teacher and students. It is quite attractive
and interesting. The statement of the relationship between teacher and students reflects on the teacher's teaching way, communicating with the
students, kindness... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Perhaps this charge, the team is victory, not to mention the school component of a larger intellectual property. But it is an unnecessary error, stating
only that the others put. James Farmers is one of the debaters that in Tolson class. He is intelligence and memorable student. According to James
Farmer "Bethlehem Steel Corporation. The prince of peace was born in Bethlehem and Bethlehem steel manufactures implements of war." In fact,
Tolson, according to farmers, smokes a cigar instead of a pipeline, one of the practical works of only a few minor changes. According to Tonlson, "I
want you to try out the debating." It means Tolson don't want the smart student be lazy and bad. "I came here to help you to find and keep your mind's
smart." It can see he don't want his students behind the white people. So, they all are shown the relationships between teacher and students. Melvin
Tolson admitted the position of English as a coach at Wiley College Speech. He grew up the students for debating with the white people. He taught the
students how to start the debate at first. And he trained them to face with different kind of debates. He built their courages. He gave them more
experiences and then to take a challenging from Harvard University. Sometimes, the students are not substandard with him. But, his brawn to teach
them and then give them order. Sometimes, he also faces the students like a friend. The students can open talk to him.

Ignorance In The Film 'The Great Debaters'
You may not realize it, but you are ignorant. Ignorant to the world around you, no matter how much you think you know. You could know everything
there is to know about segregation or apartheid in South Africa, but there is always going to be that one large piece of information that you probably
won't know; how the people involved in it truly felt. All the hurt they went through, the lies they tell to their children to reassure them that they will be
okay. Unless you've lived in it, you will not really know everything. But, you can know a lot about it. You may always be ignorant, but as soon as you
learn about it, you will be less ignorant than others that have not. In the movie, The Great Debaters, it says that education is the only way out... Show
more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Blacks would constantly be whipped and worked much too hard from their masters, or the whites. In the early 17th century, Europeans who came to
America thought that African–American slaves would be a cheaper and better alternative than the poorer European people that they paid. So, they
began working them, and working them until they physically and mentally couldn't anymore, even children would have to slave for these people. The
white people of America had the thought process that only because of their skin color, they were automatically better than them. So, they sold the
slaves for more desirable ones. The whites or caucasians were blind to the fact that people are people and no one is better or worse than anyone else.
Another example of ignorance dealing with race is apartheid. Apartheid happened in South Africa in 1948, and did not end until 1994. "Under
apartheid, nonwhite South Africans (a majority of the population) would be forced to live in separate areas from whites and use separate public
facilities, and contact between the two groups would be limited," (Apartheid History). This means that black people had to live in worse parts of town,
while the white people of South Africa lived in the nice, fancy areas. Colored people had to use horrible benches and drinking fountains, whites could
use good water and put together benches. In 1950, South Africa made it illegal for whites and blacks to marry each other and did not allow any sexual
relations between the two. The black majority of South Africa was deemed less than the white minority, mainly to decrease the blacks political

The Great Debaters is a loosely based on an article published in 1997 in American Legacy magazine about the debate team of Wiley College a small,
religious black college in East Texas, during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Under the guidance of their coach, English professor Melvin B.
Tolson, the debaters victory in contest after contest. And against bigger black schools and triumph over prestigious white schools as well.The Great
Debaters drives home the hardships faced by even relatively elite black students and intellectual the "talented tenth" in the Jim Crow South. Farmer's
father, religion professor James Farmer Sr., the first black person in Texas to earn a PhD, is threatened with death by two impoverished white farmers
while driving

The Great Debaters
We watched the movie "The Great Debaters" in class. This movie is about a debating team from Texas. "The last city to surrender after the Civil
War" (The Great Debaters. Nate Parker. 2007. Film.). This is quote is how James Farmer, describes his town. The Debating team is home to Wiley
College. The english teacher, Mr. Tolson, coaches the debate team to an almost undefeated season. They debate against white who dislike the blacks so
this makes it harder on them competing. It then ends with an invite to go to Harvard University's and face their team. The team of four, which includes,
Samantha Brooke, James Farmer, Henry Lowe and Hamilton Burgess faced many challenges such as racism and sexism. They face racism because they
are an African American

The Great Debaters Apa Citation
"The Great Debaters" Movie (2007)
List five words from the Discipline of Logic in philosophy used in the movie "The Great Debaters"
1.Fallacy: Defined as a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument. Example: "The notion that the camera never lies is a fallacy"
2.Logic: An argument whereby the conclusion is supported by two premises, of which one (major premise) contains the term (major term) that is the
predicate of the conclusion, and the other (minor premise) contains the term (minor term) that is the subject of the conclusion.
Example: Major Premise: Most people in philosophy 211 owe student loans.
Minor Premise: Recently a man was arrested for not paying $1,500.00 dollars in student loans owed for the year 1980.
Conclusion: Therefore, students owing outstanding student loans stand a chance of going to jail but most likely will not be imprisoned.
3. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Major Premise: A statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn. Example: Most people in philosophy 211 owe
student loans.
4.Minor Premise: In a syllogism containing the minor term, which will form the subject of the conclusion. Example: Recently a man was arrested for
not paying $1,500.00 dollars in student loans owed for the year 1980.
5.Conclusion: The final and true logical statement that purports to follow from (the major and minor premises) by means of an argument. Example:
Therefore, students owing outstanding student loans stand a chance of going to jail but most likely will not be

The Purpose Of Education By Martin Luther King Jr. And...
Bailey Nielsen
Galloway
College Composition
20 January 2015
Education in Society Within the speeches The Purpose of Education by Martin Luther King Jr. and Wiley College vs. Oklahoma City College from the
movie The Great Debaters, there are many different points that can be identified as ethos, pathos, or logos. Logos– In The Purpose of Education, King
talks about how even though a person may be educated it doesn't necessarily mean that they are intelligent. King mentions Eugene Talmadge, whom of
which King believed had a better mind than many in Georgia, yet Talmadge thought as King as an inferior being, but he was still considered educated
from every logical stand point. Ethos– "We are prone to let our mental life become invaded by legions of half–truths, prejudices, and propaganda."
Many decisions within a day are controlled and guided by the things that have already been said to be 'good'. In order to be good and accepted in
society it has to come from source when is credible and reliable but for that to happen someone has to have their own opinion on a matter but with the
education system the way it is education is bias knowledge. Pathos– For the Wiley College vs. Oklahoma City College debate, the resolve is "Negroes
should be admitted to state universities." Empathy is gained from the audience as the black students make their case in support of the resolve. While
the negative argued that a black student cannot possible succeed in a white college, affirmative states

The Great Debaters: An Alternate Perspective
An Alternate Perspective Rather than focusing on the external factors of an individual, one must learn to view a person's internal perspective as seen
in the film The Great Debaters under the direction of Denzel Washington (2007). Understanding another person's internal perspectives means being
empathetic and aware of their circumstances. By learning to see another person's viewpoint with new eyes, dignity can be afforded to that individual.
Marshall, Texas is home to the historically black, Wiley College, where in 1935, Professor Melvin Tolson's unique vision for a group of students leads
them to experience a series of consecutive victories on their road to challenging Harvard at the National Speech and Debate Championship. The team
includes... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
True empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another in spite of a difference in opinion. Professor Tolsson and Mr. Farmer are
two men high in stature and very educated for black men. Mr. Farmer is an over–achieving, strict, and rigorous scholar who is very protective. On the
other hand, Professor Tolsson is an inspiring, wise, and intellectual man with high expectations. He also is an agitator looking for change. One
night, James Jr. follows Professor Tolsson as he mysteriously makes his make a secret union meeting. As James Jr. watches Professor Tolsson and
the union, an inadvertent encounter results with the sheriff's men. He safely makes it out of the raid with Professor Tolsson. James Jr. promises to
Professor Tolsson that he will not speak of the matter to his father, but when he returns home, James Farmer Sr. demands to know where James Jr.
had gone. An argument uprises between the two and hostile statements are thrown back and forth. Dr. Farmer disagrees and feels unsafe about
Professor Tolsson's ideas. Instead of being hostile and mean to Tolsson, he decides to look upon the situation with grace and view James Farmer Sr.'s
internal perspectives. On the day Professor Tolsson is taken to the county jail, James Farmer Sr. could have ignored his arrest and take enjoyed that
fact that he would not have to worry about the unsafety of his son,

The Great Debaters Movie Review
In the 2007 classic "The Great Debaters", we are introduced to the historical makings of an all black debating team from Wiley College in Texas.
With in this movie we are introduced to the restless south of the 1930's were Negros, first handedly experienced the realization of racism. The movie
centers on Melvin Tolson, a professor at small Wiley College and his distinguished team of debaters, Samantha Booke, Henry Lowe, and James Farmer
Jr, who despite being in the midst of racial segregation in the South, aim to compete against Harvard University.
With in the World of "The Great Debaters" we are first introduced to college freshman James Farmer Jr., the son of prominent preacher James Farmer
Sr. much like his father James Jr. at the ripe

The Great Debaters Character Analysis
Many characters in the movie The Great Debaters shows qualities that any viewer could have. They rapidly make a connection with the viewer,
and make the movie that much interesting. It brings the viewer back to a time where racism was at its peak, and African Americans struggle to live
a normal life without being harassed. Samantha Booke, Henry Lowe, and Mr. Tolson are characters that stood up toe to toe against state Colleges to
debate what was going on their communities. Samantha showed persistence, Henry applied past knowledge, to the new situation's, and Mr. Tolson
was good at taking responsible risk. All three showed great habits of mind to connect with the reader on a more personal level. First, Samantha
Booke habit of mind is persistence. She is persistence because she never gives up or gets unfocused on the topic she is arguing about. She is always
looking for ways to better her arguments and no matter what she never gives up. One example is when she leaves the group the night before a debate,
after watching Henry kiss another girl, but the nest morning she is back and rejoins the group. This shows a lot from Samantha, it shows persistence
and a hunger to keep battling and debating until she gets what she wants.... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
He is a very close character but he is also the leader of the debating group. Henry applies past knowledge to new situations, for example the way he
was living and the struggle he goes through to create good arguments which help him, win all those debates. He also has a very sad side, another
example is when he saw and African American being burned in the middle of the road which made him really sad and cause him to drink alcohol. His
prior knowledge about the life he has makes him a great and intelligent

Segregation As Depicted In 'The Great Debaters'
The Great Debaters is a fantastic true story with insight into the world of segregation during 1935. The movie takes place in Marshall, Texas during
1935. We can see during the beginning of the movie that there are obvious racial issues in the city because one of the main characters, James Farmer
Jr., states that Marshall, Texas was "the last city to surrender after the Civil War," The movie is about a poet and professor,Melvin B. Tolson, who
teaches at the all black school called Wiley College. He was inspired by the Harlem Renaissance decides to start a debate team, which was very taboo
for a black college to have back then. At first he butts heads with the influential father of one of his best debaters, James Farmer Jr., but, eventually he
succeeds in the formation of a great debate team. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
They faced many problems across the way which included a team refusing to debate with them because of their race, a teammate quitting last minute,
lynching, mobs, Jim Crow, sexism, an arrest and near riot. Through all odds they succeeded the impossible and beat the unbeatable harvard team.
At the end of the movie we see all the success that the team had later on in life. Samantha became a lawyer,Samantha became a lawyer, Henry went
on to study theology and became a minister, Jr started a civil rights group, Professor Tolson became a world famous poet and organized a union of
sharecroppers and lastly, The Wiley Debate Team went 10 years undefeated. A significant quote I found in the movie was, "Denigrate. There's a word
for you. From the Latin word "niger", to defame, to blacken. It's always there, isn't it? Even in the dictionary. Even in the speech of a Negro

Great Debaters Discussion Questions

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