Critical Analysis-Movie, Assessment Example

Questions/Responses

Why were you assigned to review this movie?

The movie was assigned to learn more about critical thinking. Is the intellectually analyzing any subject or issue beyond the surface of its meaning. The course provides this movie as a way to utilize the critical skills learned in this class. Another reason for the critical thinking movie was assigned, so I would learn critical thinking skills that are taught in this curriculum. The assignment of this movie will allow me to learn the use of compare and contrast in my thinking while learning understand the differences and similarities using critical thinking methods.

What did it have to do (if anything) with the class you are taking?

The Great Debaters is about critical thinking. I had to do additional reading to make sure I understood the basis critical thinking. The debate team utilizes critical thinking to defeat their opponents. The development of the critical thinking skills are shown when the coach teachers the student a valuable lesson that using that angers with intelligence and passion. Using the critical analysis of the subject not just in the light of the black experience but the experience of all suppressed people.

What does the story (history) about African Americans have to do with the debate?

The Great Debaters about African Americans at Wiley College that pursed the unthinkable accomplishment during the Jim Crow era in the 1930s. This was a time when African Americans endured the vicious times of discrimination, racial violence and unethical treatment. The film does an excellent job of putting the debating team in the forefront of the movie and the backdrop of discrimination which blends the two very well.

What were some of the driving forces that led to the debate? Why?

The driving force was Tolson’s drive to make sure the debate team could complete at the best of their ability. In addition, the whites did not fear the African American team because they believe African Americans to be lazy and unable to compete with white men.

Identify injustices portrayed in the movie.

The Jim Crow era showed the racism African Americans faced in the 1930s. These Jim Crow injustices ranged from unequal opportunities to separate bathrooms for whites. The Great Debaters showed the ugly side of racial violence with a shocking part that showed a black man being lynched. The movie reminded us about the injustices that existed and how others gave their life to fight for that equality. It took incredible courage to take a stand that could cost you your life.

What did the Great Debaters tell you about AA culture?

 The Great Debaters should the depth of the African Americans determination to succeed against all odds. Tolson (coach) was an example of a strong African American man that inspire students to reach beyond the realm of what they could see but rely on what they believe could happen. The Great Debaters shows how much courage African Americans had to face degradation, death, and hanging. The move also showed the African American people refusing to give in to Jim Crow even if it cost their lives. Tolson also presented himself as an educated, smart and savvy African American man that love his people and justice for all.

Describe the issues that influenced/impacted the Great Debaters to Win. Why do you think these were influential?

The coach Tolson gave the students a lesson about debating but more important about learning to face racism on their own terms. The first issue was intelligence; Tolson explained that learning how to debate with the competition is about controlled intelligence. The next influence was the way the students had to learn to function as a team letting the best students competes. The lesson was learned the hard way as the infighting almost destroyed the team but Tolson taught them that when to fight and when to lay low learning to fight another day. This resolve taught them a valuable lesson of anything is possible in the world of academics for African Americans.

In this movie, who receives the greatest benefit from the outcome? Why?

The greatest beneficiary of the debate teams win was the Wiley college and the students. The debate team victory received national exposure and press. The academic excellence showed that that African Americans can complete with any race. In truth, the African American race was the real winner in this monumental win by the debate team.

 The use of Critical Thinking represents a high level of intelligence. What did the debaters do to communicate their high levels of intelligence?

The debate team shattered the concept that African Americans were inferior to the white race. The debaters show resolve when encounter with adversity. They show a balance of wit and knowledge to counter the opposing team’s position very eloquently. The debaters put the racism behind them when on stage competing. They left the feeling of Jim Crow indignities replacing it with their words, ideas, and their minds to Win.

 Identify the most important imprint “The Great Debaters” left on you. Why was this important to you?

The movie made an impact on me personally because in the 1930s a small black college defeats a white school. This was a feat never thought could happen base on the superior complex of the white population. This opens the minds of others that African Americans are just as intelligent. The movie also gave me a source of pride that the Wiley team defeated the opponents to become the national champions. It does not matter what your color, the story movies the soul to routing for the underdog in the fight for equality. The second impact with the success of the professor in the field of education. This was a great example of a community that believed in education as the best way to combat racism, ignorance and discrimination.

When you read about “Critical Thinking” what does it mean to you?

 Critical thinking is introspective reasoning about theories and actions. It is a way of deciding whether information is true, partial true or absolutely false. Critical thinking is evaluating information in a discipline way while refining our thought processes and using intuitive, objective and analytical analysis. Critical thinking is a way of looking at the world from different perspectives, views and ideas to examine beyond the surface of any issue.