Introduction
Media is influential in changing and shaping the individual perception of interracial interactions and race. Gregory Allen Howard felt inspired by the story of the 1971 T.C football team of Williams High School, and he decided to write the screenplay, Remember the Titans (2000). His objectives were to remember and support the integration and racial cooperation he admired in Alexandria, Virginia. Racial harmony can be influenced by the protagonistsâ actions (Ronnie, Gerry, and Jerry).
Ronnie
Ronnie emerged as a prominent figure throughout the film; he was white and was from California. He joined the team in the middle of the camp, and he was perceived as an outsider. Ronnie replaced Jerry, a black athlete who was temporarily marginalized and had suffered an injury during a game. The team in the film started advancing when the transition of power happened, although the quarterback position is usually associated with leadership. Ronnie was portrayed as a leader who transcended othersâ expectations of him. Titans were not good at football, and they were racially divided before Ronnie became a starter. The team embraced integration, developed off-field racial cooperation, and became successful in the field through Ronnie. Ronnieâs storyline in the film is imperative since it depicts the effectiveness of white leadership by positioning him as a suitable mechanism of change.
Gerry
Gerry was the team captain who used his position to show dominance over his teammates. He singled out players and rebuked them when he saw it was necessary on several occasions. In the film, Gerry coins the defensive slogan âLeft-side, Strong-side,â which galvanized and unified the team across racial lines and provided a sense of identity and pride. He takes the role of shaping the teamâs discourse, but he undermines Booneâs, whose official title was a coach. Despite Booneâs policy of not cutting players, Gerry demonstrates his role of power and position as a leader when he chases a player from the team. Additionally, he increases the team cohesion across racial lines, which is apparent through his friendship with Julius. Unfortunately, Julius is neither recognized as an assistant captain nor the teamâs head. Therefore, Gerryâs imbalance of power created with Julius, profound influence on team discourse, and seamless acquisition of captain status distinguishes him from his teammate and illuminates his white privilege.
Jerry
The Black teammate Jerry Rev Harris was very helpful; he embodied the magical Negro stereotype. Initially, he served as a tutor to Louie Lastik, a below-average student whose hope of going to college was bleak. In addition, the boy was an offensive lineman on the team. Jerry helped Louie, and ultimately, he earned a grade that would allow him to get a college entry. Besides, Rev inspired his teammates through religious inspiration through using quotes that motivate his colleagues to perform on the field and Louie to perform well in class. On the other hand, Jerry taught Ronnie how to execute an option field in the team, which made him become a starting quarterback and more effective. The plot in the film reduced prominent Black characters to roles that enhanced white accomplishments.
Conclusion
The Protagonistsâ actions of Ronnie, Gerry, and Jerry could effectively influence racial harmony. Ronnie, with marginalized status, was able to integrate his teammates and develop racial cooperation. After becoming a quarterback, a position associated with the leadership, he advanced the team. Gerry, the team captain, was able to unify the team across racial lines, and Jerry inspired his teammates and Louie to achieve their goals. The analysis of the screenplay reflects strategies of integration and racial cooperation. If Gerry would uphold Booneâs policy and use his powers correctly, he would not stand out from his teammates.