Examples Of Heroism In The Great Debaters

During the 1930’s, African Americans were subjected to the harsh racial discrimination of the Jim Crow South, suppressing the progress and idealisms of influential African Americans. However, a few were brave enough to tackle the oppressive grasp of racism through powerful speeches. The debate team from Wiley College in the film The Great Debaters, directed by Denzel Washington, utilized the power of words to heroically fend off the despotic nature of the southern hostility towards African Americans. Among the members of the team, James Farmer Jr. is the epitome of heroism that lead the Wiley College debate team to ultimate victory at Harvard University. James Farmer Jr. demonstrates heroism when he kept his word to Melvin Tolson. Although James Farmer Jr. was not supposed to be at the secret meeting between white and black farmers, he swore to Mr. Tolson he would keep the meeting an

’s heroism shone through when he persevered during a time of emotional distress. Emotions were high among the team when they drove through a lynching mob on the way to Howard University. Witnessing the white mob beat, hang, and tar a Negro was James Farmer Jr. ’s first real exposure to raw southern racist. In the movie, James Farmer Jr. is a very young boy with minimal real world experience. He comes from a very prominent, educated family, thus it would be no surprise if he never experienced any type of extreme racism. However, James Farmer Jr. did not let such stress wear down his determination and commitment to his team. He cast aside his emotions and stepped up to the plate when the team needed him most. He debated in Samantha’s stead and kept a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Although the debate at Howard University resulted in defeat, James Farmer Jr. maintained an optimistic attitude and never contemplated giving up. He found the strength to continue forward amongst times of conflict, demonstrating his outstanding character and