Remember the Titans Movie Questions

Remember the Titans Movie Questions

Discussion Questions:

Explain and describe the relationship between Coach Yoast and Coach Boone.
Why do you think they regard one another in the way that they do?
How does their relationship change over time? Why?
Have you ever experienced a similar relationship?
Sometimes Coach Boone’s methods seem extreme. Do you feel that his methods were too harsh?
Have you ever had a teacher, coach, or mentor who pushed you in a similar way?
Did you feel like this was an effective way to motivate you?
Consider the time period in which the movie took place. How was each demographic group affected by the tension in their town?
In what ways did the shared experience of the tension help them overcome the racism that existed?
Have you ever been part of a team or group that experienced conflict?
Did you manage to get past it? If so, how did you overcome the racism that existed? What did you learn from it?
What civil rights issues still exist in the United States today? Keep in mind civil rights do not necessarily concern race issues…
What does Coach Boone do in an attempt to bring the team together?
What characters were used to show the continual struggle against integration and/or team unity throughout the film? Which character has a breakthrough?
At the end, how were they all united after 10 years?
Who was the “fruitcake” that came to camp a few days after the other guys?
What was thrown into Herman Boone’s window?
Why was Julius so upset when Louie Lastik sat down at the black table to eat lunch? Do you get angry when someone new sits down at a table occupied by you and your friend? How would a difference in race or ethnicity factor into your reaction?

Short Answer Questions: Each of the following questions needs answered in a minimum of one paragraph. (Remember, a paragraph is at least 5 sentences: topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing sentence…)

Racial tension is the main conflict in Remember the Titans. Boone states, “This is where they fought the Battle of Gettysburg. Fifty thousand men died right here on this field, fightin’ the same fight amongst ourselves today” [0:32:00 – 0:32:50]. History is said to repeat itself, and many years have passed since 1971. Are we still facing some of the same issues today? Discuss recent examples of conflicts/issues that have divided Americans. Discuss conflicts that divide students in the school (what about our class?)
In Coach Boone’s Gettysburg speech, he says, “You listen… and you take a lesson from the dead. If we don’t come together…right now, on this hallowed ground…then we, too, will be destroyed. Just like they were. I don’t care if you like each other or not, but you will respect each other; and maybe…I don’t know, maybe we’ll learn to play this game like men” [0:33:21 – 0:34:01]. Explain what Boone is referring to, and discuss what we can learn from those individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty. Would you be willing to serve for our country? Why or why not?
Integration in public school systems was a sensitive issue during the early 1970s and continues to present problems today. Identify characters from the film that were either supporters of integration or believe that segregation is a divisive (troublesome) issue. Give examples that support your answer.
List the key incidents in the film that show racial barriers being broken down. Who in the movie (and thus in real life) do you think is most responsible for breaking down the racial barriers on the team? Support your answer with three specific examples from the film.