Favorite movie of all time?

The history of mankind is stained with dark moments. Across generations, man has repeatedly found ways to inflict deep wounds upon fellow man with acts so unjust that test the very limits of human endurance. Racism is undoubtedly one of the deepest wounds.The systematic hatred of a fellow human being simply because of their natural creation leaves a heavy, painful legacy. In fact, many people find it difficult to watch historical movies or documentaries about these eras because of the intense emotional pain they stir up.

Yet, story and cinema sometimes give us an opportunity to look at these dark chapters not to dwell on the hurt, but to witness the triumph of the human spirit.

The Great Debaters is one such film, and it is the story we are reflecting on today as a favorite.

Set in the 1930s—a time when systemic racism was so widespread in the United States—the movie follows a small team of debaters from Wiley College, a historically Black institution in Texas, who debate their way to the national stage, eventually taking on the elite team from Harvard University.

Their mentor, Professor Melvin B. Tolson (played by Denzel Washington), does an exceptional job of awakening the dormant potential within these young students. Against white opponents who had been told all their lives that they were superior, he showed these black students that intellect and dignity know no race.

If there is a truth the movie leaves us with, it’s that life won’t always play out fairly

The 1930s were undeniably brutal in this regard, and nothing compares to the horror of that era. Yet, the broader principle still echoes today: you will still encounter moments where the odds are stacked against you.

In your own journey, there will always be situations where you do not hold the obvious advantage. There will always be someone with more experience. There will always be someone with a bigger platform or more resources. There will always be someone who got a head start.

Yet, in spite of the odds, we must hold onto hope in our pursuit. Hope is the fuel that keeps us believing that success is still possible, even when every circumstance seems to whisper otherwise.

In the movie, during the debate team’s rigorous preparation, their professor tells them:

“Debate is combat. Your weapons are words. Be thorough, be logical, but above all, be true.”

Whatever endeavor you have set out to do, it is a form of combat. You are fighting self-doubt. You are fighting the quiet temptation to quit. You are fighting the urge to dwell on your unfair disadvantage.

Let’s not give up.

Have an inspired week!

Watch the official movie trailer for The Great Debaters below:

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Thank you for reading! These reflections are part of our weekly inspiration series, running every Monday on the Lapatutu Blog. See you next Monday!