Oppression:
The raging fire burns crazily, just like the ambition of the white racists consumes the kindness in their hearts. The night ought to be peaceful, but it is now in turbulence because of the fire of a cruel lynching. “Ci! Ci!” The firewood burns violently, and the sound breaks the silence. The blazing flames become s abnormally garish. The lynchers see them! They run towards them! The students and their teacher cannot save the poor burning victim. They must flee the pursuing lynchers to save themselves . Lying down on the backseats, the debaters tremble, and they are so afraid. They do not understand it, and they fear the sound of their breath will give them away. Lynchers do not care that they are only teenagers. In conscienceless racist minds , they are merely “niggers” who are cheaper than animals.They are merely “niggers” who can be wantonly punished for being black people. Horror and darkness wrap them up in this deep black night. Despair takes hold of their hearts and steals their breath.
Challenge:
"...when is that day gonna come. Is it gonna come tomorrow? Is it gonna come next week? In a hundred years? Never? The time for justice, the time for freedom, and the time for equality is always, is always right now!" (Samantha Booke) The tears whirling in her eyes do not fall down. She maintains the dignity of a seasoned debater. Nevertheless, no one who hears her impassioned words remains unmoved. The debate is fierce, and the serious topic of racism juxtaposes the peaceful atmosphere and golden sunshine surrounding the outdoor tent venue. She throws away the uncertainty, fear and insecurity which blocks her from striving for and winning the rights she believes belong to her and her mates. She shouts her heartfelt demand for equality for every black in America. She fights. She and her mates fight to win. They believe that justice,freedom and equality must be morally and legally theirs.
Victory:
The sky is clear, and so is the lake. Debaters of Wiley College are now standing on the lakeside, shouting out the words inside of their hearts, over and over. At this time, they have never imagined that one day they will beat the debaters from Harvard University; however, the flame of confidence shining in their eyes indicates the future success. In the forest, beside the lake, plants and flowers are blooming vibrantly. The surface of the lake is now in great silence and silently reflects their four figures, so sure, so undoubtedly strong. They ask and answer:
"- Who is the judge?
- The judge is God.
- Why is he God?
- Because he decides who wins or loses not my opponent.
- Who is your opponent?
- He doesn't exist.
- Why does he not exist?
- Because he is merely a dissenting voice to the truth I speak.
- Speak the truth!
- Speak the truth!"
(Debaters of Wiley College)
Moments after their debate with the Harvard College Debating Team, the judges agree with the Wiley College Debating Team: They have spoken the truth. Their opponents do not exist except as dissenting voices to the truth they speak. They are champions.
The three scenes of oppression, challenge and victory help vividly portray how debaters of Wiley College overcome the horrors of racism and finally succeed as individuals and as a team. Settings in The Great Debaters highlight the challenges and fights that not only gain Wiley College debaters victory , but also gain blacks a formidable academic reputation.
List of Work Cited:
"...when is that day gonna come. Is it gonna come tomorrow? Is it gonna come next week? In a hundred years? Never? The time for justice , the time for freedom, and the time for equality is always, is always right now!": Booke, Samantha , Perf. The Great Debaters. Dir. Denzel Washington." 2007, Film.
"-Who is the judge?... - Speak the truth!": Debaters from Wiley College, , Perf. The Great Debaters. Dir. Denzel Washington." 2007, Film.
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