Before going to university, I was quite an introvert. Even now, when I face unfamiliar people, or in crowded occasions, I basically just can't listen to them. But in the four years of university, the teacher discovered my talent for learning foreign languages, and through various English competitions, he continued to nurture me. In this way, I gradually had the courage to speak in front of everyone, so that when I graduated Standing on the stage, facing the crowded audience below, there was no more stage fright and nervousness, and he moved freely. Standing on the huge stage of the competition, the whole venue could only hear me eloquently speaking. At that time, no one's eyes would make me shy anymore. And every time I heard the warm applause from the audience and the exclamation from the audience when the host announced the score, I couldn't help but smile. In fact, after four years of university, the most satisfying thing on my resume is the list of honor awards. Therefore, people have vanity. Even a person like me who usually doesn't like to show off can actually be intoxicated under the spotlight, let alone the super women and super men who are currently on the show. . So, when I found this "The Great Debater" on the Internet, I couldn't help but think of the glorious period. The 2007 popular Oscar-winning film directed by Denzel Washington immediately evoked a strong response at the beginning of its screening, and its belief value triggered by racial issues once again hit the deepest part of the soul.
The film is based on real people and real events. In the 1930s, there was a black American named Marvin Tolson who had deep attainments in language rhetoric, especially good at writing poetry and debating. In fact, he was later regarded as one of the greatest poets of that era. At that time, he was a professor at a black college in Texas.
In Texas in the 1930s, the government still followed the segregation or racial discrimination laws against blacks enacted in the 1870s-blacks were deprived of the right to vote, and used in schools, residential areas, public transportation, public places, and Employment, justice, military service, marriage and other aspects have been subjected to cruel isolation and discrimination. As a knowledgeable and intelligent black man, Marvin Tolson very much hopes to do something for his compatriots through his own power. He has a firm belief, besides, what he has is the superior language talent. So in his spare time, he prepared to set up a debate team in school. Under his careful selection, four students came to the fore and entered the debate team. They were Hamilton Burgers, Henry Lowe, Samantha and James Farmer, who was only 14 years old. These students had no idea about the debate before, and in fact, Marvin Tolson did not know the way. All he could do was to improve the language skills of the players through his own words and deeds, so that they could master the weapons of lip service. As these players grew up, Marvin Tolson continued to challenge the traditional concepts of society at the time and rebelled against the existing rules of the game. His rebellious spirit and his fierce teaching methods have also been constantly bombarded by people, but he has always adhered to his beliefs, and finally led the debate team members into the highest academic institution-the debate hall of Harvard University...
According to the Hollywood-style arrangement, the most exciting part is undoubtedly the last debate with the Harvard team. At that time, the topic of the debate between the two parties was "Violence or non-violence, which is right or wrong?". In people’s minds, there is usually no real right and wrong for the topics to be chosen for the debate competition. This creates the joy of debate and can also stimulate innovative thinking. But the interesting thing is that if you pay close attention to a few debates, you will find that truth is not influenced by gorgeous rhetoric, historical evidence, and factual numbers. Those who know the truth will always win in the end, no matter how accurate the facts presented by the opposing party are. Just like Marvin Tolson taught the players: Who is the referee? God is the referee; who is the opponent? The opponent does not exist at all; why does the opponent not exist? Because the truth speaks for itself.
In that game that affected the hearts of the whole nation, the Harvard representative team stated the historical facts of various kings oppressing the people in history, and even moved out of Hitler’s dictatorship, and listed a series of shocking real data to prove that if it is not adopted In a violent counterattack, most people will live in dire straits forever. But James, who was only 14 years old, said: “The behavior is not caused by a large number of people, but by personal consciousness.” His final concluding statement was wonderful. I played it back and watched it many times. Until it is completely in my mind. He stood in front of the stage and paused for a long time. The seemingly powerful views of the other party had a great impact on him. At this time, except for the audience of more than 1,000 people in the entire hall, people all over the country were listening to the radio. He looked at the audience and then at his opponent. In an instant, the expression on his face changed from a talented nervousness and pretending maturity to a youthful simplicity and simplicity. Then, in a calm tone, he told a reality that is more profound than the past history.
I really like this last statement, so I translate it. He said: "In Texas, whites can arbitrarily overtake the blacks. My teammates and I saw a black man hanged on a tree and burned to death in the fire under the tree. We encountered a group of whites while we were driving. Running towards us, holding all kinds of sharp weapons. We were hiding in the car. I saw that my teammates were full of fear and humiliation. What kind of crime did this black man commit? In the dark night, he was hanged without questioning and burned again? Is he a thief? Is he a murderer? Or because he is unfortunately a black man? What is his sin? But he became a child waiting for death. We can only stand. There, nothing was done. No matter what this person has done, he should not be treated like this. However, the law cannot play any role. I just want to ask you why. My opponent said that the law is The best way to govern the country, but even with the law, our blacks’ right to residence, education, and medical treatment are still not guaranteed, and even arbitrarily delayed. Saint Augustine said that unfair laws are equivalent to There is no law. That means that we have the right to resist. This is our basic right as citizens. Should we use violence? Or choose non-violence? You should pray to God and ask him to let me choose the latter."
The last sentence of Little James, "You should pray that I choose the latter" (You should pray that I choose the latter) immediately evoked thunderous applause from the audience. His alumni, relatives and friends in Texas also burst into tears, embracing and weeping. He truly returned the final judgment to God and let the truth cry out. This honorary crown not only won applause for them, but also won respect and respect for humanity. Just like what a book says: People are people first, and nationality and cultural affiliation second. All who despise and insult to real humanity will be judged by God. I can’t help thinking of the passage that I read in the Bible this morning: “We know that what is said in the law is addressed to those under the law, so that everyone’s mouth can be shut up so that everyone in the world can be Subject to God’s judgment. Therefore, no one who lives in the flesh can be justified before God by obeying the law, because the law is meant to convict people.” If everything can be solved by the law, why is this sin? But more and more? Why is the law being revised more and more frequently with new crimes? Therefore, those who regard the law as the supremacy should also reflect on how to solve the problem of sin. Is it to pass more new bills? Or is it suppressed in the opposite direction? However, people themselves cannot find a correct way, because the real answer lies only with God and under his grace.
View more about The Great Debaters reviews
