Racism is an issue which transcends far beyond sport; however, it has become the fore-front for improving racial relations and the gateway to resolving problems as it brings people to work together for a shared objective. In the film, Coach Boon is selected as the head coach of the desegregated football team. Even within the team, teammates are initially withstanding of allying with others of different racial ethnicity. Coach Boon organizes a camp consisting of rigorous exercise regimes not only to test their physical abilities but also the issues surrounding the team. In retreat to the camp, it is clear that while the schools are unified, the players still have the stigma of racial divide. Players on their way to the camp do not acknowledge one another and refused to accept others as their teammates. It is not till Coach Boon assigns seating and sleeping arrangements are players forced to interact. Overtime, as players are pushed to their limits, they forge relationship with each other, be it black or white to bond over a common adversary (coach Boon) and eventually fight the notion of separation through race and unite as a …show more content…
Inequality in sport is an issues relating to a selection of a player not based on performance. Social and racial inequalities are both underlying themes in the film. In the beginning of the film, as coach Boon is made head coach, Bertier state they have a team which can fill the roster and do not need any of “you people....” Former coach Bill Yoast was replaced by coach Boon. It cannot be asserted coach Boon was chosen based on merit rather to appease racial tension. However, coach Yoast as well as his team believes it was an unfair dismissal and an unequal opportunity given. Social and racial inequality in the film highlights double standards members of the team as well as the coaches