Flinders, D. J. & Thornton, S. J. (2004) The Curriculum Studies Reader. New York:
Taylor & Francis Books, Inc.
Northouse, P.G. (2007) Leadership Theory and Practice. London: Sage Publications
Ltd.
Radio Video Promotion Clip
http://www.sonypictures.com/previews/player/homevideo/radio/index.html
Radio: The Movie
http://movies.about.com/
Ontario College of Teachers-Foundations of Professional Practice
http://www.oct.ca
What Are Ethics?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics
Radio and Coach Jones Website
http://www.radioandcoachjones.com/
Responsibilities of the Team Captain
http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/news_you_can_use/499740.html
What Is A Coach?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_%28sport%29
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Enduring Understandings About Leadership
In the movie RADIO, Coach Jones rises above the normal call of duty to bring about significant change in the educational environment and community of Anderson, South Carolina. He does so by using his leadership, power, influence, and ethics. In doing this, he improves the quality of life of the individual named Radio, promotes his acceptance in the school and greater community, and builds bridges of understanding for many people in the community.
There are many connections between Coach Jones’ actions in the movie, and the Educational Leadership course provided this term from Lakehead University. Throughout the term, I have shared and learned much from my fellow graduate students. Please find below enduring understandings that I can conclude from both this research assignment and the course study:
Leaders have a tremendous impact on those they serve.
Leaders do not always know a definitive answer to a question. Sometimes they have to rely on their instincts and experiences.
Leaders can come in many forms. Sometimes they have a positive influence, sometimes a negative one.
Leaders must stand up for what they believe in, for the greater good of all in society.
Trust is an important element in the leader / follower process.
Reflection and introspection are critical to solving issues as a leader.
Maintaining integrity as a leader can help in providing understanding of the bigger picture for followers.
Being a leader is not always easy.
As leaders, we must encourage or support those who cannot advocate for themselves.
There are many connections between Coach Jones’ actions in the movie, and the Educational Leadership course provided this term from Lakehead University. Throughout the term, I have shared and learned much from my fellow graduate students. Please find below enduring understandings that I can conclude from both this research assignment and the course study:
Leaders have a tremendous impact on those they serve.
Leaders do not always know a definitive answer to a question. Sometimes they have to rely on their instincts and experiences.
Leaders can come in many forms. Sometimes they have a positive influence, sometimes a negative one.
Leaders must stand up for what they believe in, for the greater good of all in society.
Trust is an important element in the leader / follower process.
Reflection and introspection are critical to solving issues as a leader.
Maintaining integrity as a leader can help in providing understanding of the bigger picture for followers.
Being a leader is not always easy.
As leaders, we must encourage or support those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Leadership Portrayed in the Film
Leadership is a central theme throughout the movie Radio. Six main characters possess direct leadership positions / qualities that identify each as unique individuals. I will commence this discussion with the secondary characters and their roles, followed by the principal characters and how they portray their leadership role.
Principal Daniels is a leader in the community of Anderson, South Carolina because of the position she holds as Principal of Hanna High. This power base is referred to as ‘Legitimate Power’, and defined in Northouse’s book, Leadership Theory and Practice (2007) as “associated with having status or formal job authority.” (p. 8) Even though she represents the legitimate power base, I feel she is more of a manager in her role as she provides order and consistency for the highschool staff and students. She handles issues of staffing, planning, organization, and budgets. Principal Daniels really does not exhibit any examples of producing change and movement as true leadership would. However, she appears to be well liked and respected in her role.
Coach Honeycutt also plays a leadership role in the movie as a sports coach. As defined by Wikipedia, a coach can be described as “an individual involved in the direction and instruction of the on-field operations of an athletic team or of individual athletes. Coaching entails the application of sport tactics and strategies during the game or contest itself.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_%28sport%29) Coaching in this sense is more a management function than leadership. Coach Honeycutt teaches his athletes the skills and strategies necessary to be successful in their sport. His role can be viewed as having elements of leadership because students look up to him. They value his experience and knowledge, as described by Northouse as ‘Expert Power’.
Frank Clay, the local Bank Manager also holds a position of power in the movie as does Principal Daniels. This ‘Legitimate Power’ in the form of his role as Bank Manager is coupled with a sense of the fact that if Frank Clay needed to be ‘coercive’, he could be. Therefore, I would also say that Frank would used his power, also known as ‘Coercive Power’ to meet his own agenda in terms of his son’s athletic progress. He plays somewhat of a leadership role in the community when the group meets after the football games at the barbershop to discuss how the players did. Also, Frank is the character who instigates the investigation by the school board into why Radio is at the school.
Johnny Clay is the allstar sports athlete at Hanna High. He is well liked and popular among his peers. He has a leadership role on the football and basketball teams as the star who is able to carry through for the team. In the leadership role Johnny Clay has on the sports teams of Hanna High, he also has some responsibilities that go along with it. They include “requiring a sense of leadership, sportsmanship, responsibility and dedication.” (http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/news_you_can_use/499740.html) In many instances, Johnny did not fulfill his role as leader. He actually leads his teammates into bullying and hazing actions towards Radio. He is the key character who lures radio into the girl’s locker room and gets him into trouble as a result. As did his father, I feel that Johnny Clay misused his position to coerce his teammates into inappropriate behaviour against Radio. As Northouse points out, “Leaders who use coercion are interested in their own goals and seldom are interested in the wants and needs of others.” (p. 9) This phrase clearly describes the character of Johnny Clay. He did not consider the effect of the behaviour directed on Radio himself, or on his team members who were punished as a team for the hazing incident.
Radio is a silent leader. He leads by example and the Golden Rule: “Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them do Unto You.” Throughout the movie, Radio goes about his business and does not bother anyone. He is a victim at certain points, as a result of other people mistreating him. He does not hold a grudge against them, but continues to befriend the individuals in his life. One might have the impression that Radio is exceptionally naïve, which may be a result of his having special needs. On a second occasion, when Johnny Clay sends him into the girl’s locker room to get him in trouble, Radio purposely does not ‘rat Johnny out’ when asked by Coach Jones what happened. He takes the rap for Johnny Clay, even though Coach Jones knows Radio is covering for him. Eventually, the people of Anderson, South Carolina accept and welcome Radio into the community. The nicest part of this story is that Radio is a real person, and this is a true story. You can visit the website at http://www.radioandcoachjones.com/ .
Coach Jones is an incredible human being. He works as an educator and Head Coach at Hanna Highschool. He is well liked and respected by all; fellow educators and colleagues, community members, and athletes. He has much experience in the field of Coaching. He uses both Referent and Expert Power to lead in the movie. I would say that it could almost considered reverence how he is treated by the members of the community. According to Northouse, Coach Jones holds both “position and personal power”. (p. 7) Coach Jones is a leader in his position as a coach, and by “his capacity to lead as being seen as likable and knowledgeable.” (p. 7)
Northouse defines leadership as “a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.” (p. 3) Coach Jones does just this. He produces change and movement in the community by establishing direction, aligning people, and inspiring them to change. This is done when he establishes a friendship with Radio and maintains it throughout the movie, despite questioning by family, fellow staff members, and the greater community.
Coach Jones displays situational leadership when he collects Christmas gifts for Radio by means of donations from the community. He saw the opportunity that Radio would otherwise not have many Christmas presents, and used his influence in the community to make an opportunity for him. There are many examples of situation leadership in the film, but I feel that by far, Coach Jones is a transformational leader. Northouse defines a transformational leader as “the process by which a person engages with others and creates a connection that raises the level of motivation and morality in both the leader and the follower.” (p. 176) When the movie begins, I have a feeling that Coach Jones has no idea what he has taken on. Throughout the movie, he rises to the occasion of dealing with questioning and ridicule, as well as dispelling the myths and misunderstandings held by the community about Radio in general.
Kouzes and Posner describe five fundamental practices that enable leaders to get things accomplished. I feel that Coach Jones completed these, albeit somewhat indirectly at first. The five practices include “modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act, and finally, encouraging the heart.” (Northouse, 2007, 189) Coach Jones took Radio in, gave him love and encouragement, helped to provide for his needs, supported him in the community, and helped to give him a purpose in life. What greater gift can one person give to another?
The Coach had a very strong set of morals and ethics. He had to face something that had very deep roots in the south; that being racial prejudice and prejudice based on disability. Northouse defines prejudice as “a largely fixed attitude, belief, or emotion held by an individual about another individual based on faulty or unsubstantiated information.” (p. 304) This was exactly the situation in Anderson, South Carolina. In order to overcome this circumstance, Coach Jones conducted himself in a way that was both ethical and character based. Northouse describes principals of ethical leadership as being “building community, respecting others, serving others, showing justice, and manifesting honesty.” (p. 350) Even though there were struggles throughout the film, the Coach was able to overcome the prejudice held by the community members, and work towards building a more humane and rewarding life for Radio.
Principal Daniels is a leader in the community of Anderson, South Carolina because of the position she holds as Principal of Hanna High. This power base is referred to as ‘Legitimate Power’, and defined in Northouse’s book, Leadership Theory and Practice (2007) as “associated with having status or formal job authority.” (p. 8) Even though she represents the legitimate power base, I feel she is more of a manager in her role as she provides order and consistency for the highschool staff and students. She handles issues of staffing, planning, organization, and budgets. Principal Daniels really does not exhibit any examples of producing change and movement as true leadership would. However, she appears to be well liked and respected in her role.
Coach Honeycutt also plays a leadership role in the movie as a sports coach. As defined by Wikipedia, a coach can be described as “an individual involved in the direction and instruction of the on-field operations of an athletic team or of individual athletes. Coaching entails the application of sport tactics and strategies during the game or contest itself.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_%28sport%29) Coaching in this sense is more a management function than leadership. Coach Honeycutt teaches his athletes the skills and strategies necessary to be successful in their sport. His role can be viewed as having elements of leadership because students look up to him. They value his experience and knowledge, as described by Northouse as ‘Expert Power’.
Frank Clay, the local Bank Manager also holds a position of power in the movie as does Principal Daniels. This ‘Legitimate Power’ in the form of his role as Bank Manager is coupled with a sense of the fact that if Frank Clay needed to be ‘coercive’, he could be. Therefore, I would also say that Frank would used his power, also known as ‘Coercive Power’ to meet his own agenda in terms of his son’s athletic progress. He plays somewhat of a leadership role in the community when the group meets after the football games at the barbershop to discuss how the players did. Also, Frank is the character who instigates the investigation by the school board into why Radio is at the school.
Johnny Clay is the allstar sports athlete at Hanna High. He is well liked and popular among his peers. He has a leadership role on the football and basketball teams as the star who is able to carry through for the team. In the leadership role Johnny Clay has on the sports teams of Hanna High, he also has some responsibilities that go along with it. They include “requiring a sense of leadership, sportsmanship, responsibility and dedication.” (http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/news_you_can_use/499740.html) In many instances, Johnny did not fulfill his role as leader. He actually leads his teammates into bullying and hazing actions towards Radio. He is the key character who lures radio into the girl’s locker room and gets him into trouble as a result. As did his father, I feel that Johnny Clay misused his position to coerce his teammates into inappropriate behaviour against Radio. As Northouse points out, “Leaders who use coercion are interested in their own goals and seldom are interested in the wants and needs of others.” (p. 9) This phrase clearly describes the character of Johnny Clay. He did not consider the effect of the behaviour directed on Radio himself, or on his team members who were punished as a team for the hazing incident.
Radio is a silent leader. He leads by example and the Golden Rule: “Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them do Unto You.” Throughout the movie, Radio goes about his business and does not bother anyone. He is a victim at certain points, as a result of other people mistreating him. He does not hold a grudge against them, but continues to befriend the individuals in his life. One might have the impression that Radio is exceptionally naïve, which may be a result of his having special needs. On a second occasion, when Johnny Clay sends him into the girl’s locker room to get him in trouble, Radio purposely does not ‘rat Johnny out’ when asked by Coach Jones what happened. He takes the rap for Johnny Clay, even though Coach Jones knows Radio is covering for him. Eventually, the people of Anderson, South Carolina accept and welcome Radio into the community. The nicest part of this story is that Radio is a real person, and this is a true story. You can visit the website at http://www.radioandcoachjones.com/ .
Coach Jones is an incredible human being. He works as an educator and Head Coach at Hanna Highschool. He is well liked and respected by all; fellow educators and colleagues, community members, and athletes. He has much experience in the field of Coaching. He uses both Referent and Expert Power to lead in the movie. I would say that it could almost considered reverence how he is treated by the members of the community. According to Northouse, Coach Jones holds both “position and personal power”. (p. 7) Coach Jones is a leader in his position as a coach, and by “his capacity to lead as being seen as likable and knowledgeable.” (p. 7)
Northouse defines leadership as “a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.” (p. 3) Coach Jones does just this. He produces change and movement in the community by establishing direction, aligning people, and inspiring them to change. This is done when he establishes a friendship with Radio and maintains it throughout the movie, despite questioning by family, fellow staff members, and the greater community.
Coach Jones displays situational leadership when he collects Christmas gifts for Radio by means of donations from the community. He saw the opportunity that Radio would otherwise not have many Christmas presents, and used his influence in the community to make an opportunity for him. There are many examples of situation leadership in the film, but I feel that by far, Coach Jones is a transformational leader. Northouse defines a transformational leader as “the process by which a person engages with others and creates a connection that raises the level of motivation and morality in both the leader and the follower.” (p. 176) When the movie begins, I have a feeling that Coach Jones has no idea what he has taken on. Throughout the movie, he rises to the occasion of dealing with questioning and ridicule, as well as dispelling the myths and misunderstandings held by the community about Radio in general.
Kouzes and Posner describe five fundamental practices that enable leaders to get things accomplished. I feel that Coach Jones completed these, albeit somewhat indirectly at first. The five practices include “modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act, and finally, encouraging the heart.” (Northouse, 2007, 189) Coach Jones took Radio in, gave him love and encouragement, helped to provide for his needs, supported him in the community, and helped to give him a purpose in life. What greater gift can one person give to another?
The Coach had a very strong set of morals and ethics. He had to face something that had very deep roots in the south; that being racial prejudice and prejudice based on disability. Northouse defines prejudice as “a largely fixed attitude, belief, or emotion held by an individual about another individual based on faulty or unsubstantiated information.” (p. 304) This was exactly the situation in Anderson, South Carolina. In order to overcome this circumstance, Coach Jones conducted himself in a way that was both ethical and character based. Northouse describes principals of ethical leadership as being “building community, respecting others, serving others, showing justice, and manifesting honesty.” (p. 350) Even though there were struggles throughout the film, the Coach was able to overcome the prejudice held by the community members, and work towards building a more humane and rewarding life for Radio.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Theme of Death
The theme of death is evident in the movie as we are introduced to Mrs. Kennedy, Radio's mother. Coach Jones and Mrs. Kennedy are speaking about Radio's father. Mrs. Kennedy shares with Coach Jones that her husband is dead and she is raising Radio by herself. The purpose for introducing death at this point is to help the audience understand why it appears as if Radio is wandering around the streets of Anderson, rather than being taken care of by a doting parent or going to highschool like his age appropriate peers. Mrs. Kennedy, as a single parent, must work very long hours at the local hospital as a nurse to provide for herself and her son. As well, at this point in time historically, there were not many options in terms of the education of individuals with special educational needs. This may have been especially true in the setting of the southern US where this movie is taking place.
Our second appearance of death occurs with the passing of Radio's mother, Mrs. Kennedy. Radio's mother dies suddenly as a result of a heart attack. This is a critical moment in the storyline as Mrs. Kennedy is Radio's only familial support mechanism. Radio has an older brother Walter, but he doesn't live in the same house as Radio anymore. As well, Mrs. Kennedy was Radio's number one fan, always supporting and loving him regardless of his apparent problems. This aspect of death is critical in the the film because it represents a large change in Radio's life from being totally reliant on his mother, to having to rely on other people in his life, such as Walter, or Coach Jones. Coach Jones continues to take Radio into his life, and their relationship is actually solidified as a result of Mrs. Kennedy's death.
Our second appearance of death occurs with the passing of Radio's mother, Mrs. Kennedy. Radio's mother dies suddenly as a result of a heart attack. This is a critical moment in the storyline as Mrs. Kennedy is Radio's only familial support mechanism. Radio has an older brother Walter, but he doesn't live in the same house as Radio anymore. As well, Mrs. Kennedy was Radio's number one fan, always supporting and loving him regardless of his apparent problems. This aspect of death is critical in the the film because it represents a large change in Radio's life from being totally reliant on his mother, to having to rely on other people in his life, such as Walter, or Coach Jones. Coach Jones continues to take Radio into his life, and their relationship is actually solidified as a result of Mrs. Kennedy's death.
Ethical Dilemmas
"Ethics is the study of values and customs of a person or group and covers the analysis and employment of concepts such as right and wrong, good and evil, and responsibility." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics)
When considering this defintion provided by Wikipedia and the movie Radio, there are fundamental ethical dilemmas that are brought about by the movie's storyline. Throughout the movie, there is a struggle for Coach Jones to do what is right. He has to maintain his values and committment to Radio throughout the movie regardless of what his colleagues, peers, and family members say about his actions. In essence, what Coach Jones was struggling with can be referred to as 'Pragmatics', or the struggle for goodness or virtue. John Dewey, esteemed educational philosopher wrote indepth about the subject. Dewey wrote that "the conception of education as a social process and function has no definite meaning until we define the kind of society we have in mind." (Flinders and Thornton, 2004, 264)
Even though Coach Jones was an educator in the 1970s, his ethical standards are comparable to those held by the teaching profession of Ontario teachers of our day. The Ontario College of Teachers recently revised the ethics document of the College to a revised document entitled the Foundations of Professional Practice (2006). In this document, there are four areas of ethical standards that are described. They include: care, respect, trust, and integrity. When considering these four areas in terms of Coach Jones' teaching practice, he is an exemplary example of each item. Coach Jones cares for Radio, shows him and his family respect, establishes trust, and indeed has integrity. He is committed enough to his purpose to stand up to his community and show by example how others should be treated.
A definite underlying theme of the movie could easily be titled, 'Do Unto Others as you Would Have Them Do Unto You.'
The ethical dilemmas are resolved in a series of events in the movie. Initially, Radio is not accepted by the football team members. As he is present at more practices, he becomes involved and gets to know the team. They in turn also get to know him. Their initial fears about individuals with special needs are beginning to be broken down. Once Radio is brought into school, there are a whole new set of people who must adjust to him being around. This includes educational administration, other colleagues, and students of Hanna High. The more people are around Radio they realise that he is just like the other kids in many ways, and is in no way dangerous to be around. Coach Jones brings Radio into the community on several occasions. They eat at a local cafe regularly, and attend community functions together. These outings again help the community adjust their preconceived notions of who Radio really is.
When considering this defintion provided by Wikipedia and the movie Radio, there are fundamental ethical dilemmas that are brought about by the movie's storyline. Throughout the movie, there is a struggle for Coach Jones to do what is right. He has to maintain his values and committment to Radio throughout the movie regardless of what his colleagues, peers, and family members say about his actions. In essence, what Coach Jones was struggling with can be referred to as 'Pragmatics', or the struggle for goodness or virtue. John Dewey, esteemed educational philosopher wrote indepth about the subject. Dewey wrote that "the conception of education as a social process and function has no definite meaning until we define the kind of society we have in mind." (Flinders and Thornton, 2004, 264)
Even though Coach Jones was an educator in the 1970s, his ethical standards are comparable to those held by the teaching profession of Ontario teachers of our day. The Ontario College of Teachers recently revised the ethics document of the College to a revised document entitled the Foundations of Professional Practice (2006). In this document, there are four areas of ethical standards that are described. They include: care, respect, trust, and integrity. When considering these four areas in terms of Coach Jones' teaching practice, he is an exemplary example of each item. Coach Jones cares for Radio, shows him and his family respect, establishes trust, and indeed has integrity. He is committed enough to his purpose to stand up to his community and show by example how others should be treated.
A definite underlying theme of the movie could easily be titled, 'Do Unto Others as you Would Have Them Do Unto You.'
The ethical dilemmas are resolved in a series of events in the movie. Initially, Radio is not accepted by the football team members. As he is present at more practices, he becomes involved and gets to know the team. They in turn also get to know him. Their initial fears about individuals with special needs are beginning to be broken down. Once Radio is brought into school, there are a whole new set of people who must adjust to him being around. This includes educational administration, other colleagues, and students of Hanna High. The more people are around Radio they realise that he is just like the other kids in many ways, and is in no way dangerous to be around. Coach Jones brings Radio into the community on several occasions. They eat at a local cafe regularly, and attend community functions together. These outings again help the community adjust their preconceived notions of who Radio really is.
Issues in the Story Line: Acceptance, Tolerance, and Understanding
Several themes are introduced throughout the storyline. Coach Jones is shown as an authoritarian type teacher / coach who is revered by his students and many people in the community. He is well respected. This general consensus carries through to the sports field and relative games as a result. Historically, people of the town have not questioned Coach Jones' authority or ability as a coach because of his proven track record of being successful for producing a winning team. This element is challenged as Coach Jones develops a relationship with Radio, a mentally challenged teenager. Many of the townsfolk have little understanding or acceptance of individuals with special needs in everyday life, or in the school setting. When Coach Jones brings Radio to the football practices, games, school, and into the community, the community reacts in a variety of ways. Some people immediately question his motives and actions. Other people talk about his decision making ability behind his back, and attempt to take action to fix the problem themselves.
The fact that Coach Jones befriended Radio in a day and age that was facing desegregation, little acceptance of blacks, and heightened fears about people with disabilities, it was a risk-ay thing to take on. Coach Jones' actions invited inspection and criticism from the world around him. The Coach spent some time being introspective about his actions, and explained himself to his wife, Radio's mother, Principal Daniels, and daughter Mary Helen.
The issue of dispelling differences is raised in the movie. On many accounts, the idea that 'we are all God's children' is brought up. Even though Radio experiences bullying, teasing, hazing, and dismissal from many people, he trusts in the relationship he has built with Coach Jones.
Coach Jones struggled in the movie with maintaining his sense of priorities. He wanted to support Radio's development entirely, but was forced on many occasions to push his convictions aside until he could build a community of acceptance in Anderson. Coach Jones used his influence as a community leader to do so.
The issue of maintaining integrity was a central theme in the movie. Coach Jones was a well known and respected individual in the town. On several occasions, Coach Jones stands up to the people who question him, including his wife, Principal, colleagues, and townsfolk. He makes it very clear that he has the right motives in mind. A quote from Mrs. Jones in the movie reinforces this idea when she says, "It's never wrong to care about someone."
The development of the relationship that Coach Jones had with Radio changed his life. Coach Jones was able to make up for a mistake he made in his past, when he left a boy under a porch who needed help. The Coach felt bad for this and tried to make up for it as an adult. He had felt very guilty about leaving the boy under the porch many years before. This sense of guilt helped to motivate the Coach to continue to assist Radio to have a better life.
This helping behaviour that the Coach shared with Radio helped him get over his feelings of guilt. It also allowed him to develop some feelings of adequacy as a careprovider, even though his relationship with his daughter did not improve much throughout the movie. When the Coach shared his feelings with his daughter about the guilt he had harboured, there was a small bridge built to commence the father daughter relationship that previously was non-existent.
These struggles throughout the movie helped to foster an attitude of acceptance in the community for Radio, in his presence at Hanna High and in Anderson. Coach Jones facilitated understanding of differences, and the overall acceptance of Radio. These issues were a pretty tall order for anyone to take on.
The fact that Coach Jones befriended Radio in a day and age that was facing desegregation, little acceptance of blacks, and heightened fears about people with disabilities, it was a risk-ay thing to take on. Coach Jones' actions invited inspection and criticism from the world around him. The Coach spent some time being introspective about his actions, and explained himself to his wife, Radio's mother, Principal Daniels, and daughter Mary Helen.
The issue of dispelling differences is raised in the movie. On many accounts, the idea that 'we are all God's children' is brought up. Even though Radio experiences bullying, teasing, hazing, and dismissal from many people, he trusts in the relationship he has built with Coach Jones.
Coach Jones struggled in the movie with maintaining his sense of priorities. He wanted to support Radio's development entirely, but was forced on many occasions to push his convictions aside until he could build a community of acceptance in Anderson. Coach Jones used his influence as a community leader to do so.
The issue of maintaining integrity was a central theme in the movie. Coach Jones was a well known and respected individual in the town. On several occasions, Coach Jones stands up to the people who question him, including his wife, Principal, colleagues, and townsfolk. He makes it very clear that he has the right motives in mind. A quote from Mrs. Jones in the movie reinforces this idea when she says, "It's never wrong to care about someone."
The development of the relationship that Coach Jones had with Radio changed his life. Coach Jones was able to make up for a mistake he made in his past, when he left a boy under a porch who needed help. The Coach felt bad for this and tried to make up for it as an adult. He had felt very guilty about leaving the boy under the porch many years before. This sense of guilt helped to motivate the Coach to continue to assist Radio to have a better life.
This helping behaviour that the Coach shared with Radio helped him get over his feelings of guilt. It also allowed him to develop some feelings of adequacy as a careprovider, even though his relationship with his daughter did not improve much throughout the movie. When the Coach shared his feelings with his daughter about the guilt he had harboured, there was a small bridge built to commence the father daughter relationship that previously was non-existent.
These struggles throughout the movie helped to foster an attitude of acceptance in the community for Radio, in his presence at Hanna High and in Anderson. Coach Jones facilitated understanding of differences, and the overall acceptance of Radio. These issues were a pretty tall order for anyone to take on.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Scene 29
The movie concludes with Radio having to move on to the 12th grade. He participates in the graduation ceremony with the other students. He shares the pride of Coach Jones and family, and the Hanna High family in celebrating his promotion to the 12th grade.
The movie ends by showing the real life person, James Robert Kennedy, or Radio, and the real life Coach Jones. Their relationship is explained, and Radio still assists in coaching at Hanna High up until the date that the movie was released.
The movie ends by showing the real life person, James Robert Kennedy, or Radio, and the real life Coach Jones. Their relationship is explained, and Radio still assists in coaching at Hanna High up until the date that the movie was released.
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