Remember the Titans Conflict Report

Remember the Titans Conflict

In 1971, The Titan's experience enormous racial integration when an African American takes the position of head coach. This major adjustment proves difficult to overcome for players, due to the cultural norms of the time. The internal struggle that ensues between players proves detrimental to the overall health of the team and their effectiveness on the field.

The Titans are faced with an enormous obstacle to overcome without any example to follow.

Mistrust, lack of respect and ignorance are the common symptoms displayed by headstrong players, specifically Gary and Julius, when they are forced not only to interact with each other, but also to play cooperatively together.

The conditions of the conflict is unique due to the fact that players are forced to associate with each other every day, avoidance is not an option. Frequent training drills and locker-room exchanges keeps players on edge and constantly defensive.

Another unique feature in this conflict, is that all players have a common goal, to win games. This common goal, in essence, becomes the catalyst that forces players to stop relying on avoidance and to start them seeking alternative resolutions.

'Attitude reflect leadership'

There is a growing dislike between team members due to racist beliefs.

Gary: Desires a predominantly white team. Wants the team to operate as a single unit. Gary wants to stop early morning drills enacted as punishment from the coach.

Julius: Desires respect and support from white team members.

Gary as the captain of the team became the initiator, and begins the process of building trust and respect towards each other.

Main issues:

Outward aggression and lack of respect stem from deep-rooted racial beliefs and tendencies.

There are many prejudices held by both parties in conflict, and it requires strength of character to overcome these issues.

Gary is initially concerned that with the new head coach, black players will be favored and dominate positions on the field. Right away, the Titans are faced with an internal struggle they must overcome before they can face the outward conflicts on the field as a united team.

Julius shares the same pre-conceived notions the rest of the players are feeling. Aggressive and defensive behavior are the mechanisms Gary and Julius have adopted to guard themselves.

In a sense, Gary and Julius are both figureheads representing two sides of a battle that is much bigger than they are individually. Their positions weren't chosen, it was thrust upon them by the rest of society.

This situation makes it so much harder for either side to make amends. Gary and Julius both feel that the process of trying to sort out their differences might cause anarchy and mistrust with the rest of the team and perhaps society. For example...

Confrontation

Gary and Julius have taken the traditional standpoint assumed by their respective race.

When they meet each other, mistrust and anger are clearly evident as displayed by their behavior.

There seems to be no incentive for either party to make amends, until both players realize that an internally dysfunctional group becomes a physically dysfunctional team with no competitive advantage when playing football. Over time, anger and lack of empathy manifests and players indulge in 'dirty' training practices in which white players don't block or protect black players, and black team members tend to play with only themselves in mind, not the team as a whole.

In a sense, the type-A personalities shared by both Gary and Julius is their one hope for redemption. The desire to play football and win games is at the forefront of both their minds, and the realization that players need to trust one another and work together is their only chance

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