Remember the Titans is a movie that depicts the concept of a system, which is comprised of multiple interconnected parts functioning together as a unified whole. Within this movie, various examples of how different parts are interconnected and work interdependently, creating a ripple effect and generating synergy can be observed. Furthermore, the film also demonstrates the system’s adaptability to change through equifinality, openness, and boundaries.
Coach Boone emphasizes the importance of interdependence, where all group members collaborate to achieve their objective. To make this point clear, he takes them to the cemetery at Gettysburg, a site of historical significance. He advises the players to learn from those who have passed away: “If we don’t unite, we’ll face a similar destiny.” It is in this moment that the team grasps the significance of their interdependence or lack thereof. Gary and Julius step up as leaders, guiding the team towards working together with interdependence.
A ripple effect occurs when a chain reaction originates in one part of a system and spreads throughout the entire system. In the case of the before the third game instance, Blue, Gary, and Julius gather the team together in the gym to create this ripple effect. Blue instructs the team to unite, delivering his message with passion and energy. This leads to the team reconnecting and presenting a united front. They enter the third game with their own individuality, demonstrating their unity and determination to succeed by playing as a team.
Synergy is the phenomenon where group performance surpasses individual abilities, achieved through interconnected collaboration. Julius eloquently captures this during the state championship game’s second half, highlighting Coach Boone’s pursuit of perfection, emphasizing that no team member is flawless alone, but the team as a whole can be. They exemplify this concept by winning the game without their star player Gary Bertier.
Equifinality refers to the concept of achieving the same ultimate objective through various means. In the case of Coach Yoast and Coach Boone, despite their different backgrounds, their shared aim is to win the football game. However, they employ contrasting tactics to reach this goal. While Coach Boone adopts a hardline approach towards all players, particularly those who are black, Coach Yoast demonstrates sympathy and is accused by Boone of being overly lenient towards the black players. One example illustrating this distinction is when Yoast empathizes with Petey and allows him to join the defense. Despite their contrasting methods, they both manage to achieve the same outcome: victory in the game.
The concept of openness in a system refers to the level of continuous interaction with the external environment. Coach Boone enforces integration between the black and white players on the team, even though they prefer to remain segregated. Firstly, while traveling to summer football camp, he ensures that defensive players sit together on one bus and offensive players on another, instead of separating them based on race. Additionally, he makes them room together and participate in three-times-a-day practices until they become acquainted with all team members of the opposite race. If they fail to establish these connections, they are required to attend four-times-a-day practices. These measures prompt the team to adapt and increase their level of openness towards each other to avoid further consequences.
Boundaries play a role in controlling input, change, and determining the group’s access to external influence. In the locker room, linguistic boundaries were broken as the black players began telling momma jokes. Gary Bertier initially feels angry, but Julius defends him and helps him understand their language. At camp, there were physical boundaries to regulate openness. However, upon returning to school, the change becomes evident. Despite Gary forming a bond with Julius and seeing beyond skin color, the environment implies something different. Gary introduces Julius to his girlfriend, who disregards him. Julius remarks to Gary, “Camp over now, huh, back to the real world.”
The team initially had poor collaboration and a lack of willingness to cooperate. However, Coach Boone’s actions caused them to understand the significance of respecting each other, even if they did not like each other. Visiting a cemetery brought about interdependence and created a more positive synergy. To be successful, the team needed to adapt by being more open and adjusting their boundaries. Despite facing obstacles and racial tensions among players, they managed to unite and become an effective team. Their effectiveness was evident as they learned to work together at camp and ultimately achieved a perfect winning season.
Reference
- Remember the Titans (2000). Rotten Tomatoes. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
- https://www.slideserve.com/calixte/in-mixed-company-chapter-two
- https://www.coursehero.com/file/6251375/Remember-The-Titans-paper/
