The distinction that philosophy makes between spaces versus places is clearly illustrated in the movie, Coach Carter, in that the physical space of the school gymnasium embodies the place where countless stories are created. Stories of respect, perseverance, passion, successes and failures unfold in the confinements of the four walls. The banners around the gym are testaments of these stories, as are the bleachers of supporting fans and families. Everyone has his or her own unique narrative, just as the students that enter the four walls of our classroom. Coach Carter, whose character as a person is consistent with his persona as a tough love coach, is shown as an expert in his field. He has lived many basketball stories of his own as a player, in the same place where he now coaches.
There is something magical that happens when a coach, or a teacher, is put in a place where they feel they belong. Coach Carter’s ability to connect with the young men on his team is possible because he enables himself to teach in a way that is true to him and his players. In the face of controversy and criticism, he stands by his beliefs. His drastic measure, of locking his team out of the gym until their grades improved, creates a movement and a life lesson that defies “a system that is designed for [them] to fail” (Coach Carter, 2005). Teachers who have enchanted me in the past, I feel are the ones who have let their passion for a subject be fully exposed. The ultimate goal for schools should be to provide a space where both the adults and the children can come together as a winning team, where discipline, hard work and a commitment to the curiosity of learning is the purpose. Coach Carter is based on a true story. It is a film that entertains, lets you dream and inspires to break stereotypes and social conformities.
From Portfolio of Narrative Inquiry, CCFI 508, 2014