Our Deepest Fear
Our Deepest Fear- Coach Carter Background of the film Coach Ken Carter (Jackson) takes over the head coaching job for the Oilers basketball team at his old high school Richmond, having played on the team himself, earning unbeaten records. Carter quickly learns that the athletes are rude and disrespectful, and are in need of discipline. He hands the players individual contracts, instructing them to attend all of their classes and maintain a respectable grade point average, among other requirements. The team goes on to post an undefeated record eventually winning a seasonal basketball tournament. However, Carter later discovers the progress reports filled out by the faculty reveal some of the students have been skipping classes and floundering academically. Carter initiates a lockdown on the gym, banning the team from playing until they improve their grades. The act angers the locals, as Carter is criticized by parents and academic personnel alike. The school board eventually confronts Carter, who justifies his actions, explaining he wants to give his team the opportunity and option for further education so they won't resort to crime. The board, vote to end the lockout, much to Carter's regret. Carter quits his job, but finds the team studying in the gym, unwilling to play basketball. The athletes decide to fulfill Carter's original intention of pursuing academic achievement before continuing to play their next game. Watch the clip of this scene. The quote below is the quote in the scene.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Discussion Questions Have you ever received a compliment and felt the need to deny it? (even though it is true) can you give an example? Why do we feel the need to do that? Why is it hard for people to believe in themselves? Why is it important for people to believe in themselves? Is there such thing as too much self belief? What is the relationship between belief in yourself and: a) Belief in G-d b) Belief in others c) Other people’s belief in you
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Discussion Questions Have you ever received a compliment and felt the need to deny it? (even though it is true) can you give an example? Why do we feel the need to do that? Why is it hard for people to believe in themselves? Why is it important for people to believe in themselves? Is there such thing as too much self belief? What is the relationship between belief in yourself and: a) Belief in G-d b) Belief in others c) Other people’s belief in you
