42, the Jackie Robinson Story: Lessons from Americans past and present

By: Ethan Brisby

The theater is a safe haven for me. This weekend I invested time into enjoying the Jackie Robinson story on the big screen. As an African American male having played baseball from age 6-18, I knew much about Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier of Major League Baseball in 1947. So for me, initially there was nothing new revealed in this movie; no new revalations about what he did or nothing surprising about the history of race relations in the United States of America. Then I reflected on the character development in an attempt to draw more insight. Upon further review, there were indeed messages that can be relayed to my life and others in today’s modern time. I will attempt to paint a picture of them for you in the lines that follow.

First, for Christians the movie has undertones that Brooklyn Dodgers owner, Branch Rickey may have leaned on his Christian faith in deciding to give a black man a try. Throughout the movie there is indirect mention from Rickey that Jesus Christ hung on Calvary’s cross for all men. Similarly, in a modern American culture and society where subconscious racism is to 2013 as Jim Crow was to 1947, Christians are called to a higher level of living where faith is the basis of the depth in relationships. The movie 42 attempts to relay that message in a very subtle way.

The second point within 42 that I walk away with is African American male pioneers of today must press forward despite imminent opposition. In one scene Jackie Robinson is at-bat, attempting to carry out the bilateral responsibilities of his major league contract, when the opposing team’s manager begins to heckle him. It was “nigger this,”  “nigger that,” and other insults attempted to diminish Robinson as a human. Robinson hit a weak fly ball to left field and gets out. Then in rage he goes into the tunnel below the Brooklyn Dodger’s dugout, breaks his bat, and cries out. He cannot fight back, because of what it would look like; a savage black man unable to control himself in white man’s baseball. Had he attempted to fight fire with fire, he would have been out of the league in a heartbeat. Instead, his only offense was to use his oppressor’s reckless ridicule, ruthless roars, and ravage reasoning to fuel his on-field revenge.

In contrasts, today’s black male faces a more stealth approach to race relations. However, the offense just as in the case of Jackie Robinson is to perform. Rather your offense is education, other wealth building mechanisms, or the gift of love, work still works. Moreover, it is vital that African American male pioneers of the 21^st century do as Jackie Robinson did in silencing his critics.

He lived and played with a high level of integrity, an impeccable work ethic, and a desire to success unmatched by his peers. Not to mention his secret weapon of faith. Additionally, he simply loved the game of baseball. Don’t let anyone detour you from doing what you love, no one. This approach to escalation and mobility does not involve complaining or any other weak-minded stance which ultimately contradicts the perseverance necessary for all men; black, white, Puerto Rican or Eskimo.  

Finally, I applaud the movie 42 for portraying Robinson as a family man. Robinson’s wife Rachel is portrayed as a strong woman actively engaged in the pursuits of her warrior in a most steadfast manner. The notion that Jackie’s success was not only driven by undeniable talent, but also the powerful force of a love shared between a man and a woman is a vital clue for African American males of today. I believe peace and happiness begins at home with a family foundation rooted in sound values. Everything about Jackie Robinson and his iconic legacy portrayed in 42 validates this claim. In 42 Rachel Robinson represents as a strong, supportive woman helping to guide her warrior in good and bad times of battle. What 42 depicts is a faithful marriage, undoubtedly clouded by some turmoil, but fueled by the closeness that comes from believing in a greater cause.

At face value, 42 is a movie about a white man who wanted to tap into the economics of the black dollar by putting butts in the seats at Ebbets Field. Contrarily, when viewed with a critical lens there is more than meets the eye. If you have viewed this film, I hope some of what I said resonates with you. If you do not intend to view this film, I hope the ideologies used here have some inherent value for your journey.