Reaction Paper on Hoop Dreams - Movie Review Example

There are many instances in the movie when the viewer feels that at least at this time Arthur or William should learn something and focus equally on their studies. For example, when Arthur’s father leaves the family and William’s brother loses his job, one feels that these events will bring Arthur and William to face the realities. However, it does not happen. The movie brings on screen the harsh reality that the dreams of ‘making it big’ keeps the players from facing the realities of their life and taking action to correct it.

The other good thing about the movie is that in a subtle way, it has also exposed the faults in the social system. The movie ‘Hoop Dreams’ has brought forth the exploitative nature of the social and institutional practices related to the sport of basketball. The movie makes the viewer realize that social institutions like schools and colleges contribute in risking the future of the young basketball players by offering them scholarships for their sports performance. In doing so, they do not offer any future security in case the players fail to make it to the national level.

The movie makes one realize that the society and adults are as much responsible in destroying the lives of children as their own dreams are. There are many instances in the movie where the viewer gets to learn lessons which can be applied to his own life. For example, the movie makes one realize that if one has to improve his life and make it better, then one has to face the realities and think differently. Hence, the movie also works as a wake up call for the viewer. The movie is an excellent representation of human life and hence, the viewer has a lot to learn from it.

Social Problems In the documentary movie ‘Hoop Dreams,’ one can see how the social problems experienced by Arthur Agee and William Gates affect their lives in a negative way. By looking at the circumstances and family background of Arthur Agee, one can see that two of the major social problems that Arthur experiences in his life are the Black ethnic background and low socio-economic status (SES) of his family. Black Ethnic Background Arthur Agee belongs to a Black ethnic background. His ethnic background is a source of many other problems like social disadvantage, lack of proper education and low self-esteem.

There are various social problems associated with people from Black ethnic background. For example, people from Black ethnic background usually live in neighborhood that is dangerous, unhealthy and vulnerable to development of anti-social behavior pattern. Arthur Agee’s ethnic background makes him experience the social disadvantages like living in unhealthy social surroundings and lacking a good upbringing. His ethnic background becomes a reason for him suffering from low self-esteem and no social exposure.

Hence, even when he gets an opportunity like a school scholarship, he is unable to take full advantage of it as he becomes scared and timid when exposed to new people and children from White ethnic background. When he gets an admission in good school, he is not able to connect with children from White ethnic background as he had never socialized with them. For example, when he is given an opportunity to play with freshman team of St. Joseph, he finds it difficult to follow their discipline and rules.

Arthur is shown saying that he has never