In 1946 there were 16 major league baseball teams and all 400 players were white, but in 1947 only 399 players were white. Jackie Robinson became the first black man to play on a professional baseball team during a time where black people “were separate but equal”. By watching the film “42”, we see many social aspects of that time, including segregation and racial hate. Facing racism everywhere, Jackie Robinson shows true courage and restraint by not reacting to the constant cruelty he received. Jackie Robinson was not only an outstanding baseball player who overcame prejudice with honor and dignity, he was a hero to young black men across the United States. Even though black men fought and died for their country in World War II, segregation, racism, and Jim Crowe laws were still part of daily life in America. The war had ended in 1945 and American laws stated that all citizens were equal, but …show more content…
Rickey asks Jackie, “Can you control your temper? I want a player who has the guts to not fight back”. Jackie Robinson needed to learn how to maintain his composure amid all the racist taunting, and resist the temptation to attack his tormentors. Mr. Rickey told Jackie, “There are only two things you need to be: A fine gentleman and a great ballplayer”. Before Jackie even becomes a member of the team, the players are having teammates sign a petition stating they refuse to play baseball with Jackie Robinson as their teammate. Mr. Rickey hears of this plan and tells his players to trash the petition and if they do not want to play on same team with Robinson, they are free to leave. I thought this was a powerful scene in the film, because we finally see how being treated as equal looks. Mr. Rickey wanted Jackie Robinson to be on his team, and demanded both coaches and teammates treat Robinson with respect or risk