The Express Movie

Have you watched the Express movie?

An American sports movie that sparked in me what I experienced twenty years ago in South Africa. The Ernie Davis story brought back memories from my past life.

Racism is a barrier to society

I believed my past life was normal. The three coloured players were not allowed to enter the fancy hotel. Instead, were given cheaper, and not very clean rooms to sleep in for the night.

It was not a worthy gesture for Ernie Davis and two other players. The colour of their skin was a problem for other people.

Discrimination hurt me and my family. The Express movie showed me how Ernie Davis dealt with his racist experiences. Two boys are confronted by gangs on the railway track.

The one fled while Ernie Davis the hero stayed on a few minutes and picked up the sack of bottles and ran off too. Discrimination destroyed many people's lives and is a sad issue.

The colour keeps cultures apart. During that time blacks were treated as slaves. I was enlightened about how coloured people lived in the times of slavery.

The apartheid era made life different. Being born and raised in South Africa during the 70s, and 80s made everything I knew feel normal.

Was it normal?

It was not normal to live in that way. I didn't understand racism. I attended an Indian(only) school nearby and did not think of what affected many people.

My parents didn't complain. I had no reason to believe in any different than they did and did not complain.

Not understanding the colour issue allowed me to go on each day as normally as others. As I grew older, I realized the differences between myself and other people. I took little to heart and learned to treat everyone alike.

Racism is a big part of this world and understanding the behaviour of individuals is not an easy way out. We accepted our lifestyles and did not view others as they had viewed us.

Living in a separate neighbourhood did not affect me though made me look different. I grew to understand everything through personal experiences. I thought it wasn't right for me, or anyone to be treated in such a manner.

It was not my place to change others to make good. When others did not see us as fit for their society, I ignored what I knew was out of my reach. My family life got better, and I had a great family life back home.

My life changed when I married and moved to Croatia. Since then I noticed how acceptance changed me. People accepted me and treated me as a human that differed. I felt different but in a special way.

Growing up I felt different, and to be in a place where I am not treated differently is a huge click. Being treated differently for the colour of your skin is not a normal part of life for anyone.

I am happier in Croatia and am myself, and changed through my daily experiences. My life in the past taught me to be lazy and dependent on others. A lifestyle I grew into in my country and it did not go together with freedom.

In the past, people were not able to do it because of the colour of their skin. I appreciate life in my adoptive country.

The diverse South African lifestyle taught me to be open-minded, and many cultures are interesting and unique.

I learned in Croatia about the different lifestyles and tried to get into something new. The approach did work out well for me. The many changes allowed me to see my life my way.

I live happily and confidently in Croatia. The hardship in Croatia made me realize how not to take life for granted. It is not always what you want and can get from life. More importantly, it is what you can enjoy in life.

The Express Movie is based on the true story of Ernie Davis sadly he passed away at the young age of twenty-three from leukaemia.

He gave his life to football.

How can anyone think living with boundaries, or restrictions is a normal way of life?

Colored stayed in their territories and was not allowed to go to other suburbs. The Ernie Davis story touched me, and I find that hard to grasp how discrimination hurts so many people.

It happened in South Africa and affected people as it did in America. One of the best movies watched. The first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. The optimistic individual knew his abilities would pay off.

Winning the game was most important for the coach (Ben Schwartzwalder). Dennis Quaid played his role to perfection as did Rob Brown as Ernie Davis.

I enjoy watching based on true stories.

The factual events are great learning lessons. I learned Ernie Davis played the third quarter of the game. In the movie, Ernie Davis's acting role as Rob Brown sits out in the third quarter.

Jackie Robinson was the first African American to break the colour barrier in sports playing baseball Ernie Davis was the first African American to receive the Heisman Trophy.

The movie has a lot of emotions I felt it for myself while watching and thinking about racism in South Africa. A man who changes the meaning of sports.

Jim Brown had a source in this movie. Rob Brown played an exceptional role. Dennis Quaid played his role to perfection as did Rob Brown as Ernie Davis.

I let go of my past experiences. Racism changed the minds of normal people. The move to Croatia taught me differently.

What do you think?

My experiences have taught me about life itself. Through the eyes of others, the smiles of others, and from good and the bad. Through hatred and love, I learned of others.

No matter where you go never forget your roots. I admire people who work their hardest to earn a living. Irrespective of race or religion we are humans.

It is never easy to talk about racism. People are affected in different ways. Sometimes people do what others do to be the important ones in their neighbourhood.

In the process feelings of the innocent are hurt. Life is different for everyone and no two people will see the world the way you do. Good and bad affect people in unique ways.

You can't change the way people think but you can change the way you think and do. The Express movie is a lesson to people who had no idea of how racism treated those affected by it in America.

It certainly taught me!

Everyone should watch the movie. Certain scenes can be upsetting to those not familiar with such acts. Ernie Davis shows others how to be a good person.

The many lessons in this movie can open your mind to be better and to treat people equally. One of the lessons learned in the movie is to respect everyone. Colour should not get in the way of respect.

A lovely sports movie and you will be entertained. If you are a sports lover, or not this movie will tune you in. Racism and equality still need to be addressed in sports and other aspects of life.