225. Out Of Bounds - Sports In The Inner City; movie review

OUT OF BOUNDS - SPORTS IN THE INNER CITY
Cert TBA
55 mins
BBFC advice: TBA

The world is full of opinions, isn't it?
Even though I empathise with the Black Lives Matter campaign, I am nervous about commenting on issues concerning race, especially when I find myself needing to pose questions.
Having watched recent documentaries about the futures of young black Americans, Out Of Bounds left me confused.
It seemed to gives a clear message that sport offers black youngsters a route to success - especially those who might find themselves surrounded by negative influences.
Noube Rateau and William Medero's film presents contributions from those who have been connected to local sports scenes and have found either basketball or American football as their route out of the traps laid by poverty and violence.
None had an easy journey, indeed a couple made ghastly judgments which cost them their dreams.
ESPN's Stephen A Smith is among those who speak out in defence of sport and its positive impact even for those who fail to make the grade.
In other words, he and the movie seem to be suggesting that being granted a university scholarship should be considered a success because it offers a way out.
I found it sad that whole communities had set their ambitions so low. Indeed, this echoed fears that there are few black business leaders, lawyers, doctors etc. because of a community concentration on sport.
But my biggest problem with Out Of Bounds was that it reinforced every stereotype which white people may have about African Americans even though its makers did not intend to.
Essentially, it says that if young black people don't do well in sports, they will be lured into violence or drugs or both.
Indeed, it even highlights cases of those who have blown sporting prospects because they have fallen foul of the law - as if it is an occupational hazard.
And the final acclaim is given to those who have gone on to have careers in ... sports coaching, sports commentary or being a pastor in a black church.
Is that it? Where is the aspiration to be lawyers, doctors, heads of businesses or leading politicians? It is as if Barack Obama's presidency never happened.

Reasons to watch: Interesting stories from those who found sport a springboard to success
Reasons to avoid: Unwittingly reinforces African America stereotypes

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 4.5/10

Did you know? According to racial equality activist Richard Lapchick, the NBA in 2015 was composed of 74.4 per cent black players, 23.3 per cent white players, 1.8 per cent Latino players of any race, and 0.2 per cent Asian players.

The final word. Noube Rateau: "“It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s what the kids need to hear, It’s a reality check that sports is Plan B, not your Plan A.”

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