THE CULTURAL IMPACT OF MORE THAN A GAME: A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT LIFE, LEBRON, BASKETBALL, AND MUCH MORE

Abstract

This article analyzes the cultural impact of the documentary film "More Than a Game" on African
American communities. The film showcases the life of LeBron James and his teammates during their high
school years in Akron, Ohio, highlighting the significance of community, race, and class elements in
documentary filmmaking. The article critically examines negative media portrayals of African American
males and argues that documentaries, such as "More Than a Game," offer a different perspective on African
American male experiences. The documentary provides truthful narratives about these communities that are
often muted by mainstream media institutions. Moreover, the analysis highlights the importance of friendship,
race, and cultural community in providing scholars with a crucial area of study that informs themes of
friendship over athletic ability. The article offers a historical overview of sports documentaries, particularly
those focused on African American basketball players, and their impact on media perceptions of African
American males. Films that are produced by members familiar with African American culture provide a
different frame of reference and offer a more authentic portrayal of the African American experience. The
authors also point out that fear is often a theme present in media portrayal of Black athletes, and this narrative
surrounds their physicality, strength, and natural ability. Overall, this article offers insights into the impact of
documentary filmmaking on African American communities and the importance of truthful narratives in
shaping perspectives about African American males.