Film Club: ‘Is It Basketball … or Socialism?’ - The New York Times

What can we learn about fighting inequality from the N.B.A.?

Video player loading — While nobody was looking, the N.B.A. figured out how to fight inequality.

Note: This is the last Film Club for the 2020-21 school year. Our regular features will resume on September 7.

Can we learn anything from the National Basketball Association about fighting inequality and creating a more level playing field?

As the N.B.A. playoffs begin, we present a six-minute film with a novel approach to tackling the growing problem of inequality in the United States. In the Opinion video “Is It Basketball … or Socialism?” Binyamin Appelbaum, a member of the New York Times Editorial Board, says that while nobody was looking, the N.B.A. figured out how to fight inequality. He argues, “The N.B.A. wants competition on the court. But to maintain that competition and make sure every team has a fighting chance, the N.B.A. imposes strict rules to limit competition everywhere else.”

Do you agree with Mr. Appelbaum that America would be better if it looked a little more like the N.B.A.?

Students

1. Watch the short film above. While you watch, you might take notes using our Film Club Double-Entry Journal (PDF) to help you remember specific moments.

2. After watching, think about these questions:

What moments in this film stood out for you? Why?

Were there any surprises? Anything that challenged what you know — or thought you knew?

What messages, emotions or ideas will you take away from this film? Why?

What questions do you still have?
What connections can you make between this film and your own life or experience? Why? Does this film remind you of anything else you’ve read or seen? If so, how and why?

3. An additional challenge | Respond to the essential question at the top of this post: What can we learn about fighting inequality from the N.B.A.?

4. Next, join the conversation by clicking on the comment button and posting in the box that opens on the right. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)

5. After you have posted, try reading back to see what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting another comment. Use the “Reply” button or the @ symbol to address that student directly.

Want More Film Club?

• See all the films in this series.

• Read our list of practical teaching ideas, along with responses from students and teachers, for how you can use these documentaries in the classroom.

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