BCC READS
Brittany Millben
to lead and moderate online discussion of
Quiet Strength: A Memoir by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 21, 23 and 24, 2008
11:00am-3:00 pm
(comments may be sent to the blog at any time)
Black Cultural Center
Purdue University
Discussion Questions developed by Brittany Millben
What was your overall impression of the book?
BM After reading this book I felt a renewed sense of inspiration and drive to fulfill my dreams and destiny on this earth.
Did reading this book cause you to reflect on your own spirituality? If so, in what way(s)? If not, why?
BM Reading this book definitely caused me to reflect on my own spirituality. After each chapter I challenged myself to reflect on whether or not I was doing all that God called me to do in life and whether or not I was representing Him well to others.
What would you have liked to have read more or less about in this book?
BM I would have liked to have read more about Coach Dungy’s family life and also his own family because I am always fascinated by how family members play such an integral part of one’s achievements and success.
On the inside flap of the book a question is posed, “What does it take to be a modern-day hero?” What is your response to that question having read the book?
BM A modern-day hero is one who strives to better others and the environment around him/her. It is also a person who takes no glory for the selfless acts he/she commits even when there are those that try to praise them or hold them to a higher standard than others.
The title of this book is Quiet Strength; give an example where Coach Tony Dungy demonstrates this kind of strength.
BM Coach Dungy has been a great example of quiet strength; however, a specific instance that stands out for me was when his oldest son, James, passed away in December of 2005. Although it’s clear that Coach Dungy experienced intense pain, grief, and loss he never once allowed it to cause him to be bitter or angry towards God. I found this to be remarkable because not many of us would be able to hold up the way he did under such extreme conditions.
In your opinion, what is the difference, if any, between a role model and a hero?
BM I think that a role model and a hero can be the same if they are always aware of the fact that it is not about them. When individuals start to become too aware of themselves and not of those around them who are affected by their every move, than they become idols. Role models and heroes should inspire others to better themselves as well as be aware that they are constantly being emulated and watched by those who desire someone or something to believe in.
What obstacle(s) that Coach Dungy faced was/were most inspiring to you?
BM Becoming the first African American coach in the NFL to win the Super Bowl was the most inspiring obstacle that Coach Dungy overcame for me. This is because he and his teams had come so close before and had lost many games, but he never gave up on them or their chance at victory. I was also inspired by the fact that as important as football was to him, it was also just a game; his faith and family always came first.
How do you think that Coach Dungy and the Indianapolis Colts winning the Super Bowl has affected how African Americans in the USA view themselves?
BM Seeing Coach Dungy win the Super Bowl definitely gave African Americans a boost of self-confidence and something positive to be proud of as opposed to something to be ashamed of. Many times we are bombarded by news that only highlights the negative actions of African Americans in our cities and our country and so having this news broadcasted gave us all a sense of pride in ourselves.
Do you think that people were offended or inspired by Coach Dungy’s constant reference to the Bible and his faith in God?
BM I think that many people were inspired to know that there is a strong Christian in the professional sports arena who is not afraid to speak up for his faith and belief in God. I know I was inspired.
What is one positive thing that you have applied to your life since reading this book?
BM Since reading this book I have purposely tried to share my faith with others so that they know where I stand in life and they are aware of the God that I serve. It is so important to me that people who I come in contact with know that my faith and relationship with God are first and foremost in my life.
