Table of Contents:

1. Introduction 3

2. King Richard Description 3

2.1. Upbringing and Culture 3
2.2. Aspirations and Stereotypes 3

3. Application to Current Life 4

4. Conclusion 4
1. Introduction
This report will discuss and analyse the positive relationship of Richard and Venus from the
movie, King Richard. Upbringing, Culture, Stereotypes and Aspirations will be analysed in
reference to the relationship to show how the four influences have impacted the relationship and
the connection between Richard and Venus. It will then be explained how the understanding of
this relationship can be applied to real life when faced with the challenges of the four influences
referenced.

2. King Richard Description

King Richard is a movie depicting the real-life events of Richard Williams training Venus and
Serena Williams to become world tennis stars. He had planned out how he would do this with a
78-page plan. Throughout the movie, Richard is depicted as “crazy” for having these massive
goals.

2.1. Upbringing and Culture

“I look up and see my father in the crowd, and he took off running.” Richard explains that he
didn't want Venus to see her father running away, like he did. He wanted his daughters to have
a better life away from the culture and upbringing that was typical for black families in Compton.
The culture and upbringing in Compton, shown in the movie, was very negative and led to
children/teens ending up in gangs, doing drugs and prostitution to earn money.
Venus was encouraged to be a child and work hard at school, rather than the expected course
that other tennis players take, being junior competitions.
Richard knows that Venus won't just be representing herself but also “you gon’ be representing
every little black girl on earth.” Venus has so much pressure that she isn't aware of and Richard
doesn’t want her to feel that pressure at such a young age. This is why he pushes Venus so
hard, so she doesn’t grow up in the same culture or with the same upbringing.

2.2. Aspirations and Stereotypes

“You ever think about basketball?” When Richard is trying to find a coach for Venus and
Serena, he talks to a man who rejects them and instead asks, if he has tried basketball, this is a
racial stereotype as black Americans are typically known for being good at basketball, for
example, Michael Jordan. This is true for the current day as well, in 2019-20 about 80% of
players in the NBA are black. “I wrote me a 78-page plan for their whole career before they was
even born.” Richard has these massive aspirations for Venus that so many people think he’s
crazy. These aspirations, however, were originally his own and not Venus’. Venus does
ultimately share those aspirations with Richard, and this is what drives her to be the best she
can. When Venus gets too (idk what im saying) Richard is there to remind her that not only is
she representing herself but also every little black girl watching her. Richard and Venus share
the same goals throughout the movie, and although Venus becomes impatient, Richard learns
to trust Venus when she says she's ready to compete.
3. Application to Current Life
The relationship between Richard and Venus is positive and full of support despite the extreme
goals, stereotypes, culture and upbringing that both Venus and her father are influenced by.
This reminds me of a lot of my friends who have pressure on their shoulders from what their
parents expect of them. Most of the time the aspirations a parent has for their child does not
reflect the child and their goals. This is why many of my friends and their parents' relationships
are sometimes negative but at the end of the day, it is a parent’s job to love, support and trust
their child no matter what and Richard Williams does an excellent job at this.

4. Conclusion
King Richard and the relationship between Richard and Venus has a really good message of
perseverance and wanting the best for your child especially when you know what society
expects of them. Upbringing, Culture, Aspirations and Stereotypes have major influence on
relationships on and off screen and the movie shows this through Richard and Venus.