Racism in American History X - 951 Words

American History X is clearly a film dealing with racism. The interesting thing about this film is the way in which the subject is treated. First of all, it is obvious that, though racism is always a difficult subject to deal with, American History X presents it without any reservations or dumming down. Second, the films figurehead for racism, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), is not an unintelligent redneck racist as films often portray them, but is in fact well-spoken, charismatic and intelligent, although he clearly holds ideals that are terribly wrong. Finally, the film shows that it is not just the white, neo-nazi racists who are fools to be involved in this, but all racism is foolish. Through these methods, the film shows the viewer,†¦show more content†¦This also shows that racism is not just people hating each other for no reason, or misunderstanding. It shows that it is deep-rooted and all-consuming. When Derek expounds upon all his theories and delivers his sermons, y ou can see how evil this view really is. Another interesting thing about the way this film portrays racism is that it shows it as a problems of two sides, no simply one group hating another. In American History X, the people Derek and his crew commit hate-crimes against and oppress are also clearly shown to play a part in this as well, and have their flaws and faults. For example, a group of black students, including the one who later shoots Danny, beat up a white student in the bathroom for telling the teacher one of them was cheating. Also, as mentioned before a group of black guys try to break into Dereks truck at his house. White neo-nazis also rape Derek in prison, and a black man saves Derek in prison, so clearly this film shows that racism is not a simple one way street, it involves two parties and has many facets. American History X is the story of a man who is so focused on his hatred and white supremacist views that it is his own undoing as well as his family destruction. The film makes excellent use of a non-standard depiction of racism and racists to convey how evil and destructive this attitude really is. As Daniel, Dereks younger brother says at the end of the film: hate is baggage, lifesShow MoreRelatedRacism in American History X1021 Words   |  5 PagesRacism in American History X â€Å"Get the fuck out of my house!† exclaims Derek as he pulls down his wife-beater to reveal a swastika tattoo, â€Å"See this? That means not welcome.† American History X, directed by Tony Kaye, is a movie about the transformation of Derek Vinyard: a young neo-Nazi skinhead. Derek’s father, Dennis Vinyard, was a middle-class fireman who disagreed with many of the ideological changes–such as affirmative â€Å"black† action–happening in America at the time. His father died whileRead MoreEssay on Racism in American History X936 Words   |  4 Pages American History X is clearly a film dealing with racism. The interesting thing about this film is the way in which the subject is treated. First of all, it is obvious that, though racism is always a difficult subject to deal with, American History X presents it without any reservations or dumming down. Second, the films figurehead for racism, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), is not an unintell igent redneck racist as films often portray them, but is in fact well-spoken, charismatic and intelligentRead MoreSociological Analysis of Racism American History X2317 Words   |  10 Pages Sociological Analysis of American History X: A Breakdown of the Stages of Racism Racism being a common concern for most sociologists is somewhat inevitable and a cause for a large proportion of the problems that occur in the society. 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