Ergi Omeri
HSB4U1-11
Mr.Drummond
September 10, 2013

American History X is a reflective and inspiring drama about the consequences of urban racism as it portrays the way a family can be torn apart by hate. A very graphic examination of extremism in America, the film shows neo-nazi/skinhead activist, Derek, trying to reform himself and save his brother after living a life consumed by violence and bigotry. The story unfolds through the eyes of Danny Vineyard (Edward Furlong), who idolizes his older brother Derek (Edward Norton). Raging for revenge over the murder of their firefighter father, Derek ends up finding himself transformed by a philosophy of hate. His incendiary actions ultimately lead to a murder and a prison sentence for himself. Racism, prevalent throughout the world and of course, the film American History X, affects the way one thinks about others. A key element of this film, other than racism of course, is that the activist Majorities can never be trusted. A lot of ruthless scenes of violence were included in the film, which for some may have increased its effectualness and made it appear more real. Manipulation is also key in American History X where the main characters in this film are young, bright, and filled with potential, yet they still somehow manage to be recruited into the neo-nazi/skinhead movement. The message is that any person, no matter how normal, can quickly cross the line from being civil into being consumed by racial fanaticism, violence and hatred. The scene with Derek's father at the dinner table, as described in Danny's essay, is an important part to the film. Derek and Danny are now shown to have been normal boys, the complete opposite of the skinheads they become later on. They are having dinner and Derek is telling his dad about what their Afro-American teacher, Mr. Sweeney, is giving them an exam with a “Black theme”. Derek's father makes various sarcastic comments, hinting hatred towards the Afro-American minority. The father of the two, shows his "true colours" by referring to the Black teacher's views as "nigger bullshit" and cautions his son Derek that he "has to watch out for that." Having said that the Derek and Danny's attitude and their hatred towards Afro-Americans was not as powerful in the boys in the beginning as it got to become. When they are at the dinner table, Derek actually begins to admire Mr.Sweeney's intelligence. Parent's are the ones who should know how to raise their children according to societies standards and what's acceptable in society. But it's disgusting that a parent can ruin the years of multicultural and anti-racist conditioning to which kids are subjected to in school and everywhere else, not only in this movie but it is still visible to this day. Derek's speech to the skinheads before they ambushed the Korean grocery store is reinforcement that simply need to hear a few words in order to be silenced and then they react upon what they’re being brought to believe. Derek refers to the grocery store which is across the street and laments how it used to be owned by "Archie Miller," who is presumably White. He recites the names of those within the group who used to work there. He mentions that the store is now owned by a Korean and that the new owner fired the old employees and in their place hired "40 border jumpers" Derek also says how they can’t let these people rape their country. But what are these people? Derek keeps making these comments, but they're just like him. Regual people. They need employment to survive, just like Derek. It's interesting that at that time, diversity was considered not right, or ugly even. But, isn’t it how diverse our population is, that makes Canada such an amazing country? And to have so many people wanting to come immigrate here? Just like we learned in class, immigration is good. It helps fill jobs and help the country grow. Every culture has something different to offer to society, and each one improves it in its own way. | |
American History X does a great job conveying how easily manipulated the human nature is and also how much racism has changed from then to today. I think that the movie was very well set up, and even the scenes. It really connected together in the end, and those are usually the movies that leave impact on people and cause them to reflect. As I mentioned, if it was how it was in the movie today, the world would not be a very good place to live in as the wars between different races would be off the hooks. Racism has always been a major issue in society, and sadly, will always be. But there are many changes and movements that have been made in order to keep this film, from happening in real life, in today’s society.