Monday, November 15, 2010

American History X---K.O.


American History X is clearly a film dealing with the social topic of racism something that is still strong in today's society. The interesting thing about this film is the way in which the subject is presented. 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 dummying down. Second, the film's figurehead for racism, Derek Vinyard who is not an unintelligent redneck racist as the film portrays him to be, but is in fact well-spoken, charismatic and bright, although he clearly holds ideals that are terribly wrong. Finally, this movie shows that it is not only the white, neo-nazi racists who are fools for being involved in this, but all those who hold hatred in their hearts. Through these methods this film instills that idea upon the viewer.  The story has an extremely convincingly way, that hatred and racism will destroy a person and those closest to them.
It is almost immediately revealed to the audience at the onset of this movie that there will be no holds barred and no playing down the realism of this intense racial hatred. When the film goes to flashback mode to the reason for Derek's incarceration, we see Danny, awoken by the sound of breaking glass rush to wake up his brother and alert him that some young black guys are trying to steal or damage his truck. At hearing this, Derek immediately jumps out of bed, grabs a gun, and shoots one of them, wounds another, and fires at the third as he drives away. Then, in one of the most brutal scenes in the film Derek forces the remaining wounded man to bite the curb and Derek kicks the back of his head(curb stomp), smashing in the man's skull. This scene is a perfect example of cumulative causation, for it depicts the endless circle of hatred as the swelling of mutual fear, anger, and discrimination clash between both parties involved. Another good example, the young, black men were disgraced by the white male in a pick up  game of basketball; therefore, instilling the black men go do damage to the white dudes car, which in turn, leads to the white dude killing the two young black men. It's an outrageous vicious circle with no end in sight.

1 comment:

  1. You have posted your title incorrectly. It must read Brooks Am. Hist. X.You must also post your full name in the label. You have good ideas and write well. YOu must catch up.

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