Rayburn American History X

One of the biggest points in the article was that anti-racist films paint a picture of a stereotypical "racist", making it easier for the viewer to remove the self from the equation and establish a clear "them" and "me". "Me" is not a racist because "me" is not like "them", the people being portrayed on the screen. The scene with the basketball game is one that most aptly illustrates this idea, and also makes nazism attractive to a class of young people.

The most noticeable element is color: the scene is in black and white. These periodic black and white scenes are the signals to how the people in the scene are thinking. They are thinking in black and white: you are black, I am white, we are completely different and cannot possibly get along and there is nothing else to it.

Character proxemics are also an important factor. The camera focuses mainly on two characters: Derek and a black character who has been set up to be his nemesis. Derek is portrayed as a strong white man who giving blacks a chance to "earn their keep", so to speak. The viewer's closeness to Derek and his opposer turn a small battle onto the basketball court into something clearly much bigger. It becomes a metaphor for the way racists justify their opinions. To Derek, blacks have been given their chance to make advancements to their livelihood, and haven't taken full advantage. This mimics the argument that almost all racists profess, and was also mentioned in the article.

The scene appeals to lower middle class youth in this way. The viewer is able to see these opinions played out in a way that is both relatable and not threatening, which is a very dangerous combination. Though this movie is anti-racist, many of the techniques cause the viewer to sometimes sympathize a little too much with Derek's mind.