American Politics & Pop Culture

American History X is a great film that offers opinions from either side through one character, the ex-neo Nazi Derek, and the post-prison-reformed Derek. The scene where the Vinyard family is having dinner with Mr. Murray, the history teacher from Derek and Danny’s high school and Derek begins his racist rant describes the opposite end of anti-racism, that Blacks had “enough time to get their shit together�. The rant offers a lot of point that pro-White members seem to agree with; the movie legitimizes pro-White opinion and justifies there action against minorities, but as we see Derek change throughout the movie and he reforms after befriending a Black inmate and betrayed by his own neo-Nazi group, the positive change and regret that Derek feels offers hope to the audience that racism can be ended. After all of the graphic violence depicted earlier in the film, the reformation and determination of Derek to get his family out of this mess – from his neo-Nazi former friends, Cameron, and the place they grew up and restart the film seemed to be moving towards a positive ending, except the eerie soundtrack foretold that something wasn’t going well. In a way, the ending is appropriate commentary that racism isn’t something that can be eliminated so quickly. Racism varies in form and origin relates to everyone in one way or another and simply “moving away� will not hide the fact that the neo-Nazi group led by Cameron is still looming in that city.
I agree with Beck’s commentary on the film (“Although the hero image is the…�) especially the scene with the most heinous crime within the film where Derek curbdrops one of the Black males that sought revenge after a lost match on court. The movie is stretched out to slow motion, and as the police yells orders at Derek to resign without protest, the black and white colored segment accentuates every color depth and the car light illuminating him from behind made him seem almost at his highest, as if he did nothing wrong. Although if you think about most of the pro-White members never questioned whether their actions were justified or not, they had to be right.

Posted by lungx009 at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A film like American History X, on its own, is not powerful enough to perpetuate racism. Those who go into the film with racism in their hearts or a history of racist activity may identify with the ideas and behaviors of the racist characters in the film but, ultimately, it is a film, a story, not meant to incite or illicit behaviors. That is the danger in film, and music, literature, etc. you can only control the product, not the reactions or actions of the audience after consuming the product. Similarly, Boyz ‘N the Hood was not meant to propagate black urban crime or negative attitudes and language towards women, but I am sure there were some that walked away from the film thinking that the characters’ bad behavior was “cool,� even though it was meant as an example of the negative aspects and a “what not to do� learning experience. American History X surely had similar consequences. Some people are just incapable of “getting it� – understanding the true message, because they can only see with their limited vision, and will only choose to believe that their way (racism) is right and that this film serves as proof.

This film intentionally or unintentionally does not reveal the insidious ways in which racism creeps into popular culture. Racism exists – fact. Sexism exists. All forms of discrimination exist today – whether or not we witness these acts on a daily basis – they are there. People have histories rooted in bigotry, families perpetuate certain ideals. These forces are much more powerful than a film. We cannot blame a movie for a critical and unresolved dilemma in our nation. Rather than pointing a finger at the entertainment industry, we should focus our attention on raising education levels and breaking the vicious cycles and influences of racism.

I agree with Beck in that sure, maybe the villainous character is attractive, but only in the sense that “The Joker� from Batman or “Tony Montana� from Scarface is attractive. It’s not that we “like� these characters, but they serve an attractive purpose in the film. We are attracted to these dark characters because of their unattractive ways – but in no way does that mean we try to emulate them. In a movie we may root for the “bad guy� or find him more interesting, but I can guarantee, in reality those of us free from the ignorant history of racism and with any sense of morality are rooting for the good guys – because we are the good guys.

Posted by rinas001 at 9:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The film American History X touches on many of the social issues in America, such as racism, hate crimes, affirmative action, and immigration. These topics were covered at a very superficial level, I believe it some what perpetuates racism. The movie leave viewers with more questions then answer, which is great that it leave us to question our society we live in. But in movies such as this that deals with hot topic like racism, just barley mentioning many controversial topics like affirmative action, poverty and immigration without fully dissecting these issues could be very dangers. Unless viewers are in academic setting where they could follow up with many of the issues that were addressed in the films, must viewer will answer many of the questions that were raised in the movie on their own. Answers and expansions will depend on viewer’s background, most of the time with incomplete information. This films “are problematic because individually and especially taken as a group, they ironically privilege a particular ‘white’ experience and interpretation of struggles….. that is an interpretation infused with white supremacist ideology� (Madison, 405) I also think it gives hate groups their own voice in popular America. It tries to justify their hate, anger and rage.

Posted by mula0013 at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

“American History X� was indeed a shocking portrait of the ugliness that humans can possess if influenced ever slightly in the wrong way. We know that one main argument about this film is its stance on racism, whether it be pro or anti. The film shows qualities of both, I assert, which are fleshed out mainly by Edward Norton’s character, Derek. Beck stated that Derek “shows the very different sides of the character as villain and hero. Although the latter image is one offered for the audience’s approval, the former one may very well have the greater impact.� That is, the inhumanity seen in Derek’s character as the leader of his “skinhead� gang is gruesome enough and strong enough to almost wipe out his redemption, thus making the film very much racist. For example, black stereotypes in the film are more unintentional I think, but they are still there, when most of the men in the prison are black, when it is black men who are breaking into Derek’s car, and even when it is black men who will fight at the drop of a hat on the neighborhood basketball court. Especially seen and spoken through the eyes of mostly the gang Derek and Danny are tangled up with, the feelings of white power and racism are prominent in this film.

This film takes a great turn while Derek is in prison and upon his release. As Finley states, the film “implies that prison is an effective way to reform racist individuals yet we know that in reality many racists formulated their notions of white superiority while incarcerated.� We see that Derek is a good measure of the way prison supposedly reforms racists, and Finley goes on to say how Derek “becomes almost a sympathetic character.� In this light, as Derek discontinues his old ways and tries to get his brother and other friends to follow suit, he does become somewhat part of the “white hero� myth, not for reasons of power, but for his personal triumphs against racial emotions and violence towards minorities. We can only hope that after the ending scene, where his brother is shot by one of his black schoolmates, that Derek’s experiences have been changing enough to prevent a recession into his past behaviors.

Posted by joh02361 at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X has been praised as a powerful anti-racism “must see� film. I actually believe that the film perpetuates racism that it might claim to reveal. According to B. Beck, “what could be more attention grabbing than the image of bad people trying to harm us?� (Beck 19). Who are the bad people? The people that started the gangs. Who are they? Blacks. One of the reasons the neo-Nazi gang formed is to protect themselves. Danny said, “There were no white gangs in Venice Beach prior to the organization of black groups. Venice Beach used to be a nice, quiet place to live in� (American History X). Majority of the black people are depicted in a stereotypical fashion. To name a few: the beginning of the film opens up with three black males trying to steal Derek’s vehicle, another scene shows three black kids beating up one white kid in the bathroom at school, and yet another scene, probably the prime perpetuator of racism from this film, involves a black kid shooting Danny, for no apparent reason, as he finishes urinating. Danny false into the urinal and lays there as if he is some kind of white trash. Finley said the following as he referred to blacks, “The most frequently used stereotype is that of a violent thug� (Finley 230). This film depicted just that. I viewed the ending of the film as almost justifying the white aggression towards the blacks. I felt great compassion and sympathy for Derek over his loss. If this film strived for anti-racism it should have presented different perspectives of both sides of the groups equally. The film seemed one sided in that we connect with the white people, Derek and Danny, mainly but not with the black people. There is no one black character that stays long enough through out the movie for the audience to connect with. Their, blacks, side of the story is almost concealed from us with the exception of the black man working on laundry in prison.

Posted by karp0040 at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After seeing American History X, there are certainly two ways in which the violence in the film can be interpreted. For some, the brutal acts in the film expose real world violence that they cannot relate to. In this sense, the film can be seen as a learning tool, in which the violence reinforces morals and warns viewers of the consequences of such acts. On the other hand, the violence used in American History X can perpetuate systems of prejudice, discrimination and brutality. If the characters and their acts in the film leave an impression of power and dominance on the audience, then violent images and content may indeed keep these systems intact. This is a strong argument made by Bernard Beck. I completely agree that, often times, villains and their actions are misconstrued to leave the impression of power, excitement and emotion. This can go against the purpose of the film in the sense that instead of exposing and abolishing bigotry and acts of violence, the images tend to promote such negative actions. I wish to add something to Beck’s argument as well. The environment and conditions under which you view such violent films is greatly important. In a classroom setting in which you are given relevant historical background, such a film as American History X can be used as a great learning tool. In this way, the cultural backdrop is set and the audience can view the film with the knowledge of the true consequences of violence and bigotry. Violent films can also be learning tools in the home if they are presented as a means of curtailing violence. On the other hand, however, if such films are viewed without the proper historical knowledge, Beck may be correct—the villains may seem more exciting, relatable and able to imitate. This is how violent films, such as X, can perpetuate violence in society instead of helping to alleviate it.

Posted by stap0069 at 11:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X perpetuates the thinking that only wild extremist groups can be privy to racism. It also perpetuates it by highlighting the white racists as a radical group of individuals segregating themselves from the greater normal (non-racist) white population, while the black student who shoots Danny at the end of the movie is seen as almost the norm of a black person, and the principle, Dr. Bob Sweeney, is seen as the anomaly. The hero in the movie is portrayed as having less impact on the people around him, and on the audience. This shows him as being a more powerful character and therefore more appealing to the audience while still being portrayed as the ‘villain’
The film only lightly shows the opposing side of those who commit hate crimes. One example of this is the black policeman, who although a functioning member of society and one with an honorable profession, is just as racist as many overt characters in the film. Another example is of the black student who shoots Danny. He is somewhat shown as fighting back against the people who were victimizing him, but the film seems to show that only against white people.
Derek as the “Anti-racist white hero� is perpetuated by the film. This is only slightly muddled by the film showing him being hesitant to help out the police and act as a hero. The film does perpetuate black stereotypes; one of them being the struggle of the principle to gain respect as a black man in his position, and the black students as aggressors against the weak student in the bathroom.
The ending does shift American History X as a slightly more nihilistic film because of Derek’s change occurring before Danny’s death, something that might have been the catalyst for change in his light, but doesn’t make it an overtly one. Danny’s life seems to have been unimportant because the changes Derek makes in prison are totally discrete from the evolution of Danny into a skinhead. Since his change happened separate from Danny, the act of his brother’s murder would only show Derek that there is more to being racist than just skin color.

Posted by nemme003 at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Other than Derek’s father, the movie depicted most of the characters in gangs as being racists. This path of showing how racism comes about in America does not explain why people really hate each other. It rather provides a narrow pattern through which many people would conclude that gangs play a huge role in enforcing racism.

Derek’s was released from prison and his life seemed to quickly change to becoming a better person. Even though the movie seemed to explain how much of a role that sending gang members to jail would play in eradicating racism, it is not really credible in the minds of American people.

Too many people had been and continue to be sent to jail, but such solution does not do much to helping better the society. Not to say that the movie producer was definitely trying to show that sending bad people to jail is the only solution to the problem within the society, but I do not agree that in reality racism will go away by sending more people to jail.

Posted by onon0006 at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X, despite its best effort to shun racism, instead reinforced some of the very stereotypes which they were trying to debunk. For example, with the exception of Dr. Sweeney, every black actor or actress was either in a gang, in jail, or was made out to be a "thug". We see this early on in the movie when Danny walks into the bathroom and sees three black kids beating up one defenseless white kid. Verbal threats are thrown at Danny, arguably unnecessarily, from the three black kids, and Danny blows his cigarette smoke in one of the kid's faces instead of threatening the three kids or fighting back (I guess it can be argued that him blowing the smoke could be some sort of "challenge" or degradation, but I think its better than saying racist threats back, or trying to physically fight back). We find out later that the kid who Danny blew his smoke at actually ends up shooting and killing Danny. I think the movie, perhaps without meaning to, portrays most of the black actors and actresses in the movie as being apathetic and willing to kill over the smallest thing. Danny was supposed to be the bad guy when he first blew the smoke at the beginning of the movie, when I thought it was really the other kids who should have been "bad". Danny never threatens those kids again in the movie, but still he is shot. I think also they made Dr. Sweeney black to avoid being an overtly racist movie; he was the only person we see of authority that is black in the movie, don't you think there would be other teachers or administrators who were something other than white? All in all I think this movie was definitely trying to portray an anti-racist message, but they still reinforced some of the stereotypes which they were trying to prove false.

Posted by ruppx051 at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The film "American History X," is a film that seems to condemn racism. Though the main character is incredibly racist and makes intellectual claims as to why he is racist, the film portrays him as incredibly barbaric. The things him and his group of followers do are terrible and have little backing. Although Derek will make intellectual and factual claims to support his cause, it is through his social interactions with the black man in jail and with his former teacher, that make him realize how he may be very wrong on his views on race. Because of that, this film makes it clear that even intelligent people can skew facts and thoughts in their mind so that they justify their actions and beliefs. However, once put in real-life social situations it is clear that people can drastically change their minds, as is the case with Derek. It may be a little of an exaggerated change in Derek, yet it shows that just one person can really effect the way a person views the world.

Posted by Martine Schroeder at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The film American History X dives into a world of extreme racism, hate and violence. Throughout the movie, we see the main character Danny deal with the racism that has been instilled in him ever since he was a boy. With the help of his brother Derek, who was once an influential member of a group of racist skinheads, Danny finally looses his hatred towards other races. The majority of the film is somewhat anti-racist in tone, revealing the devastation racism can bring to a family and a community; however, when Danny is shot by an African American student in the final minutes of the movie, it leaves audiences to believe that acceptance and peace between races is almost impossible if only one group attempts to change. This lead to one major critique of the film that white people are depicted as the only ones who can make change and stereotypes black people as violent. Another critique of the film is that it portrays racists as violent skinheads and does not take into account that racism can be found in not so obvious ways as well. I would agree that American History X is an extreme in its accounts of racism; however, the scene where Derek and Danny’s father, who is a well respected fireman, talks to Derek about his racist views shows that not all racists are extremists.

Posted by colb0086 at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This has got to be the most intense movie I have seen in a long time. The opening scene is just a shock to everyone and it is just one of those things you don't want to watch but can't help it. There is such an intense hatred between the supremacists and everyone else that it is hard to see why they are doing such violent acts. Although Derek attempts to give an explanation as to why they do what they do, it is very hard to agree with in any way. His father also gives a convincing lecture about people getting jobs because they are of a different race. However that benefits so many more people than one would expect. I do believe being of a different race helped me get into the university, as there were people ahead of me but got denied. Having a school or work of only white people also leads to the racist accusations that no one wants to hear. The things you see in this film leave a lasting impression and especially a chosen few scenes dont leave your memory in any short time.

Posted by leex2727 at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Since previewing the syllabus in the beginning of the semester I have been looking forward to viewing the film "American History X." Luckily I had not read the article “The White Supremacist in Anti-Racist Films� written by Laura J. and Peter S. Finley prior to Wednesday night. I was actually rather disappointed in some of the views depicted in the article. One of my favorite characters was Lamont, Derek’s prison laundry room partner. The article, however, describes him as “happy-go-lucky� and says “it is as if he doesn’t really mind the fact that he is in prison for dropping a television on a police officer’s foot.� In the conversation between Derek and Lamont where they are learning about one another, I saw a lot of emotion behind his explanation of what had landed him in prison. He is clearly not happy about being there, but there is nothing he can do to change the situation. I saw him as charismatic, bright, and friendly; three qualities that are beneficial for any individual, regardless of race, gender, or religion. It is obvious through the character development of Lamont that he is well liked and has a lot of persuasive power in the prison since Derek makes it out alive despite being liked by almost no one. A “happy-go-lucky� or carefree prisoner would probably not have that kind of support. Lamont was also the seed of Derek's transformation. He taught Derek to open his eyes and his heart, and I don’t believe that any of it was unintentional as the article implies.

Posted by weir0041 at 10:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I think what bothers me most about American History X is it complete lack of finesse in terms of being an effective commentary on the state of American race relations. As we discussed in class its shocking content raises issues with whether or not the film actually stands as a conductor of constructive conversation. Obviously since the film is able to generate some discussion, whether we can really determine if its productive or not in terms of the message its trying to relay, its worth considering even if its just to help reveal the misconstruing power of the American media. The part of the film that’s most effective for me, and probably the most successful in the eyes of most viewers, is Derek's journey to understanding through going to prison. This is mostly because the plot is compelling in a way that doesn’t occur throughout the rest of the film. It is more poignant and meaningful and realistic than any of the over the top occurrence that appear throughout the rest of the film. While an extreme sect of society is focused on in the movie I mostly find that it is lacking in any sort of critical analysis. The extremeness of the situations in which they are portrayed in untypical. While the violence and hatred being acted upon or vocalized isn’t necessary untrue it manages to become a caricature of itself and perpetuates idea about where hatred is cultivated, how it festers and how it is projected into the world. A lot of hate is entirely harbored through conventional practices and this film treats racial relations as though hate and fear exist due to these extreme sorts of sources. It’s also so rudimentary in its final message that it’s a little offensive. It manages to reel you into a plot in which you ultimately fear for and have compassion for all characters involved but finally in the end leaves with a rotten taste in our mouth. “Hate transcends all� is definitely a valuable message but in dealing with such a complicated issue that is so specific to American communities it seems this film can only be strictly based on projecting a vision of society that is going to be shocking on exploitative in order to promote ticket sales, not inform. Boo-urns.

Posted by tapol001 at 10:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X is a very strong film that shows conflicting racism in America. The film uses racist symbols, and acts to perpetuate the racism in the film. Many critics deemed the film as racist, despite the good intentions of showing Derek’s change during the film. Black stereotypes are reinforced in the film. This is obvious as the hero of the film is Derek, a white neo-Nazi racist. Finley emphasizes this by calling American History X racist thanks to the use of a “white hero�. This film intentionally reveals the insidious ways in which racism creeps into popular culture. Slowly throughout the movie you could see how the death of Derek and Danny’s father led Derek especially to Cameron’s neo-Nazi group, eventually becoming the leader of the harmful and destructive hatred towards other races. However in the end I do not believe that Derek would return to the group, even after the death of Danny. The film also intentionally shows how change can be brought about even if you have very strong beliefs about something. Derek spent three years in jail, slowly changing over time, understanding that any race can be good or bad. For Derek to change took very powerful actions. While the other neo-Nazi men in prison raped and bashed Derek in prison, the use of Derek’s black workmate in prison was just as effective to change Derek. Derek had so much hatred for Blacks, and was stubborn to get along with his black workmate. Change in Derek began after the conversation about “sheets reminding him of women and sex�. Beck explains “Although the [hero] image is the one offered for the audience’s approval, the former [villainous] many well have the greater impact on the audience… what they condemn in words is made attractive visually on the screen�. Derek’s speech before the grocery store raid was very powerful and made attractive visually on the screen thanks to the use of powerful close up shots of the villainous leader, and black and white camera shots. Its use of words is the most powerful hatred I have heard in a film, and the lighting lead the audience to believe something powerful, and shocking is about to occur.

Posted by campb503 at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My initial reaction when our instructor said, "There are images in this film that you won't forget..." was that it takes a lot more than some violence to create a permanent place in my memory banks for some radical image. I won't say that I am fully wrong, but the film as a whole fills me with a sense of dread. As depicted in American History X racism is a long deep pit with almost no way out. The main characters are moved to doing what they believe is right for all of society, or at least those that belong in society. But when they realize that their worlds are completely out of proportion it is too late too leave. Danny may day at the end of the film, but what happens to the rest of the family? Left with us to ponder the ramifications of one person on the rest of the family unit the only reasonable solution to their problem of violence would be to relocate. This movie is not just about racism and urban war in America, but also the future of those left for dead or have a price on their heads from certain anti-race groups. My last remark is about the scene where Derek stomps a man's face into the curb. This seems symbolic for the destruction of voice by an anti-minority group. The victor is the one who stands victorious of the cold and lifeless body, but is actual defeated by the picture and memory of the person, which speaks more than words.

Posted by Chris Lewis at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The first word that comes to mind after viewing American History X is powerful. It's a film that deals with one of the great struggles in America; Racism. It is a film that doesn't really give concrete solutions to the serious problems with racism, but it forces the audience to open their eyes and expand their minds on the issues. Derek, played masterfully by Edward Norton, allows hate to creep into his heart after his family suffers the loss of the father. The film uses an interesting use of color to show the different states of the mind. While the film is black and white, Derek is viewing the world and other issues from the perspective that things can actually be viewed in terms of black and white. After jail, when he is able to change his beliefs, the film changes to color and we see a completely different person in Derek. As far as him being a hero, I don't believe he is. He deserves to be commended for his ability to overcome the internal hatred that was so firmly planted inside of him, but he is not a hero. He is very complex character, as I see him as both perpetrator and victim at the same time. The leader of the D.O.C. in Venice took advantage of him during a time when he was most vulnerable, but ultimately he made the choices that led to his incarceration. His incarceration was very metaphorical in the sense that while his body was behind bars, the better person within himself was freed. This film is so honest in its depiction of the human heart and mind. Hatred is something that exists within all human being, but we have the ability to accept it or reject it. Racism has always been a problem in this country and it will continue to be as time moves on, but we as individuals can make the decisions to treat all people with the same respect and consideration we'd like to be shown in return. It's a violent film depiciting a violent country's fears and prejudices as they really are. Racism is fueled by ignorance, fear, and hate and in order to defeat those evils, we need to start very early in life in terms of educating our children and young people about the dangers that come with racism.

Posted by moros007 at 10:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I think Edward Norton was awesome in this film. He played both villain and protagonist believably. In Bernard Beck’s article, he states that in dramas, “the villains must engage our emotions. They must arouse fear, hate, anger, and combativeness. Those are the resources the moviemaker needs to propel us through the plot; their resolution at the end is what leaves us satisfied� (Beck 20). From the start of the film, Derek definitely engaged my emotions, beginning with his vicious killing of the black men. His unfounded hatred certainly brought on feelings of anger as I watched; not understanding how he could hate with so much passion and actually believe what comes from his own mouth. The fear aspect came from the skinhead group, or “strange, frightening figures who are homegrown� as Beck refers to them (21). Though this was only a movie, a quick Google search illustrates that they are many groups like this still in existence today. I don’t understand how in a country founded through diversity, there are still people filled with so much hate toward other people, even in 2008. Of course, racism is far from over and has transformed itself into more concealed forms, this blatant, full-on hate, seems to have left the minds of many today, except in groups like this. Derek’s passion for hate, leads the audience into feelings of odium, however once he returns from prison, it’s a whole different story. Beck comments that Derek “is transformed into a wise, loving, redeemed figure� (21). After having built up disgust with Derek for half of the film, it was a little hard to let it go and see him in a different light until he starts talking with Danny.

Had that been the end of the movie, as Beck discusses, the resolution would have left me satisfied (20). After such an emotional roller coaster, I was down with the movie, before the end. Guy was evil, now he’s good and teaching his brother, ok, great, got it. But then, “the triumphant climax leads to catastrophic tragedy� (Beck 21) when the young black man comes in and shoots Danny for no good reason. (On a side note, in our latest two films, I think the black men are shown as ultra-irritable, which does have some merit, but I question the extent. In BNH, Ricky bumps into a guy who later comes back and shoots him while in AHX, the boys get into it, as many boys do, and the black boy comes back and shoots him. Is that a fair portrayal or stereotype? It is just something to think about.) For me, this seems to un-do the progress the film had made. However, others argue that the scene demonstrates we don’t live in a perfect world, and though individuals may change, hate/racism does not. I understand that side as well, but it seems like it adds fuel to the fire and gives reason for racists to say that Derek’s former way of thinking was right and that “you trust these people and they turn around and stab you in the back�. In the end, racism wins and I know for sure that if Derek remains under his transformation umbrella, his tolerance will be put to the test. I know it would be difficult or near impossible for me not to return to that mindset, if not one, but TWO members of my family that I loved dearly were killed unnecessarily by members of a race that I already had learned to hate. Hopefully, Derek was able to stay committed to his new cause and not revert.

Posted by Jasmine Omorogbe at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

“American History X� is a film that, after first viewing it when it came out in 1998, inspired me to become more of an activist for social causes. I had supported and been interested in organizations that fought for civil rights, justice, and change, but this film was the catalyst that got me off the sidelines and more actively involved. Because I viewed “American History X� as one of those “important� films, I found the articles, “Legitimation Crisis and Containment: The ‘Anti-Racist-White-Hero’ Film, by Kelly J. Madison, and “The White Supremacist in Anti-Racist Films� by Laura L. Finley and Peter S. Finley, somewhat jarring and my opinions in need of some reevaluation. Not before these articles, did I ever encounter any dissenting beliefs regarding this film, and, though I still feel it has some relevance to the issue of racism in America, I now view it with my rose-colored glasses removed and an awareness of the “Eurocentric� and “Anti-Racist-White-Hero� threads that run through it.

In “American History X,� as Madison states, “the ‘white’ protagonist is the subject; we experience ‘reality’ through his eyes. In comparison, ‘black’ characters are variously objectified, seen largely from the outside through the eyes of the ‘white’ hero (407).� The film follows brothers Derek and Danny, the former an ex-neo Nazi recently released from prison after serving time for murdering a black man, and the latter a budding neo-Nazi, looking to follow his older brother’s example. Through flashbacks, we learn what perpetuated the racist views of the brothers, but in real time, we see those views eventually disintegrate. Derek trying to steer Danny away from a destructive path, relates to him the paradoxical nature of his friends and enemies in prison, with his closest acquaintance being his black colleague in the laundry, and his adversaries being the other neo-Nazis. With the cleansing scene of the brothers taking down their Nazi paraphernalia, we are led to believe that all is well, that the brothers have reformed their ways, and that they will ride off into the sunset, two repentant souls. We are soon jerked back to reality, however, when Danny is gunned down by a black schoolmate.

The entire premise of the film closely adheres to the narrative structure Madison found to be prevalent in many films that discuss race, at least from the “white hero’s� point of view, with the “white hero sacrific[ing] a great deal…to further the cause of the black people’s struggle…suffering terribly for his or her efforts (405).� Aside from Danny’s principal, who is black, the film portrays only the white characters as making any headway in improving race relations. Derek prevails in removing Danny from of a life of hate and violence, and even agrees to work with police in an attempt to bring down the community’s neo-Nazi leader, Cam Alexander. In this film, we “delve into the complexity of the experiences of the ‘white’ protagonists,� but the black characters are left to perpetuate stereotypes, as discussed by Finley and Finley. They are depicted as “aggressive� towards both whites and members of their own race, drug abusers and dealers, unintelligent, and equally racist (230-31). Not only are the negatively and stereotypically depicted, they also contribute nothing to improving rapport between the races. This job, of course, falls solely on the “white hero.�

Posted by palaz012 at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In response to idea number 2, I think that this movie, as well as society in general has a hard time grasping racism. The idea that only people who commit hate crimes are the stereotypical racist groups is completely fallacious. While I believe it is true that these types of groups may be more racist than some, even as much as an internal thought about hatred towards a person of another race, to me, would be considered racist. While I don't know exactly how to classify a "hate crime," I don't think burning crosses or walking around flaunting swastikas are the only things included. I think as far as the claim that younger people who watch movies like American History X will get the idea that that only type of racism is organized group racism is fairly true. They may get the idea that if they do not belong to an "actual" supremacy group that they are automatically not a racist. If they take on this mindset, they could think that they are exempt from being a racist because they do not belong to a group. They need to know that it does not take something as extreme as burning a cross to be considered a racist who is capable of committing a hate crime. Something as simple as harsh words can be considered a hate crime because not just physical acts do harm. Racism will always be a problem because many humans live by tradition. Since that is the case, there will probably always be people who are racist because it is a family norm. Cracking down on organized racism is just a small dent in a very large problem.

Posted by cloy0004 at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X was such a powerful movie. With all of the violence, racism, and life changes, it would be hard to catogorize this film as "non-interesting". Derek's character really depicted the lifestyle of a real-life preson growing up in those same conditions. Anyone who grows up being told specific people are bad and not worth being alive, are going ot think that same thing. Derek, although having to serve time in prison to do so, realized that this was not the person that he was and changed his lifestyle to try and put an end to all of the racism and hate people have for other races. I think this film was showed people that anyone can change their ways no matter what the extremes are and that you don't always have to follow in someone's footsteps; be your own person and make your own choices. I also think that racist people aren't just the ones that show it on the ourside, like tattoos and shaved heads. I would have to say that those people are true racists, but there are far more racist out there that don't show it and keep their opinions in until a situation comes around where they show their feelings. Racism is all around us and we really need to make it stop. We are all human and that is all that matters!

Posted by Katrina Heikes at 9:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

By: Elizabeth Bassett

Featured throughout many civil rights movies throughout the decades, the “anti-racist white hero� is a common theme. After watching American History X, I see how this idea was touched on in the film. At the same time, however, I recognized many contradictions to this ideal in relation to Danny and the various individuals he meets in his metamorphosis from racist to good guy.
In first looking at the idea of the “white hero� myth in relation to American History X, I feel that it is strongly contradicted at the beginning of the movie. This is apparent as the white people are the “bad guys� with organized crime when they break into the store and terrorize both the multi-racial workers as well as the caucasians who employed them. Contradictions of the “white-hero� are also seen when Derek forces the black man to bite the curb so he can break his skull after shooting both of his friends.
This movie exhibits complete opposition to many myths related to the typical civil rights movie as the story progresses and Derek finds himself in prison. Derek meets his black friend whom he folds clothes and talks with which calls forth the black stereotype into question. Boyz in the Hood revealed the black stereotype to be of men who had no purpose in life without proper jobs and extreme racism against white people. As Derek works with his black friend who cares about his job and Derek’s well-being, the stereotype of black men seen in Boyz in the Hood is reversed in American History X. As Derek is leaving the prison and saying good-bye to his friend he expresses that he wouldn’t have been able to make it through without him. Somehow, his black friend’s kindness and work ethic had helped to reverse Derek’s ideals regarding racism and white supremacy. Ultimately, his black friend becomes the hero of the story, completely defying the “white-hero� myth.
Finally, many people have suggested that this movie is very Eurocentric. In my opinion, I think it exhibits the very opposite of this ideal. Derek’s black friend initiated the friendship which greatly aided in Derek’s transformation. Had this film held greater Eurocentric ideals, Derek or another white man would have been more likely to instigate a friendship thereby aiding in changing the black man’s ideals. The ideal of Eurocentrism was also defied at the end of the movie when Danny was killed by one of his black school peers. Had Danny taken the role of the murderer, a Eurocentric attitude may have been more prevalent.

Posted by basse044 at 9:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The “white hero� myth is said to be depicted in this week’s film. Derek, who forces the audience into sympathy, shows how one can convert or transform his/her radical beliefs. Moving from evil to good is quite honorable but does this conversion earn a “hero� status? Madison notes, “The white hero sacrifices a great deal at the hands of white racists to further the cause of the black people’s struggle,� as a bullet point for a typical narrative structure. Derek’s sacrifice or unfortunate interaction with the other white racists may have came in prison, but it was not his will and even though it may have lead to his epiphany, his intentions at the time were not to help black people’s struggle. If Madison’s criteria is to be followed to classify a character as a “white hero� then Derek isn’t. He may be someone who underwent a transformation but it appears that he was forced into these converted beliefs.

Posted by luli0004 at 9:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I completely disagree with critics who believe that the film was sending a message stereotyping racists. After watching the film it didn’t make me think that people who committed hate crimes had shaved heads swastika tattoos or burned crosses and whore white sheets. L & P Finley argue that “American History X depicts hatred as a group phenomenon and that rednecks are depicted as the worst possible racist losers (233).� I think that this is partially true. Many neo-Nazi members are from small towns and are thought of as rednecks. Although this is true the intent of these characters was not to make the audience think that these characteristics distinctively belong to someone who would commit a hate crime. I also do not think that the film gives false cues to the audience about who is a racists. The film just gives an example of a notorious depiction of a racist in American culture. When many Americans think of a neo-Nazi they think of someone who has a shaved head, a swastika of some sort, and they may burn crosses and run around in sheets. The audience knows that these are not mutually exclusive with racists so this film does not give false cues.
I think that the depiction of hate groups in the film in some ways allows viewers that cracking down on racists groups will eliminate racism. I think if that is really the only exposure to racism then the audience might think that eliminating these groups would eliminate racism. Unfortunately racism is something that needs to be changed at an individual level. These groups would not exist if people were not racists. If you get rid of the groups you don’t remove racism but just displace it.
Grant Flatgard

Posted by flat0101 at 9:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After seeing the film American History X in class I believe that it is both a great anti-racism film, while at the same time perpetuating racism. The film was very anti-racism if it was really listened to and the viewer really thought about what they were watching. There were many, many points in the film that pointed out the flaws in the beliefs of the racists. The racists used facts to support their beliefs, but these facts were twisted to support the view of the racists and if fully thought out the twisting of these facts were extremely obvious. At the same time however, if the viewer did not fully think through the facts that were being given they heavily supported racism.

The movie called attention to the flaws in the logic of the racists by having the main character realize the flaws himself. Despite this, the average viewer who was just going to the movie out of a desire for entertainment most likely still did not think hard about what this meant, meaning that the viewers simply listened to the very racist opening. The producers of the movie meant it to be an anti-racism film, as they expected people to really think about what they were hearing. Unfortunately people did not do this and their good intentions ended often ended up perpetuating racism rather than lessening it.

I found one part of this movie extremely disturbing. This is the first movie I have ever watched and have been really disturbed by. The thing that disturbed me was how the movie had me feeling about the crime Derek committed. The crime in and of itself was horrendous and sickening to watch as he stomped on the mans head. This in and of itself was disturbing and extremely wrong. I did not realize this while watching the movie but afterwards I realized that I was happy while watching the film that he had only gotten three years of jail time for his crimes, as in a way the movie made you like Derik and feel like he did not deserve more time. In afterthought while analyzing the movie I realized that I feel like the Derik should have had life in prison. For a crime like the one he committed I do not think he should be allowed to walk free again, regardless of his change of heart.

I think it is important to realize what is stated in The White Supremacist in Anti-Racist Films. The main characters that were pushing for equal rights and were fighting against racism, were not the minorities, but were instead white males. This shows unintentionally how white supremacist the film industry was as even in the anti-racism films white males were the ones who were cast in the positions of leadership and were given the main roles.

Posted by andre368 at 9:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

First off that I want to say that I really enjoyed American History “X� because it presented an interesting, and often conflict of racism in American society. I felt that the creator of this film was not supporting racism, but rather sending the message that racism is unnecessary in any society across the America. Even thought some of the scenes were very explicit and gory, it was necessary for the viewer to understand that racism is not just words of hate, but also acts of deadly violence. There are two examples violence in the film I remember most clearly is the beginning scene where Derek kills the three men for attempting to break into his car in the middle of the night. The other scene was when Derek’s little brother whom was also a skin head was shot a killed at school. Both of these scenes are perfect examples how racism and hate can escalate in to deaths.
Another aspect to the film that I found to be very interesting was how after Derek was released from jail he was perceived as a hero. Prison had an effect on Derek and once he got out of the penitentiary he cleaned up his life and wanted nothing to do with the “skin head� and wanted his brother and girlfriend to also get away from the scene. Some may say the a hero figure is more boring compared to a villainous figure, but this movie was about sending a positive message and I do not believe that would have been established if Derek would have went back to his old ways once being release from jail. Beck stated, “although the [hero] image is the one offered for the audience’s approval, the former [villainous] many well have the greater impact on the audience… what they condemn in words is made attractive visually on the screen� (21). I agree with this statement and feel by showing Derek as changed person it shows how people can change their ways and also the power evil can have on individuals.

Posted by white968 at 8:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I do believe that this film is misleading about what people in society can be considered racists. The film was much to adamant about placing every racist character in the movie in a gang of some sort. The only exception I observed was Derek's father, but his appearance was short and near the end of the movie, long after the gang stereotype for racism had been established. This practice is dangerous, as it gives misleading ideas about how to prevent and eliminate the racist problems found in America. The problem is not the gangs and individual people that commit racist acts, but the general stereotypes and prejudices that have invaded our entire country. The war on drugs has suffered similar setbacks. Too much time is spent focusing on individuals, low level people who are sent to jail but change nothing in respect to the status of our country (in terms of drug usage and distribution, for the purpose of this example, but the same idea applies to the racists who are put in jail). In order to change something that has saturated people's minds as thoroughly as these subtle racist nuances, there needs to be more changes at the top. Eliminating gangs changes nothing. Even eliminating the usage of certain, racially charged words changes nothing. The only way things change are to overhaul an entire society, to think and act differently, and to forget about the past. This will never happen, as personal experiences speak louder than any government words or mandates, so people will continue learning from older generations, who grew up with the (usually) subtle racism we see today.

Posted by hanse978 at 8:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In class this week we watched the film American History X. I had first seen this film last year for another class and never really paid that much attention to it. I was kind of in shock when I saw it the first time because I just thought that it was a really racist movie and never thought that they were actually trying to show how bad racism was and just how extreme these people really are. Derek was the head of a neo-Nazi racist group in Long Beach, California. He grew up hearing things from his father about how the blacks were just trying to take over the world and that whatever they said was total B.S. These things that Derek heard come from his fathers mouth were the words that helped shape him into the ideologist and terrible racist that he was. Derek's scene of when his group raids the grocery store was just a fine example of how crazy and insane these skin heads were and how they really believed that no one who was born outside of this country should be allowed to come here and take the Americans jobs. They went in there and absolutely terrorized innocent people just because they were not white. The beliefs of these people go to the extreme ends of the totem pole and they will let nothing get in the way of what they believe. This movie used racist acts and symbols to try to get the audience to see how bad racism really is. In the article L&P Finley argue that, "American History X depicts hatred as a group phenomenon and that rednecks are depicted as the worst possible racist losers" (233). I don't exactly agree with this statement because I believe that if he used a different group, such as an all black hate group, then the blacks would be viewed as the worst possible racist lovers. Danny, Derek's brother, idolized him wanted to be just like him. He did not always believe all of the stuff that Ethan told him to believe but he said it because he felt like that was the right thing to do because everyone else believed it. Derek's jail time proved to be a very positive and eye-opening experience for him. He went in thinking that no one could touch him and that he would be just fine because of his reputation. Danny soon finds out that the jail, just like in everyday society, has its own little checks and balances system and when he sees that one of his group members is dealing with a "spick" as he called it, he becomes very angry. He thinks this is totally unacceptable and because of the way he reacted to this, he is unfortunately raped later on in the shower. Danny soon realizes that what he is doing is completely wrong and his old principal Dr. Sweeney helps him realize this. Dr. Sweeney completely changes Derek’s opinion on the whole skin head group and his racist views. I believe that this film is an amazing depiction of what happens when you have these extreme views and what it really does to people. I definitely agree that this movie is an anti-racist film but it just shows it to us in a different light. As Beck puts it in his “Your Worst Nightmare: The Siege, American History X, and our Views of Enemies Foreign and Domestic� reading, “The horrors of the neo-Nazi movement are offered as a warning and as an object of condemnation, but they are also presented in exciting images of power, passion, and self righteousness.� I really feel this quote explains the movie in that it shows how bad racism really is but it shows it in the context of how these terrible racist skin heads view it as. This is not just a hobby for them, this is a way of life, they live, breathe, eat, and sleep for this hate group and soon they will find out what they have been doing to these innocent people will bite them in the butt in the end.

Posted by kapla137 at 8:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After seeing this film I can understand why people might see American History X as more of a pro-racist film than the anti-racism message it was actually trying to get across to the viewer. The first half of American History X is extremely racist and comes very close to glorifying some of the horrific things that Derek does. This film also plays on a lot of negative racial stereotypes such as that all black people are in gangs or are drug dealers and have some kind of firearm. American History X however by the end of the film completely condemns all of Derek's previous radical beliefs and racist ideals. All of Derek and Danny's previous friends come off to the audience as ignorant, confused, angry people that have no real idea of what they are talking about or what they are fighting. I can't see why anyone would be tolerant to blind hate just because of skin color or ethnicity after seeing American History X. I can see that this film does touch on how racism has made its way into our popular culture. I don't know if this was intentional or not but this film shows a lot of situations and conversations that many people have all the time. People still talk about Rodney King, affirmative action and illegal immigration problems; these are things that will continue to be popular issues because of how relevant they continue to be. I agree with Beck's statements that the flashbacks were there to show the brutality and pure hate that Derek previously had inside of him. It’s the Derek that has gone through the changes of prison and life that the audience will put judgment on. He now supposedly knows what is racist and should try to get Danny to change his life too.

Posted by hove0107 at 8:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As I was rewatching Boyz N' The Hood their was a conversation that reminded me of some lyrics from Sister Act I. They go like this,

"If you want to be somebody,
If you want to go somewhere,
You better wake up and pay attention."

These same lyrics have brought Derek to his very own feet of who he wants to be. In American History X, I found that Derek was pushed around from the start of his life through the words of wisdom of his father. He from there developed that very same hatred, that the world has started to come to. He believed that the African Americans were outsiders to his white supremacist environment that he lives in. He explains this through his actions of killing the African American men that were trying to steal his car.

Later, we find that a lot of people do end up learning through example. We see this in the eyes of Danny when he speaks into the camera to Seth, "I hate anyone not Protestant. They are a burden to the race and they are the enemy. I hate the fact that it is cool to be black." We find that this bothers Derek, because as he found out...He had to wake up.

I find that Derek as himself took a step back when he was in prison and watched how everything in a society worked. Yes, we have people fighting for our backs at all times, but if you mess with the wrong people they will come back to bight you in the butt. Both Derek and Danny found this out the hard way, because the hate groups were responsible for Derek's shower incident as well as Danny's death in the bathroom. The thing was that these two really didn't do anything wrong except for embarrass his white supremacist group in public and look at the wrong person the wrong way. Yes, these are both extreme cases and "The black characters in each of these films are depicted in stereotypical fashion," we still see trends in the gang violence in places like LA, New York and other parts of the world. It's the hate that people need wake up and see, because if they don't it will only continue.

Posted by carr0445 at 8:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When I first saw "American History X" several years ago, I felt a sense of unease. It wasn't clear to me until midway through the film that the intention of the filmmakers was to debunk racism, rather than support it. The ending of the film also left me with that uneasy feeling. It wasn't until we began to discuss it in class that I was able to verbalize the discomfort. "American History X" is a racist movie. I would agree with Beck's assessment on the film. Derek is portrayed as a hero. The scene on the basketball court where the skinheads are playing for rights to the court against the African-Americans, the musical score inexplicably rises in triumph when Derek and his group win. Derek's racist diatribes are mixed with just enough statistics to be compelling and persuasive. It strikes me as illogical that so much screen time would be devoted to Derek's reasoning when the film is trying to convey the opposite meaning. Derek's body is also framed in disturbing way by the camera, especially after his murder of the two gang members who tried to break into his car. The camera swept over his muscular, chisled body in an adoring, almost pornographic way. The look of pride on his face was probably meant to convey Derek's insanity; however it makes him appear like a hero. The anti-racist sentiment of the film is much more subdued and less flashy, which means it is less likely to stay with the average movie-goer. It is unlikely that audiences of a mainstream film are going to analyze each movie they see in the way we do as part of this class. The message is lost, and the racist attitudes are left behind.

Posted by Melissa Green at 7:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X, the story of ex-neo-Nazi racist Derek and his brother, Danny, can be viewed as an anti-racist film and a perpetuator of racism. The film, by letting the viewer into the world of skinheads, can serve as proof of how terrible racism is. By the graphic details of murders, hate speech and white power and Nazi images, the reality of hate can be seen. The white supremacists are extreme and powerful. They personify what modern America is trying to exorcise from society. The film, from an anti-racism reading, strives to show how wrong the skinheads are in their ideologies. Beck buttresses this as he argues, “The horror of the neo-Nazi movement are offered as warnings and as an object of condemnation� (21). Yet, as Beck continues, “they are also presented in exciting images of power, passion and self-righteousness� (21). These passionate and exciting images could, unintentionally, perpetuate racism in those already inclined toward such behavior. The characters in the film are likeable, even though they are extremely hateful. Derek is educated and strong-willed. Danny is young and impressionable. Seth is comedic and absurd. As discussed in class, the audience may not be reading into the characters as deeply as necessary to see the evil behind the attractive front.

In addition, the majority of African Americans in the film are not well-developed characters. Most are shown either committing a crime or condoning such activity. The brothers’ father is killed by a black gang member. A black basketball player cheats during the game. Three black men try to steal Derek’s truck. A black youth beats up a white kid in the school’s bathroom, and the same one ends up shooting Danny. The audience could see these characters as simply paying a price for wrong-doing. The rolls also preserve black stereotypes. Only the non-white victims of the grocery store raid, Dr. Sweeney and the black inmate who befriends Derek do not commit any crimes on screen. Still, these rolls serve as pieces in Derek and Danny’s story, rather than full characters of their own.

Danny’s murder at the end of the film, could provide a legitimate argument that their lives are without meaning. Whether or not Derek and Danny are racists, violence will still occur. There would seem to be nothing the characters can do to stop it, which could further strengthen racist tendencies. Viewers who see the film as nihilistic may assume Derek goes back to his skinhead ways. Conversely, Danny’s murder could act as a symbol of misunderstanding, leading to strong efforts to stop such acts from happening again. This reading gives the brothers’ lives much meaning. They represent both the victims and the perpetrators of violence and hate, but change is possible and important. Therefore, Derek would not revert back to his racist self.

Posted by Candice Dehnbostel at 7:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In his article "Your Worst Nightmare the Siege, American History X, and Our View of Enemies, Foreign and Domestic," Beck discusses the role of a villain in film, and states that "If the threat is not powerful enough, close enough to our deep shames, fears, and anxieties, we may become indifferent to it. Worse than worse, we may even laugh at it." (Beck, 20) The villains in American History X exemplify this, demonstrating extreme examples of racism that is most definitely present in society today, even if not to such an extreme degree. I do not see this as a negative aspect of the film. The character Derek is initially displayed as a villain and later becomes a hero. By expressing the former villain as the new hero, it can be argued that the filmmakers mistakenly give merit to his former racist actions. I disagree with this idea that the perpetuates the racism that it claims to reveal. Rather, it shows how a man, confused by his surroundings and the situations he was forced to encounter as a child, exhibits the most extreme degrees of racism only to later realize how awful his actions were. The images in the movie are not intended to scare viewers of other races, but rather to acknowledge the problems that still face society today. They succeed tremendously in this, however, leave it up to the viewers to solve the problems. It does little to provide solutions, but is very successful in establishing that something needs to change

Posted by marsh401 at 7:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Despite the fact that there is no biological justification for racism, the concept is still pervasive in our current society. Genetic studies have found that there is actually more variation within “race� populations than between them, yet the concepts of “whiteness� and “race superiority� have been used as the justification for “the extreme economic exploitation and oppression of indigenous, African, and Asian peoples in the U.S.� (Madison, 100) While Derek ultimately has a change of heart and realizes the error of his ways, it is only with the help of Dr. Sweeney that he reaches this realization. I would therefore infer that this film isn’t too “Eurocentric� in suggesting that important changes in race relations can only come from white people. I think the final scene of the movie where Danny quotes President Lincoln’s first inaugural address says it best: “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory... ...will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.�

Posted by ande4849 at 7:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This week in class we watched the film American History X, which tells the story of two brothers; Derek (the older of the two) and Danny. Derek becomes a neo-Nazi racist after his father was shot while trying to put out a fire, by a black drug dealer. Derek eventually goes to jail for brutally killing two black men that were breaking into his car. In jail Derek folds laundry with a black inmate whom he scorns in the beginning but eventually warms up to and even lets go of his neo-Nazi views as a result of him. Derek leaves jail a new man and goes back home only to find his brother following in his old footsteps. By telling Danny about his jail experience he promptly changes his view as well. The film closes with Derek holding Danny’s dead body, which had earlier been shot by a black student that he had stood up to earlier in the year.

American History X has been viewed as an anti-racist film and a racist film. I think that it’s a little bit of both. This film helps show the brutality of racism and the unrealistic views that people hold that are racist. Derek’s realization that his racist views haven’t brought him anything but anger and violence also shows viewers the anti-racist message. The part of this film that I thought showed a pro-racism message was when Derek was being hand-cuffed after he had brutally killed two black men. The film glorified this moment, showing Derek smiling, with a golden glow around his head standing in a position that signifies Jesus while he was nailed to the cross. As Beck puts it in his “Your Worst Nightmare: The Siege, American History X, and our Views of Enemies Foreign and Domestic� reading, “The horrors of the neo-Nazi movement are offered as a warning and as an object of condemnation, but they are also presented in exciting images of power, passion, and self righteousness.�

Posted by clay0115 at 7:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X is a very moving and powerful film that, as any film of importance with regard to social issues should, has left many viewers with divided responses. Some hold that Tony Kaye’s film is just as guilty of perpetuating the issues of racism that it (as others say) intends to reveal for the notice and consideration of others. I do agree with Beck when he says, “although the [hero] image is the one offered for the audience’s approval, the former [villainous] many well have the greater impact on the audience… what they condemn in words is made attractive visually on the screen� (21). I think that in the context of a film, it is difficult to avoid this conundrum. Evil creates conflict, and conflict is interesting. Unfortunately this can serve to create a mixed message, when the more interesting side is the evil one. However, I think that this inevitability is representative of the choice that people have to make in regards to situations such as presented in American History X. Despite the captivation of early Derek, anyone with a shred of human decency would agree that reformed Derek has the right attitude, indicating people’s need to be conscientious of their actions and avoid being entranced by the conflict of evil.

I disagree with the Finleys when they say that American History X sends a message that racism and hate crimes are only committed by organized groups. I think that it takes someone with very little depth and insight to see the portrayal of Derek’s involvement with the neo-Nazi group as an indication that such is the only situation in which racism is prevalent. I would ask the Finleys if their take on World War II and Hitler’s inexplicable agenda is that anti-Semitism was confined solely to the Third Reich. The lessons given in the film are applicable to any situation and any level of racism, as long as one is able to identify the symbolism.

Posted by dunh0037 at 6:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X presents an interesting, and often conflicting view of racism in America. While the audience members will experience clear disapproval of a scene like Derek's early grocery store raid because of the attention paid to innocents, scenes like the basketball game are more hazy. Finley's article says that, "Derek has honor..and the hero makes the game point and the blacks are driven from the courts." While one might also comment on the honor of the blacks holding up their end of the agreement and actually leaving, Derek is made to be the hero, reclaiming land that seems rightfully theirs. Yet, Derek, here pictured with such valor, cannot represent a hero for the story. The conflict between Derek's neo-nazi past and his future after prison has not even come into the story yet; so it becomes difficult to claim moral ground when the main character is sometimes egregious, sometimes heroic, sometimes despicable, and sometimes logical. In the confusion of these traits we can see simultaneously from our view as the audience, looking on a new person, and as his brother Danny who worships him.

Posted by aretz008 at 6:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This week’s past film American History X was the most powerful movie we have seen as to date. The movie was chalk full of violence, hate, and even change. Derek and Danny both fell into the trap and under the spell of Cameron and his hated. Cameron has instilled hate into the kids of the community that are rejected and sick of being beaten by the other races such as the Hispanics and Blacks. These kids are led to believe that all other races besides White Protestants are a burden to society as a whole. They idolize White supremacy and the oppression and purge of the other races in their community. Derek, after brutally killing to black gang members by shooting both and forcing one to “bite the curb,� was sentenced to three years in jail. The years in jail proved to be a positive experience for Derek, for he was soon able to see through the “bull shit� Cameron had led him to believe. Derek realized his beliefs were wrong and chose to change his lifestyle and that of his family. Yet, as he was released from prison he was soon asked to return to his old friends to help put an end to the violence between the skin heads and the other races. The tragedy of Danny’s death at the end of the movie is a powerful one. The black kid that shot him in the bathroom simply did it because Danny had stood up to him earlier. It is a tragic circle of violence and murders that keep it all going between these groups. One cannot just stop and allow the other to “win.�

Posted by mcgui149 at 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X was a strong anti-racism film that shows its audience that people are a product of their environment. American History X however uses racist acts and symbols to make its point. In the article L&P Finley argue that American History X depicts hatred as a group phenomenon and that rednecks are depicted as the worst possible racist losers (233). I do not agree with this statement because if the producer would have used an African American hate group then it would have been the other way as African Americans the worst possible racist losers. Derek became a product of his environment for white males to hate blacks because of how they were treated. It goes both ways too African Americans hated whites for their own reasons. Life changing events likes Derek’s father being killed by in a black neighborhood by a black man on shape children’s view the world, and in Derek’s case the hard ache of losing his father became his obsession. Cameron became Derek’s father figure and used Derek along with other children to create this white hate group.
Aside from the readings and class discussion I think that people need to quit labeling everything racist. Racism depends on each person point of view and people need to realize that color makes no difference. People need to understand that people are a product of their environment; Derek was raped by a white male in prison and also hated by his white hate group who admired his earlier in the movie. This proves to me that this white hate group did not care what color you were, it depended on what your beliefs were, if your not with them your against them. This also goes for African Americans gangs if you didn’t adhere to their beliefs then they don’t like you. Sweeny said in the movie that you are not born with racism it’s learned so if you can learn it you can unlearn it. Try to find a positive message in all movies and take it for what its worth, too many people over analyze films.

Posted by towar003 at 5:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X is a very powerful anti-racism movie, its my second viewing and I believe its a film that should be viewed by all. I have lived a pretty sheltered life and have not had to deal with many of the issues we have studied in the class. I know few relatives that fought in the Vietnam war, the counter-coulture did not affect me in any way that I know of, I've never had to deal with growing up in an urban/ghetto setting as seen in Boyz in the Hood, and I've never known or had dealings with white suppremists as seen in American History X. I've seen all these movies before and know all this is out there via various media outlets, but I've never personally had to deal with these things in my day to day life. My life touches these things daily, I am sure, but not in a way that is overtly noticable.

As Danny comes to grips with his past and the hatred in his life, he quotes someone with the statement that hatred is baggage. I couldn't agree more. Its just a waste of time and never gets the hater anywhere except further into more and deeper hatred. I would like to think that most racism and hatred is a product of poverty and despair. Unfortunately their are many in this world that are rich and powerful that have these same racist beliefs. The skinheads as seen in American History X do not depict the worst of our worlds racism. They are wrong, but at least they are out in the open with their hatred. They are mostly naive, unintelligent youth that have been brainwashed into their beliefs. The group gives them acceptance. To me, the scariest people are those that are the hidden leaders of theses groups. They use their intelligence and money to lead and fund these groups while keeping their hands clean. As seen with the role of Cameron in American History X, the ring leaders, those that fund the group, those that are behind the scenes spewing their hatred and brainwashing naive youth to carry out their hatred, they are the ones we should be most scared of.

It was sad that Danny got caught up in the group and ultimately lost his life because of it. Did his death cause Derek to lose his ways and go back to his hating? I hope not, but emotions can do weird things to a persons thinking. It would be easy for that to be the case. In my ending he stays strong and helps others get out of the situation that caused him so much pain. I think he made it and was influential in his community and helped many of the youth in his area to get back on track.

Posted by bela0003 at 2:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I was sort of frustrated and intrigued by this week's class discussion on American History X. I was surprised by some of the responses to the survey we took, but more surprised to hear the positions some of my peers were willing to defend.
First, I generally consider myself to be anti-racist and my beliefs are such that I don't think anyone should be treated in a derogatory manner because of attributes they cannot control. I am also a liberal thinker, but I can in no way condone moral relativism because I think in the extreme, it always leads to dangerous territory. I was surprised by the statement that white supremacists probably have reasons for feeling the way they do, but feel like this is an underdeveloped position as demonstrated by Anthony's response that pedophiles have reasons for what they do and a litany of others (Hitler honestly thought he was improving the world, etc.). Moral relativism absent any base side constraint to protect for some basic level of respect inherently allows and endorses concepts like genocide because of the individualistic nature.
Second, I was surprised by the argument that because other countries don't respect Americans, we shouldn't respect people from those countries in the U.S. To equate individual U.S. citizens with the political and social conditions of their homeland is ridiculous and amounts to a horrendous synecdoche of accusing one tiny part of representing the whole.
Finally, I was frustrated with the lack of acknowledgement of the intersection that various institutions of minorities that influence their lives. Race intersects with class, gender, sexual orientation, personal history and so much more than just the one-dimensional black vs. white debate. Framing the argument in absolutes (i.e. you either are or are not racist) makes the solution simple, but recognizing the complexity of individual circumstances forces us to confront underlying and belief structures and question their existence.

Posted by vieir013 at 2:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the end, I do not think that Derek will return to his former, racist self, even after what had happened to Danny. Derek had spent three years in jail, slowly changing over time, seeing how any race can be, good or bad. Derek did not change over night. If he had changed over night, then I think it would be eaiser for him to turn back into his former self. Since he did not chnage over night and experienced horrible actions while in prison, by those white males, he will not go back to hating and believing in white supremecy. Danny could have easily been killed by a person of any race. If the movie would have continued, I think it would have gone down the path of Derek trying to change the minds of those who are racist. I think he would have been successful with it too. Although, I do not think he would have been 100% successful with every person, but since he did have the common thoughts of racism, it would be easier for Derek to connect with others than those who were never racist. Derek was a great public speaker while he was talking to those in the racist group, he could do just as well talking to those who have yet to see that someone who is not of the same race is still just as equal.

Posted by woehl007 at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have seen American History X once before, but did not really see all of the things I did this time around. One topic I have been thinking about ever since last week’s film is the idea that human life has no meaning – nihilism. Last week’s film seemed to have more of a nihilistic view than this week. Last week, we saw how the “hood� portrays nothing more than black-on-black crime and the murder of black youth – a seemingly endless cycle. The film this week, however, held deeper meaning and brought us closer to the other side of the cycle of violence. We followed the lives of Derek and Danny and saw the way in which the murder of two black men landed Derek in prison. Derek was the ultimate skinhead and truly believed, with his heart and soul, in “White Power� and the ethnic cleansing of the “parasites that don’t belong in our country�. In prison, however, he saw and learned things that were completely contradictory to the way he lived his life. He came to realize that the “White Power� vision was all based on lies and bullshit. Before Derek went to prison, Danny was already beginning to follow in his footsteps. When Derek was sentenced to prison, Danny looked up to him even more and continued his life as a racist, skinhead. When Derek was released and came home to tell his younger brother that he could no longer be involved with the skinhead gang, Danny becomes angry with Derek and does not understand. I did not think that Danny would comprehend what his brother was trying to illustrate to him, however, once Derek told Danny of what he had learned in prison, Danny really seemed to understand and was starting to come around. When Danny was shot and killed at the end of the movie, Derek was screaming, “No! No! No!� from what I believed to be because Derek knew that Danny would change his ways as Derek had, and wanted nothing more than to keep his family safe. At that point, Derek realized that it was too late – he was too late and it was his fault for Danny turning out the way he did. I do not think that Danny’s life was without meaning or that his death was in any way nihilistic. I also do not believe that Derek would go back to his racist ways after his brother’s death either. Derek changed his ways because he realized that everything he had learned about “White Power� was a lie. It had nothing to do with the violence he already knew existed. The death of his brother just further supports his newfound self.

-Hasti Fashandi

Posted by fash0016 at 1:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I whole heartedly agree with Finley’s assertion that films like American History X depicts race related crimes as something that arises only from a group mentality and creates potentially dangerous stereotypes that puts a distinctive face of hate that can leave potential victims without the tools necessary to identify the many places that racism can come from. To paint the picture of racism as someone with swastika tattoos and a shaved head can blind people that racism can live in the heart of a house wife or a businessman and can incite people to but their guard down to people who don’t look like people in these depictions that permeate the mass media. I think that films like this do make people believe that if we crack down legally on racist groups like the Ku Klux Klan we can eliminate the problem of racism, by giving an epicenter for people to focus their attention on there are a million other places that don’t get addressed and are allowed to grow and created a new from of institutionalized form of racism. To focus our attention on the most vocal version of this problem makes the underlying problems easily ignored which can case extreme problems in the future.

Posted by swanx058 at 1:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X is not racist in any way. It is a film that depicts the social status and involvement of a "skin head" within a community. This movie revolves around the life of Derek, a gentlemen that confused on why his father was killed by a black man. His fathers death ignited his rage and hatred towards blacks and is later adopted by the neo-Nazis. In the beginning, he commits a brutal act of murder amongst two black teenagers and arrested. For three years, he is locked up in diverse prison where he undergoes a revolution. Being forced to be exposed to the diverse culture in the prison, he not only starts to find the answers to the unanswered questions, but also finds himself. American History X shows hatred acts Derek has committed to show not only his little brother, but the audience that change is possible. Bernard Bark states, "The skinhead protagonist is transformed by his prison experience into a wise, loving, redeemed figure who signals his transformation by reuniting and healing his tormented family." This film is not racist, it shows the power of hate and it can effect the human brain. We witness two sides of race in American History X; white hating black and black hating white. How do you stop hate when it is a circulating problem? Towards the end of the film the police ask Derek if he can talk and influence to the young neo-Nazis that hate is a sickness as the only symptom is a confused mind. Racism is spread by many forces, such as pop culture. For example, you hear a song in the movie being sung by Derek's old friend with explicit, racial lyrics; even the concert being held is promoting racism. Spreading hate and abolishing diversity is going to remain strong as racist songs become stronger with its lyrics that will brainwash and infect the confused mind.The only way to stop racism is to stop listening to racist songs, and to look up to a role model, such as Derek, to guide a young person in the right direction.

Posted by Anthony Zerka at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I believe American History X was a strong anti-racism film, even though it took a number of racist acts and symbols to make its point. Finley and Finley argue that films such as American History X depict hatred as a group phenomenon and that rednecks are depicted as the worst possible racist losers (233). I do not think this is the case at all in this film. Derek became a product of the world in which he lived and by the choices he made, good and bad. He was raised in a predominantly white suburban neighborhood in the stereotypical “nuclear� family by a racist father killed on the job in a black neighborhood. Life changing events of this caliber on children shape how they view the world, and in Derek’s case the despair of losing his father became his obsession. Cameron became Derek’s father figure as a result, aided by the fact that his mother was weak and submissive and therefore had little influence in his life.

Yes, the role of blacks vs. whites in American History X could be viewed as stereotypical, but the focus of the film was to show how wrong the thinking of radical white hate groups was. This would not have been possible without some of the negative interaction between blacks and whites in the bathroom and prison scenes. At the same time, the positive interaction was equally as important, otherwise it is quite possible that Derek would have ended up dead. His metamorphosis was fueled by the idea that whites were just as capable of being amoral as anyone else.

I do not like the idea that Derek should or could be viewed as a “hero�. It is hard not to feel sympathetic to his situation after he comes to the revelation that what he had done was wrong as Finley and Finley acknowledge (233), yet it is hard to forget that he committed brutal murder earlier in the film. The end of the film shows us that he is about to make amends for his actions, but leaves this idea undeveloped when his younger brother Danny is killed. How Derek responds to this new tragedy will ultimately answer the question of nihilism as a violent response will take him down the same road he walked before.

Posted by char0018 at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Anthony put a review up on the board after the film that stated that American History X seemed to only glorify the white power culture, only to say 'It's not okay' in the last few minutes. I can understand why he may have thought this, as Danny's change occurs in a matter of hours. However, from early on in the film, you can tell that Derek is against the movement once he is released from prison. The focus of the movie is Derek's attempts at undoing all the damage he has done to his friends, and most important, his brother.

I dispute the fact that this glorifies the white power movement because of a quote from Dr. Sweeney. In prison, he asks Derek 'Has anything you've ever done made your life better?' Derek then realizes that all the white power movement has been for nothing. They haven't changed anything (especially for the better), and all it's done has gotten him thrown in prison for three years while his family struggles to get by. The movie rarely casts a 'good light' on the skinheads. In class, it was brought up that the movie negatively portrays most black people, and the scene on the basketball court was discussed. Supposedly the only person playing 'dirty' was the black man who elbowed Derek in the mouth. However, if you watch how Seth plays during the game, he is just as guilty of blatant fouling - he spends most of his time shoving other people around. So, while the movie definitely focuses on the skinhead culture, it does not in any way glorify it. Instead, the movie portrays a man trying to undo the damage he's done to his family and friends.

Jeff Batts

Posted by batts002 at 9:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X definitely perpetuates the racism that it claims to reveal in scenes such as, the destruction of the Korean grocery store and the basketball game deciding whether the Whites or the Blacks control the courts. This film intentionally shows how racism can creep into popular culture because it wants viewers to understand the destructive and harsh reality of racism in our society. I disagree that the villainous characters have a greater impact on the audience because the whole point of the film is to discredit the actions of the villain and to glorify that villainous characters redemption into heroism.

It is naive to think that one can destroy racism by cracking down on overtly racist groups because they are not the only ones committing hate crimes. The film even shows this in the scene where Derek’s father is preaching about how equal opportunity employment laws allow under-qualified minorities to steal jobs from more qualified Whites and that this perpetuates reverse racism.

This film does glorify the White hero, because instead of Blacks making the difference in the fight against racism, we find Derek Vineyard, the former leader of a very racist White power group, to be the man working to end the hate. We end up sympathizing with him even though he has done terrible things because he reforms himself and tries to mend the damage caused by racism. The film also perpetuates the stereotypical Black male by depicting them all as either gangbangers or just plain stupid. Some examples of this are the car thieves, who are assumed to be gangbangers, as well as the Black kids in the bathroom scene, who are also depicted as gangbangers. Derek’s work partner in the laundry room is shown as stupid because he has accepted his ridiculous sentence for dropping a television on a cop’s foot and makes funny faces while he tries to get Derek to open up to him.

American History X is a bit of a nihilistic film, but not entirely. Although Danny is killed before he can do any good deeds with his new found ideals, Derek is helping in the fight against racism. I don’t believe Derek will revert back to his former racist self because he has already realized that it is not all Black people that he hates only people. He has come to realize that it is foolish to hold the actions of a few people to an entire race.

Posted by nels5175 at 1:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the reading, Finley criticized the "American History X" as sending the message that the the only people who engage to hate crimes are those who shave their heads and have swastika tattoos, or who parade around wearing
white sheets and burn crosses. I disagree with this criticism of the film. I don't think the film sends out a message saying only people who show symbols of racism on their appearance are the only racists. I think what the film wants to say is that racism can take place at a very low level, like at a family discussion of "Native Son", however, it can be brought to the level of mass destruction from hatred and grows out to be one's idealism. I don't think the depiction of hate groups as the source of racism allows viewers to assume that if we just crack down on overtly racist groups we would no long suffer from racism. Those hate groups in the film acts as symbols of racism as a whole in the country. Those groups let the audience understand that racism is separation between the people, and they separate themselves when there is racism. Those groups symbolize individuals in the United States. Hatred makes them fell different and frustrated, then they would grow out to be more and more destructive, just like an individual would. Each and everyone's action has influence and consequences on the society that he or she lives in. After all, a group stands for each individuals. In order to have peace, each person needs to put out the fire of hatred within themselves, just like the groups needs to realize that the fire is burning them instead of doing them any goods.

Posted by truon052 at 12:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This film seems to revolve around the issues of White Power and the negative effects. I found the scene where Derek and Danny's father was knocking the idea of reading "black" books and what they had to get rid of, the other perfectly good books. This small conversation, followed by his death seems to add up that both his sons would become white supremacists. I also found this scene interesting because there was very little input from the mother and daughter. They seemed to just sit there silently and not disagree. Women in the past few weeks have seemed to have been ignored in general. They seem to have no effect on the race struggle in any of these films. While this was addressed last week in Boyz 'N the Hood, is was not addressed in the other two films. These women are just bystanders in this entire struggle. While it appears that Derek's mother and sister do not agree, and his girlfriend does, at no point are any of their actual feelings clearly showed in making a difference.
With Finley discussing that these crimes are the product of different groups, I agree. This is evident when Derek first goes to prison and takes off his shirt. He says that he was going to show himself and let them take him in. He becomes part of a group and that group stays together. Then when he separates from the group he is left alone, thanks to another individual. When it is just individuals in this film they seem to have a since of protection. At the end when his brother dies, it comes from one group killing another.
Looking at who they believe is racist, it is also clumped together. If one is then they all are. Of course with what had started as the belief of his father, he was not racist and then at the dinner table it becomes clear what he believes. Aside from this, I think this film shows that as a group, people a racist, alone they are just who they are, talking to someone else. These groups are something that will not go away. With this film saying that they are only racist as a group, they are extremely mistaken. Taking down groups would not "cure" racism. It is the individuals in these groups that spread racism.

Posted by lile0005 at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is this film too “Eurocentric� suggesting that the only important changes in race relations should
or could come from white people?
Pat Buchanan wrote in a recent book. “Robert Putnam one of the world’s most influential political scientist’s recent research shows that the more diverse a community is, the less likely its inhabitants are to trust anyone from their next door neighbor to the mayor. The core message…was that, ‘in the presence of diversity, we hunker down,’ he said. ‘We act like turtles. The effect of diversity is worse than had been imagined. And it’s not just that we don’t trust people who are not like us. In diverse communities, we don’t trust people who do look like us.’ Prof. Putnam found trust was lowest in Los Angeles, ‘the most diverse human habitation in human history.’� “Is diversity a strength? In the ideology of modernity, yes. But history teaches otherwise. For how can racial diversity be a strength when racial diversity was behind the bloodiest war in U.S. history and has been the most polarizing issue among us ever since? All Americans believe slavery was evil and the denial of equal justice under the law was wrong. But because they were wrong, does that make what we are doing-inviting the whole world to come to America-right or wise?� He cites another columnist named “Leo�: “At UCLA, racially separate graduations have become the norm. ‘The core reason,’ he writes, ‘is the obvious one.’ ‘On campus, assimilation is a hostile force, the domestic version of American imperialism. On many campuses, identity-group training begins with separate freshman orientation programs for non-whites, who arrive earlier and are encouraged to bond before the first Caucasian freshmen arrive. Some schools have separate orientations for gays as well. Administrations tend to foster separatism by arguing that bias is everywhere, justifying double standards that favor identity groups. Leo concludes on a note of despair, ‘As in so many areas of national life, the preposterous is now normal.� Finally, Buchanan cites an article by Cal Thomas in which he reported an interesting fact: Between June 2005 and June 2006 200,000 British citizens (the equivalent of a million Americans) left their country for good, as more than a half million legal immigrants and unknown thousands of illegals entered… Thomas wrote; ‘life in Britain has become unbearable for them.’ There is the lawlessness and the constant threat of Muslim terror, but also the loss of sense of Britishness, exacerbated by the growing refusal of public schools to teach the history and culture or the nation to the next generation. What it means to be British has been watered down in a plague of political correctness that has swept the country faster than hoof and mouth disease. Officials says they do not wish to ‘offend’ others.�
Given these facts it kind of makes one rethink the questions posed for this weeks blog. I almost wonder if the only race relations that ever come about consistently that are what we might call “progressive� are championed mostly by whites only and of course some blacks in America (as somewhat represented by the principal of the high school). I have never seen or heard of any non-western country that really believes in multi-culturalism in the sense of equality and that is willing to really integrate and balance their society racially by use of techniques like affirmative action, etc. But then again, I wonder if it is really worth it from a white perspective. I almost wonder if it’s not because of our belief in fairy tales and make believe. My Chinese teacher told me once years ago that there is a stereotype in Asia that white people are naive. I wonder if that is not somewhat justified given the facts listed above. What I liked about the film is like these citations in Pat Buchanan’s book, they take place in L.A. The loss of community that Robert Putnam talks about is demonstrated in the film. There is a diatribe which talks about the issue in some detail about how the community has been “taken over� by Hispanics, Asians, and blacks and the loss of community and trust that comes along with it. The whole story is about how a white family is the victim of racial violence and how they initially cope with it rather negatively, but in the end “rise above it all,� only to become the victims of more racial violence. I think this is a remarkable reflection of the Asian stereotype about whites being naive and giving up their identity politics and believing in a fairy tale like every culture in the world is equal and becoming a victim as a result of letting their guard down. This is a terribly common phenomenon in society. I have yet to see people of any color consistently live up to PC multiculturalism in the western world at least when compared to whites efforts to be self hating and self castigating.

Posted by dahme012 at 12:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X is by far one of the best films i've watched in this semester. Obviously there are lots of hate and racism issues in the movie, but also the film illustrates how the black and the white community can get along if they look at their cultures from the other community's perspectives. The only reason that Derek hated the African American is because his father was murdered by them and before that happened, he didn't have any conflict between him and the black community. Derek thought it was the "right thing" to hate the black community, but his thoughts have changed after he experienced his life in prison, which was full of African Americans. His feelings towards the blacks changed because of this one African American that he met in prison, who was sent to prison for 6 years for just stealing a TV, which changed Derek's thoughts and feelings for the black community. Derek's brother, Danny, was also another perosn who was against the black community, but after he listened to what Derek had to say about the white and the black community, he also started to look at the blacks in a different way. However, at the end of the movie, Danny was murdered by one of the black teenagers at his school and I wonder if this incident changed Derek's thoughts towards the African American community? For Derek, it would had been really hard to accept the reality, but I think his thoughts on black community would have had remained the same because he now knows how the white and the black culture react to each other. From one of the readings, Beck says that the white community was "reacting to the changing, complex, multicultural world with a hostile subculture that seems alarmingly un-American". I think the white community was scared of being taken over by the foreigners and that's why there were sonflicts between the white and the black communities. American History X showed a lot of different things that showed what "equality" is and also illustrated that we are all just the same "human beings".

Posted by katay007 at 11:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X was a movie unlike any other. It claims to revel racism and how it effects the society in which the children live. However, I believe it perpetuates the racism it claims to reveal. I believe this because in the movie I was confused at times about who was against whom. I know that there was a group of students who were led by Derek and believed in white power. Also we see groups of black students together, like in the bathroom scene when the boy was being harassed in the beginning of the film. Furthermore Derek takes no mercy when two black men try to break into his car, and the young black student shows no mercy in the final bathroom scene when Danny is shot and killed. These two scenes in particular show the prevalence of racism and how deeply people dislike the other group. They are willing to go as far as to kill another person because they are a different race then themselves. Had these situations taken place with a person of the same race as the killer I doubt anyone would have ended up dead.

Contradicting this, is the shower scene in the jail when other white men rape Derek. This is the first time in the movie we really see people of the same ethnicity battling each other. Also, the guard in this scene closes the door to the room even though he knows what is happening inside. I don’t know that you call this racism, but it is showing how closed-minded people are to those with different beliefs then their own.

In Beck’s quote, “Although the [hero] image is the one offered for the audience’s
approval, the former [villainous] many well have the greater impact on the audience... what they condemn in words is made attractive visually on the screen.� He raises an interesting point. He claims that when we see Derek in the flashbacks of the film he is a more powerful character than in the present time. I agree with him. Although Derek is a better person in the present time his character has much less influence on the actions and thoughts of the other characters. His brother Danny is the person the movie really focuses around, and his brother changes him, but no one else seems to be affected by Derek’s change of mindset.

Posted by elmxx014 at 7:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I think this movie was anti-racism. Although there was a lot of racism coming from Derek and Danny’s side, the movie is about how Derek changed. If the leader of a skin head group can have his mind changed completely then it really shows that racism is stupid. The people he used to hate are now responsible for keeping him alive. I think that if everyone had an encounter with what they were afraid of or hated, they would understand and have a change of heart. If you look at the group that Derek created they are all a bunch of ignorant kids who can’t think for themselves. They don’t have good reason to hate minorities other than the fact that it gives them something to be pissed about. Hatred is a strong emotion, and when you don’t have any love in your life it’s easy to show your hate.
This is why kids turn to a group. You have a kid who isn’t getting much respect from anyone including their parents, so then when someone like Cameron treats you like an adult and respects you; you’re going to want to be a part of that. They could have been a group that hated flowers and it still would have had the same effect, kids that aren’t getting respected will follow a strong leader no matter what their beliefs. Even in the last scene when Danny gets shot, you can see the look of the kid that shot him and see how he immediately regrets it. He’s just a kid, all of them are.
So even though Danny gets shot by a black kid I don’t think Derek would ever go back to his old ways. He grew up; he is past the whole skin color thing. If there is any racism left in this country, which their obviously is due to the survey we took yesterday in class, it’s because people are ignorant and Derek preaches this after he gets out of jail, that’s why it’s anti racism.

Posted by robak003 at 6:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X is an interesting film. It has been both touted as a moving anti-racism “must see� and as an example of how racism continually creeps its way into popular culture. I think both these characterizations are accurate to a degree. In this blog post, I am choosing to focus on why the film could be characterized as being an anti-racist film.

In Laura and Peter Finley’s paper titled The White Supremacist in Anti-Racist Films, they state, “Each film portrays white characters as the heroes in the struggle for racial equality, while showing black characters in stereotypical fashion.� Although in the context of their paper, this quote contradicts the characterization of American History X as a “must see anti-racist film�, I’d like to use it to support that very characterization.

If black society in today’s day and age is still legitimately being systematically suppressed, then it’s imperative for those that are suppressing to change their ways. In the movie, Derek is portrayed as being a “white hero�. The reason he is depicted as a hero in the movie is not because it’s hero-like to believe in equality but because he’s making a stand against the status quo defined by his community. The point being made is not that white people who believe in equality are heroes, but rather that it’s hero-like to stand in opposition to the racist status quo of your own community/peers. Because of this interpretation I believe that the characterization of American History X as a moving anti-racism “must see� is accurate.

Posted by John Erck at 6:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I agree and disagree with Finley’s criticism. I agree that this movie does depict hate crimes as being the result of organized groups and that he believes this film is sending the message that the only people who engage in hate crimes are those who shave their heads and have swastika tattoos, etc. But, this is only a part of one group that commits hate crimes. I believe that people who watch this movie know that these people aren’t the only ones involved in hate crimes. Yes, what Finley says is true, “Although to some extent it is true that many people who become involved in these organized hate groups fit the stereotype of a redneck, these films exaggerate that notion� (230), but obviously it exaggerates the notion because that’s the hate crime group that this movie is based on. I believe Tony Kaye (the director) wanted to emphasize just this particular hate crime, not that he is saying that this is the only group who engages in hate crimes.
I don’t believe this film gives false cues at all as to who could be racist. [Most of] America isn’t dense and they know or have experienced hate crimes from all different groups or individuals. This movie is just taking one particular group and focusing on them.
I think that older age viewers know that if we crack down on overtly racist groups that this would be a major positive impact on society but it would not eliminate racism. I think that younger age viewers would have somewhat of the same knowledge. This would obviously be a huge plus for society but no, it wouldn’t eliminate racism. Younger viewers can see racism all around them, in the most subtle ways and not necessarily in large groups.

Posted by ruff0046 at 5:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I strongly agree that American History X is what Madison deems an “anti-racist-white-hero� film (406). First, it maintains a “white hero� narrative primarily through Derek. The film justifies his racial attitudes early in the film by highlighting that what spurred his hate was largely because an African American man shot his father. In addition, the film is narrated around Derek’s story and his personal struggle with racial issues. We follow Derek’s story while he is incarcerated, befriends a “black� man, goes through a major transformation to become an advocate of peace and equality, and we watch his efforts to protect his family and improve life. Rarely ever is the viewer taken in depth into the perspective of any African American character. Also, just as the film started with Derek’s anguish through the story of his father, it ends in a similar fashion, with his brother’s murder by an African American boy. The film begins and ends with Derek’s suffering, struggles, and hardships with African Americans, and it touches only briefly on the possible causes as to why minorities behave differently from white norms. I feel this film is best described by Madison as “highlighting ‘white’ heroism, mark[ing] whiteness in crisis, resolv[ing] the crisis through a paternalistic white supremacist co-optation of anti-racist struggle, and provid[ing] a re-legitimating historical fiction supportive of the white back-lash against equality� (400).

Posted by riva0067 at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X, obviously, intentionally reveals how racism creeps into popular culture. This film used racism to make money. Racism is one of those things that will never go away. People are egotistical and single-minded, not everyone is, but many are and those that are teach their offspring to be the same. The film perpetuated this thought and took it to the next level. It did show that people can change sometimes too.
I agree with Beck when he talks about heroes and villains and how it is popular for audiences to enjoy the villain rather than the hero. Directors make the villains talk and act bad, but in the end portray them to the audiences as exciting and daring. They need to focus on what the youth of today get from such films and make the villains less appealing and the heroes more appealing.
Neo-Nazi skinheads are not the only ones who engage in hate crimes. This film does focus on the neo-Nazi skinheads who do engage in hate crimes. It is not a film about hate crimes across the board. It focuses on one group and tells the story of their struggles and violence against minorities and women of every race and color too. The director is not saying that this group is the only group who acts like this and is single-minded. Some people might get the impression that this film is saying that only white people are racists, but I did not get that from the film. Getting rid of all of the racists groups in society will not rid society of racism. Knowledge is power and we need to teach our children acceptance and diversity. We need to rid stereotypes and single-mindedness thinking. People teach other people, especially children, hate. They are not born racist or hateful, they are taught it.

Posted by hanl0083 at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I do see how people can see American History X as promoting racism. The "hero" and the most developed character is Derek and we spend most of the film seeing him as a radical white supremacist. Only in the last part of the film does Derek come to the realization that the hate he lives by does not solve anything. And not long after that he is confronted with the death of his brother Danny at the hands of a black teen. The fact that the cold blooded murder is committed by a black person somewhat confirms what Derek has been preaching throughout the film. Also, the murder scene when Derek kills two black men who are trying to steal his car is glorified. Derek is shown as proud and serene with no remorse.

The intent was to make an anti-racist film. It shows the inequality of the justice system with Derek only getting 3 years for murdering two people and his laundry partner getting 6 years for stealing a TV and dropping it on a police officer. Also, it was the white supremacists that raped and beat Derek in prison but he was protected by his black friend. I do see it as an anti racist film but understand the arguments of how it can be seen as promoting racism.

Posted by fran0723 at 1:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Many of my classmates have accepted the notion that claims made in the assigned readings by K. Madison and L&P Finley manifest themselves in this week’s representative film sample, Tony Kaye’s American History X (1998). At a general level, these articles assert that by placing white supremacist protagonists at the center of an “anti-racist� narrative the more subtle, institutionalized racist belief system prevalent in American culture is perpetuated, rather than demystified. These arguments revolve around the notion that in most mainstream films black characters are minimalized, marginalized, stereotyped, and put in the proverbial “back seat� in the struggle for their own equality. While I do not fully dispute the arguments, as there are ample texts to support this, I am having a hard time seeing this reflected in this particular movie.

Take for example the character of Dr Sweeney – a strong, well-educated, politically astute black man. Not only was he there to console Derek when his own gang victimized him during his incarceration, but he was a powerful force in Derek’s redemption and reeducation. The character of Lamont further turns this notion of “white savior� on its head by proving to have helped keep Derek safe after his split with the hate group he had originally identified with. Yes, these characters were not as fully developed as Derek or Danny, nor were they given opportunity to eloquently espouse their views on race, but then again neither were any of the other supporting characters. Derek’s parents, Davina, Murray, Cameron – each were painted with very broad strokes as well.

Character treatment aside, I cannot allow myself to believe this film’s message carries racist intentions, even if subconsciously. In it’s raw depictions of ignorance, hate, and violence, this film is in no way condoning or glorifying the subculture it seeks to explore. The viewer is thrust into the narrative by witnessing harsh, ugly brutality of a twisted worldview right from the first scene. We come face to face with the epitome of evil – a man so consumed with rage that he ceases to be human. There is nothing beautiful, or sublime about it.

It is made perfectly clear that blatant, outward racism is not contained to the South of the past, as history would like the collective memory to believe. It walks among us all in the present day. But another reality is portrayed that is not present in our readings – that racism is not isolated to the binary opposites of black and white. This film goes further to show that racism also affects those of Hispanic, Asian, and Jewish descent. It illustrates that racism is also directed towards those with more liberal values within the white community – with the power to rip families apart.

We are given glimpses of the subtle ways racist beliefs are passed from generation to generation through the dinner conversation between Derek and his father. We see into the racism inherent in the prison system. If the main criticism of the film is that the superficial treatment of these elements undermines the message being presented, I do not buy it. If anything, it serves to underscore the magnitude and complexity of the issue. One film cannot take on all aspects of the problem, but it has the ability spark dialogue among people and that is the main thing to take away.

Posted by skog0031 at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Although the movie American History X was intended to be an anti racism film, Laura Finley makes an extremely valid point when she states “Racial hatred is depicted largely as a group phenomenon perpetrated by individuals who elect or learn to hate.� By only focusing on the heinous crimes of recognizable groups such as the “skin heads,� the movie generates the idea that this organized sort of racist movements defines racial hatred, when in reality racial hatred also occurs in everyday people who might only hold subconscious biases, whether or not they act out in violent ways or not this racist hatred is still present.

In addition to this, the film almost encourages a new form of racism discussed by Finley which Madison defined as “enlightened racism.� Madison describes this enlightened racism as a false belief held by many that white society has made tremendous efforts to overcome racism and provided ways for blacks to gain equality when in turn the result is that there is less benefits and more discrimination for whites. The final scene of the movie where Danny is shot by another black boy, makes the viewer feel sorry for not only innocent and mislead Danny but also for Derek, when he in fact is indirectly responsible for the murder. This scene creates implications that white people are making attempts to overcome racism and that blacks are not making it easy and creating obstacles for society to overcome this racial hatred.

Finley also points out that the film portrays black character in a stereotypical fashion. This is in fact true when you observe that the majority of the black characters are convicts or gang members, with the exception of Mr. Sweeney. The lack of respectable black characters in the movie unfortunately portrays blacks as inferior to whites.

Due to such scenes discussed and the context of the movie, it is very likely that many viewers gain the wrong message and consequently hold existing stereotypes and racist ideologies even higher than before.

Posted by munoz047 at 8:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I won't say that the criticisms of this movie are entirely baseless in the glamorization of the Neo-Nazi movement. I knew people who watched this movie and took just the first half to heart, seeing it as a representation of their own frustrations in being a lower class white in the modern day and that the real reasons for their problems were due entirely to minorities now having an advantage over them. This really bummed me out to think that they could be so obtuse and miss the message of the movie, but maybe it was just a teenage thing they were going through. That, and if they were true to their word when they said that it was their favorite movie, then they would no doubt watch it again, and hopefully see something they missed the first time through and think again.
The ending of the movie is never really explained well enough in my opinion. I think the message was that racial violence runs deep. When Danny is shot by the African American student the director isn't trying to say that the Nazi's in the movie were right all along but rather that its extremely difficult to eradicate racism. A better illustration of this could have been how Derek reacted after this event and after the movie ended. Did he stand by his new convictions or will he revert back to who he was? We see that Danny has turned away from racism but Dereks fate is unknown. I think this is really the problem with the movie, that Danny's murder is really the final test of Derek's abandonment of racism and we don't see the results.

Posted by kupp0012 at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While many cite American History X as a brave move forward in racial relations, bringing to the surface racial tension in America, the movie fails as a tool against racism for several reasons. The focus on the story from the extremist white perspective undermines the array of various degrees of racial strain present in our culture while the treatment of black characters reinforces stereotypical beliefs.
The central plot of the movie revolves around the understanding that Venice Beach was a nice peaceful place to raise children until minorities moved in like parasites/virus from the surrounding troubled neighborhoods. Finley points to this depiction of the world as an ‘unsafe place, especially for whites’ (232). The film does not challenge the idea that it was safe until minorities arrived, creating conflict and danger. It almost justifies the white kids banding together for protection though it does call the methods in to question. The narrative still relies on the one ‘bad’ white man, Cam, corrupting the ‘frustrated and ignorant’ youths, almost excusing their violent hateful behavior.
Further more the whites dominate screen time, with black characters only included to help move the plot along. From the opening scene with gangbangers stealthily sneaking in, armed and ready to rob the audience absorbs this depiction of destructive criminals. Throughout the film viewers are “inundated with examples of how blacks contribute to the race problems in this country� (Finley 231). On the basketball court they jostle and argue amongst themselves during and after the game while breaking the rules and playing rough. While Finley suggests the scene where the nerdy white boy is being accosted in the bathroom leads the viewer to believe that the victim “accused the black(s) of cheating�, I felt the opposite watching it. They seemed to have invented the charge as an excuse to exercise their savagery, combined with the unequal numbers and unfair fighting style. The two ‘positive’ black characters are shown in the childlike prison mate and ‘uncle tom’ Sweeney; both are stereotypical, one dimensional and weak characters.
The movie puts a strong emphasis on individual components of a racist attitude. There is some mention of underlying socio-economic or institutionalized inequities but it is not explored or put forth in a convincing manner. The characters try to pull out of the “white pride� group but seem reluctant if not unable to really change anything but their own view.

WORKS CITED
Finley, Laura J. and Peter S. Finley “The White Supremacist in Anti-Racist Films� Contemporary Justice Review Vol. 7 No. 2 (June 2004) pp. 217-234

Posted by shaw0139 at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This week in class we watched American History X which I have seen a few times over the years and have also seen it in a previous class. I really enjoy the movie and how it was put together with having the flashbacks throughout the whole movie. It always grabs my attention for the whole time while watching and I feel it sends a very strong message.

I do not agree with the criticism of this film and that the only people who engage in hate crimes are white people with shaved heads. I feel this way because at the end of the movie Danny, Dereks brother is killed by an African American which is also a form of a hate crime. This movie does kind of give false cues because when this movie took place there was a lot of hate crime being committed by white people, but the false cues are that these are the only people involved in hate crimes and I believe that anyone can be racist. Just by simply cracking down on a few of the racist groups could possibly help get rid of some of the racism issues, but you do not have to be in a group to be racist. Therefore simply trying to crack down on only the groups would not eliminate racism completely although I think that it would help.

Posted by pelt0071 at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

First, I have to applaud this film for tackling the subject of racism and hate crimes and presenting it in such a passionate way that it will have an effect on everybody who sees it. Hopefully everyone will receive the positive but tragic message this film is trying to convey. That being said, I obviously have to disagree with the claim that American History X is a nihilistic film. Danny's murder at the end of the film is simply a reinforcement of the fact hat sometimes you just cannot escape the consequences of what you have done in the past, whether you have changed your ways or not. This is a scary truth for many people, myself included. Danny was on the verge of becoming a completely changed young man, but unfortunately his past actions caught up with him and he lost his life as a result. This is tragic but reality. Yes, Danny's heart had changed and he was on the way to living a much better life. Yes, Derek had completely changed his hateful ways but his hateful ways were not ready to let him go, I suppose. He suffered another tragic loss of someone very close to him, ALL due to the way that he and his brother had previously chosen to live their lives. Derek's life was full of meaning, even if Danny was the only person that was inspired by Derek to change. Danny's life had meaning because he was younger than Derek and looked up to his big brother, who inspired Danny to change. The end of the film is not nihilistic, but deterministic. Their actions and the resulting consequences followed them and caught up with Danny. Derek was lucky that his life was spared in the situations he was involved in that could have easily resulted in murder. Maybe Danny's death was another reinforcement for Derek that the hateful life only results in more hate, another painful reminder that Derek was and is definitely on the right track to living a clean life. I believe that Derek will not return to his hateful ways following the death of his brother. He's seen tragedy on all levels, all due to his hateful ways. There's no way he could think that returning to that life will do him or anyone else any good...how could he? Could you?

Posted by probe001 at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I believe that the movie, American History X, directed by Tony Kaye (1998) is one of the most powerful movies released that deals with racism. Through the use of black and white cinematography to illustrate agonizing memories, Kaye is able to represent the ways in which racism creeps into the realm of popular culture. The film does a great job of avoiding preaching statements, and instead, demonstrates many forms of racism and underlying messages which are left for the audience to identify with.

Finley states that, “the most frequent stereotype is a violent thug� (230). Throughout the film, there are many racial groups which represent the character of a thug, therefore leaving me to believe that the film does not try to present a “white-hero� image but instead leaves the choice up to the audience to take it (the film) as they will. Although Danny endures a metamorphosis, going from racist to a good guy, I found myself not having sympathy for him by the end of the film, but instead, I found myself feeling hopeful towards the fact that people can change if they have the desire to. As well, the article The White Supremacist in Anti-Racist Films, also maintains that, “the choice of which character is given the loudest, longest, and most passionate voice or opportunity to speak, makes a difference in the messages that viewers take from a film� (Finley, 231). Although the messages within this film were extremely racist and stereotypical, the underlying messages implying that hate crimes are still quite present in the United States today, and are the result of different organized groups shines through and makes the audience realize the ways in which racism creeps into popular culture.

Posted by eisl0005 at 9:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Finley article claims that screenwriters have no intention of carrying messages of white supremacy and black stereotypes through their movies, but it often happens; however, I think that white people are shown just as negatively in this movie as the black characters. In American History X Derek is a disgusting, hateful human being at the beginning of the movie, and he transforms into a caring adult who wants to help his family. I think they make Derek’s transformation the highlight of the film, but it was evident that there were other changes going on. Derek’s friendship with the black man he worked laundry with was a big risk for both of those guys. The black guy even put his reputation on the line by asking the other black prisoners to leave Derek alone. The only white people who really went through a change in the movie were Derek and Danny, the rest of the skinheads didn’t change as a result of Derek’s awakening. The scene where Stacey encourages Seth to kill Derek at the skinhead party is evidence that not all of the white people were changed by Derek’s situation. Also, the only people who had hatred towards the other race in the movie were the skinheads. They wanted to black people off the basketball court, they had the Nazi tattoos, and they started the fights. Danny’s image and hatefulness towards black people was why the black man shot him in the end. It wasn’t the black man’s hate towards a random white person.

I felt the movie was not very “Eurocentric� until the very end. When Danny goes to turn in his paper only to be shot by a black gang member I was left in shock. At first I thought the whole purpose of the movie was ruined by that scene (a black boy killing the newly changed, “heroic� white boy), but my roommate brought up a great point. It just showed that this is an on-going battle in our world. Just because one white boy changes his mind about racism, doesn’t mean the whole problem disappears. I think Bernard Beck made a great statement when he said in his article, “In this genre, the triumphant climax leads to a catastrophic tragedy. Here, virtue does not triumph; it becomes even more virtuous by succumbing to the fundamental awfulness of the world.� These are the types of movies we’ve been watching lately – and rightfully so. I think all of the films that have ended in tragedy – Easy Rider, Boyz In The Hood, and American History X – have been very thought provoking. There aren’t happy endings, because that gives the audience a false sense of conclusion on the issues in the movie. The death of main characters draws emotions, and makes everything feel a little more raw and unresolved.

Posted by osbo0100 at 8:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After watching the film, I was filled with such mixed emotions. I thought it was very sad, not just because of the death of Danny, but because it seemed to me that racism had won overall and that it is just a perpetual cycle that will never end. This feeling of hopelessness about the situation, along with the persuasiveness of Derek about his racist ideals for the majority of the film, are what make this film more of a racist rather than anti-racist film.

As the Finleys talk about in their article “The White Supremacists in Anti-Racist Films,� the cinema has an amazing amount of control over public opinion. This movie not only brings up some very powerful white power propaganda, but also shows some very sexist treatment. “They [the media] circulate ideologies- about good and evil, order and disorder- masculinity and femininity.� (Finley 2) While his sister Davina is shown to argue with Derek about his viewpoints, she is eventually forced to stop talking and to bow down to his superiority as a white male.

Derek is shown as a strong leader, patriotic, physically appealing, and a passionate, persuasive speaker. These qualities are something you’d normally look up to in a person, and therefore the viewer is more drawn to what he has to say. Derek seems especially appealing when compared to the black men in the movie. They are portrayed as thugs and cheaters, and Derek is shown as noble and honorable, and being a real warrior for his cause. This is very dangerous when what he is rooting for most of the movie is extremely racist ideals of white power.

Posted by kenne404 at 6:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I can see both sides of the argument of whether or not the film, American History X, perpetuates racism into society, although I do not think it is a pro-racist film, nor does it glorify racism. On the surface, the message of the film is quite clear. An impressionable kid named Derek is turned into an extreme neo-nazi racist after his father is killed by African Americans, Derek brutally (a truly horrific scene) kills two african americans breaking into his car at night, Derek serves a three year sentence in prison where he learns how wrong his beliefs are through several events and encounters with different groups of people, and, finally, Derek emerges from prison a changed man determined to rescue his younger brother from following in his footsteps. What the director, in my opinion, attempted to convey was that racism is a horrible thing, leading to horrible events and consequences, as were shown in the film. In the end, even though Derek and his brother, Danny, have presumably changed their attitudes towards tolerance and acceptance, Danny is killed by a black classmate in school that he had conflicted with before he "changed". It goes to show that even though Danny changed for the better, his past was still able to haunt him. He was able to change his own personal attitude, but did not have enough time to demonstrate his change to his peers. Unfortunately for him, he picked a fight with someone affiliated with the Crips gang (I am assuming this because of the blue clothing they were wearing in the car, I could be wrong though), and Danny was killed because of it. In the end, Derek held his dead, bloody baby brother in his arms crying "what have I done", realizing that his impressionable younger brother met his end because he looked up to and emulated him. Had Derek focused his anger at the INDIVIDUALS that killed his father rather than their entire race (and all other non-white, non-Christians) their lives would have been drastically different, for the better.

Posted by smit1989 at 5:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X is the quintessential “Anti-Racist-White-Hero� film as described by Madison (1999). Edward Norton appropriately plays the handsome, strong, articulate “White Hero,� and the film is completely focused on what he has to say, which for most of the film is neonazi racist rhetoric. Such rhetoric might disgust educated, analytical viewers, but to many common movie-goers, too much of what comes out of Norton’s beautiful lips and into zombie ears starts to make some sense.

Even if one is shocked and disturbed by the violence of the extreme white supremacists, American History X seems to strive to create an understanding of a rational behind the violence, rather than to expose the ignorance and fear that breeds racial hatred.

Not only does American History X neglectfully exclude the complex, embedded history of fear, anger, and perverted logic that leads to the extreme racism of a Derek character, but by portraying such an extreme, unexplained racism, the film distorts the definition of racism to one of distance and dissociation. In addition, American History X makes a mockery of the transformation that is needed to overcome such evil, as Danny’s attitudes are undoubtedly transformed literally overnight.

Madison (1999) is critical of films that are supposedly “anti-racist� but are told through a “white hero� struggling for “black peoples’ equality.� While I agree it is tellingly racist that the majority of “anti-racist� films follow such a format, I want to qualify, or at least clarify, that a film about racism told through a white character could indeed be a very successful and insightful anti-racist film. The major problem with American History X and the other “Anti-Racist-White-Hero� storylines is not that they are told from a “white� perspective but that they demonstrate no understanding of racism.

Posted by mayxx145 at 4:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I don’t think that American History X is a nihilistic film by any means. I think if anything the film can be seen as hopeful. The fact that a character such as Derek can go through as big of a transformation as he did should bring hope to society. At the beginning of the film, Derek is one of the biggest racists that I have seen or experienced. He violently murders two black men and is almost euphoric when he is arrested. He frequently refers to people of other races as ‘parasites.’ But, then when he is in prison he undergoes a major transformation. Much of this transformation is due to a friend that he makes in prison. Ironically this friend is black.

In the article by Laura and Peter Finley, The White Supremacist in Anti-Racist Films, they wrote that “the choice of which character is given the loudest, longest, and most passionate voice or opportunity to speak, makes a difference in the messages that viewers take from a film� (p.231). I think that is a good observation because although Derek had extremely racist views before prison, when he got out he was changed. The fact that he could go from hating other races to a new acceptance of life and other people was a good message. If he can do it, why not other hate groups? This film provides hope to people that think the only way to get through life is to place blame on people of a different color and to order hating and persecuting. Derek proves that there are ways to break out of this thought process.

Posted by swens389 at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I believe that criticism over the American History X portraying racists as shaved headed, who have swastika tattoos while wearing white robes and burning crosses is justified. Prejudice and discrimination occur far and wide within the United States whether it be high political officials to fast food workers. Even in the film racism is not only seen by the Neo-Nazis but by Dennis Vinyard (Derek and Danny’s father). He states at the breakfast table that he’s against affirmative action calling it “black-tion� and stating the black firefighters may not be as good as white ones. The characters of Derek and his Neo-Nazi friends are only a small minority when it comes to seeing the face of people who commit hate crimes.

To believe that if the U.S government were to crack down on individuals and groups who participate in hate crimes would only take the face of racism away but still leave the underlying problem when it comes to hate crimes. Hate crime can be defined as; an offense committed against another person, with the specific intent to cause harm to that person due to their race, gender, sexual orientation. Sure by eliminating these groups it would make major headlines but say for instance a well qualified minority individual applied for a job and was the best applicant and the only reason he was not selected was his skin color, this would be a subtle hate crime. The only way to eliminate this problem is to educate our children at a young age the problems of prejudice and discrimination. By educating this will be a much more effective way in fighting against the misdoings of hate crimes.

Overall though I believe that Tony Kaye does a masterful job portraying overtly racist groups and the mindset that they have. Though the character Dennis Vinyard is a good example of an average American speaking about his prejudice towards a specific group is a good placement, more subtly racist characters would undoubtedly helped give American History X a more realistic approach regarding hate crimes in America.

Posted by dhill004 at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I think it is true that American History X does perpetuate some of the racism that it is trying to speak out against. This may stick with some people, and not others. Personally, I did not become more racist from watching the film, but if someone already having a radical racist viewpoint were to watch the film, I do not think they would be persuaded to change that. In the scene when Derek and his sister are arguing at the dinner table about the Rodney King incident, Derek makes some educated, and rational remarks in favor of the Los Angeles Police Department. Scenes like this only help to maintain the viewpoints of racists from watching the film, and the later scenes once Derek has transformed into a more tolerant person are not strong enough to a radical’s views. This mentality allows racism to skulk into the movie unintentionally. It is supposed to be a film against racism, but since the main character begins in the movie to be a racist, who is not necessarily ignorant, it does not help the film achieve its message of acceptance of all racial backgrounds. This is supported by Beck when he says, “The horrors of the neo-nazi movement are offered as a warning, and as an objective of condemnation, but they are also presented in exciting images of power, passion, and self righteousness� (21). This being said, Beck is also correct when he claims that the villainous side of the character makes a more lasting impact on the audience than the protagonist side of the character (21) because the audience is able to take in some of what Derek is saying as a neo-nazi as truth, when they are expecting quite the opposite.

Posted by kuni0018 at 8:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The film "American History X" directed by Tony Kaye in 1998 is said to be an anti-racist film, however many critics have deemed it racist, despite its good intentions. Some critics say that black stereotypes are reinforced in this film; others say the black characters are marginalized. Laura and Peter Finley, authors of "The White Supremacist in Anti-Racist Films," call "American History X" racist because of its use of a "white hero."

Although the film sends an anti-racist message through the character of Mr. Sweeny, a mainstream audience will most likely follow and relate to the two main characters that both happen to be white. As mentioned in class, it is not likely that an audience will sit back and analyze this film after viewing it. Therefore, the deeper issues of racism in this film will most likely be overlooked and the white hero will be the focus.

Finley recognizes this as well, stating that as the two skinhead brothers Danny and Derek turn from evil to good, the audience gains sympathy for them. This shadows the real issue of the film, racism. In addition, at the end of the film, we are left with the image of an adolescent African American shooting his ex-skinhead classmate, thus the audience again gains sympathy for the white character and finds is easier to detest the black character.

Whatever the message is that Tony Kaye intended to send by making this film, each individual audience member will undoubtedly interpret the film differently. Ultimately this film will either reinforce their current beliefs or alter them is some way for better or worse.

Posted by dollx040 at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X was one of the most brutaly horrific movies I have seen thus far in my life. It was not so much the violence that bothered me but the race driven hatred behind it. I was disturbed to see how fear and hatred could transform a person into something inhumane. Derek's dad was the one who sparked the anger towards different races. When he was killed by a black man it reinforced everything his dad had told him, making the most sense to a naive and distraught young son. The only thing he could do was point the finger, to blame every one else different from himself as the enemy. You can see how the racism almost becomes normal to the characters in the film because they are used to its segregation. They form hate groups to strengthen the unity between those who are alike, while separating themselves from those who are in their eyes different. Derek claims to hate everyone but white protestants. Derek becomes so intense in his hate that he is driven by it, its all that's left in his mind.
I can not say that I agree completely with Beck's statements, that the villian (Derek) is glorified in the film. The one scene I can't seem to get out of my head is when Derek smashes the black man's face into the curb. After he commits the act he looks crazed and frenzied, driven by something out of his control, perhaps mental illness. I just don't see how that could have been made "visually attractive" on screen when it made me sick to my stomach wth disgust. I get that the slow motion, black and white shots backed by the dramatic music added to the intensity but it did not glorify what was actually going on. The look Derek gave his hysterical brother after his brutal killing spree was insane. His eyes were gleaming with defiance, like he had found killing to be the answer to his burning questions. Perhaps he thought he would feel better after killing the same race who had killed his father and thus getting revenge. For whatever the reason may be, the only thing the visual cinematography of that scene does is intensify my hatred and fear of Derek.

Posted by kolsu002 at 11:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

American History X was one of the most brutaly horrific movies I have seen thus far in my life. It was not so much the violence that bothered me but the race driven hatred behind it. I was disturbed to see how fear and hatred could transform a person into something inhumane. Derek's dad was the one who sparked the anger towards different races. When he was killed by a black man it reinforced everything his dad had told him, making the most sense to a naive and distraught young son. The only thing he could do was point the finger, to blame every one else different from himself as the enemy. You can see how the racism almost becomes normal to the characters in the film because they are used to its segregation. They form hate groups to strengthen the unity between those who are alike, while separating themselves from those who are in their eyes different. Derek claims to hate everyone but white protestants. Derek becomes so intense in his hate that he is driven by it, its all that's left in his mind.
I can not say that I agree completely with Beck's statements, that the villian (Derek) is glorified in the film. The one scene I can't seem to get out of my head is when Derek smashes the black man's face into the curb. After he commits the act he looks crazed and frenzied, driven by something out of his control, perhaps mental illness. I just don't see how that could have been made "visually attractive" on screen when it made me sick to my stomach wth disgust. I get that the slow motion, black and white shots backed by the dramatic music added to the intensity but it did not glorify what was actually going on. The look Derek gave his hysterical brother after his brutal killing spree was insane. His eyes were gleaming with defiance, like he had found killing to be the answer to his burning questions. Perhaps he thought he would feel better after killing the same race who had killed his father and thus getting revenge. For whatever the reason may be, the only thing the visual cinematography of that scene does is intensify my hatred and fear of Derek.

Posted by kolsu002 at 11:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When I first saw American History X in middle school, I remember being baffled at the existence of such a blindly hateful neo-nazi-istic society as portrayed in the film. After watching the film a few more times, and becoming more informed about the politics and dynamics of film I am able to see the influential undertones of the film. Danny acts as the “white-hero� in American History X, even if he is initially introduced as the antagonist.
This week’s reading by Kelly J. Madison identifies four key factors of the “white-hero� portrayal in modern film :
“1) White hero experiences some extreme form of racism vicariously through some extreme form of racism vicariously through some black contact.� (Madison)
“2) White hero develops a relatively radical anti-racist consciousness� (Madison)
“3) White hero sacrifices a great deal at the hands of white racists to further the cause of the black people’s struggle (usually in some leadership capacity).� (Madison)
“4) White hero suffers terribly for his or her efforts but manages to somehow prevail in the end.� (Madison)
American History X fits the criterion of each of the four sub-categories established by Madison in the following ways:
1: Derek experiences racism through the murder of his father, which establishes Derek as the victim of a violent act defined by race. He inherits his ideals and neo-nazi-istic leadership from his father, insinuating that the hate was “passed� onto him. Also, we see a white boy getting beat up by a group of black “thugs� in the restroom, which further propels Derek as an observer of wrongdoings of blacks upon whites. Derek’s third party presence in these scenes, that of a victim, reinforces his establishment as future “white hero.� Although he also is portrayed as a villain for the majority of the theme, the overall conclusion points to him as the European white hero.
2. Although Derek is vehemently racist in the beginning, he is shown in prison to have a moral turn around and change of consciousness regarding racism. He befriends his fellow prisoners, who are ironically shown as inferior. For example, his friend who was arrested for stealing a TV was portrayed in a comical way, demeaning his street-cred. In respect to Danny’s reason for being in prison.
3. Derek faces the alienation of his former peers in order to preserve his newly – found appreciation and respect for African Americans. He gets gang raped in prison, which further motivates viewers’ sympathies towards him. He is shown as rising above his father’s death, as well as his negative experiences with the black culture as portrayed earlier in the film. For example, in the beginning when a group of thugs is robbing his car, or the basketball scene. The film uses many stereotypes of thugs and gangsters to further propel Danny’s ability to overcome.
4. Although Derek lost his father, his connection to his neo-naziist identity and cohorts, and had many negative experiences with African American thugs, he is shown to overcome. Despite these sacrifices that he has made, Danny’s life is taken in the end by a black gang, fulfilling the “ultimate sacrifice� definitive of the “white Hero�.

Posted by joh03704 at 8:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

WOW. This movie has just moved up in my list of being nearly on the top ten. From day one of writing down my top ten films to this day of what can be called week 13, the movie American History X by Tony Kaye portrays a lot about society. Stereotypes exist in society but seeing them on the big screen really outlines them. In this film Blacks are portrayed as violent people and they are the enemies to nearly everyone in this film. Finley writes “the most frequent stereotype is a violent thug (230).� This is beyond accurate in the film and is crazy to think that people live like this.

This movie not only gives cues to who is a racist, it flat out points them out and even singles them out in groups. Whether it was the blacks against the whites at basketball, no not their t-shirts their skin colors, or the blacks beating on the white boy in the bathroom, these groups point to distinct differences in racism. Even more ludicrous were the scenes in jail where people were segregated. What really did it for me to make this movie go up nearly to number 10 was the notion that our jail system actually does reform people. After years of being in jail and finally being released, Derek views of life have changed. Granted that these changes were onset by realizing that having a view toward white supremacy gets you raped, as in this film, he finally has faith in a man of different color and ends up straightening his act up. The best part is when he realizes his life is almost nihilistic by the jail attendant saying “What else in your life could have done better and why aren’t you doing now?� This is crazy to think about and really made me think a lot about myself. Granted that I am not racist, but the notion of living to the fullest is so right. Color of someone’s skin should not stop someone, people of all colors will help you along the way. In jail when the laundry man helps Derek, he realizes that color doesn’t impact life it can help it. Imprisonment did however have its negatives by not putting Derrek in a position to change the current situation he was in. He tried to fix it by hurting someone named Cam but this only lead to his brother’s death. Finely was right in saying that a group of people has more power, rather than just one person (227).

Posted by remy0004 at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Essay #3 question 2 asks you to examine Derek's comments during the family dinner with Murray. Here's an excerpt from that scene:

Posted by Anthony Arrigo at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)