American History X is an Anti-Racist Film by Chris Hovel
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.