Martine Schroeder - American History X
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.