American History X encompasses many sociological concepts. The concept that is present throughout the entire film and constantly in the forefront is racism and ethnocentric beliefs. Although these two are the most prominent, they are not the most important. The most important is the sociological concept primary socialization, but is not displayed until later. First Racism is introduced in the opening scenes through the use of derogatory terms. The main character, Derek Vineyard, begins to refer to African Americans and other minorities as parasites and problems in the United States. In this same scene he also shows views of white supremacy because he states that minorities come to America only to exploit it as opposed to establishing themselves as “model citizens”. As the movie progresses, it is established that Vineyard is part of an actual white supremacist organization known as the D.O.C. This is where the concept of ethnocentric beliefs is displayed. The group believes that whites are the supreme beings and that other minorities are at their feet. They believe that the government shows no concern for Americans that are down and out, but will rush to help out illegal immigrants. They carry out racist acts throughout the movie. The first one that they perform is the raiding of a grocery store. The D.O.C. enters the market and begins to beat any person of color insight while also screaming derogatory statements. This is followed by a dinner scene where another character tries to bring reason to high criminal rates of African Americans as social inequalities. This scene highlights more racism in that Vineyard is trying to validate his thoughts that the black race are naturally criminals, but he is quickly shot down by people around the table who are able to refute his claims. It eventually escalates and he attacks his own sister. This is the first scene that also displays his anti-Semitic views. It was clear that he did indeed have them by having swastikas tattooed on him, but he verbally assaults a Jewish man with derogatory terms and stereotypes. The most important sociological concept is primary socialization. This is what is at the root of the main characters whole being. This is essentially what helped spark the views and hatred that he had developed. The father is sitting at the same dinner table as seen in a previous scene as he begins to show his prejudice views. The father first starts out by referring to affirmative action as “affirmative blacktion”. He also warns his son not to swallow everything this black teacher is teaching him. He eventually wraps the conversation up by referring to it as “Nigger Bullshit” and forewarning him to be careful. This is the most significant scene because the concept of primary socialization is seen in full effect. For the film American History X, there is no clear protagonist or antagonist because the character goes through a transformation throughout the film. He begins the story as the antagonist, but later reforms himself to a more protagonist type character. Due to this transformation, the antagonist would have to be the head of the D.O.C. This is because he is exploiting the youth and pushing his views on to them. He capitalizes on kids who struggle and living unhappily by placing blame on minorities. He teaches them white supremacy and makes claims that minorities have to be dealt with accordingly. Now he doesn’t call for any drastic action, but by creating prejudice within teens will only end in an extremist type individual. The reason why I feel that the main character, Vineyard, is the protagonist is because after jail he tries to right his wrongs. He tries to make his brother see that the life he had once lead was not right and at the same time formally tells the leader that he wants no part of the organization anymore. Granted he once was the antagonist, but the plot sets up a battle within the character. He chose to change his ways as he served time and rid himself of the racist views that he once preached. This film is beneficial and could be used for educational purposes. This is because it shows that preconceived notions can eventually disappear. Views of prejudice and hatred can be absolved and a person does not have to continue down the road they once went. It can help educate the youth by showing them how easily it is to be influenced and the consequences of accepting views pushed on you. It will help people become more independent and free thinkers.