...Running head: American History X American History X Brandon Morris Embry Riddle Aeronautical University When it comes to moral concerns in regards to race, I felt that American History X was the most compelling. American History X is a film about the racial struggles and beliefs of two brother in Venice Beach, California. After losing their firefighting father (who displays racial tendencies) while putting out a fire in a drug den by black drug dealers, the brothers plunge into the Neo-Nazi world and begin creating their own gang. The older brother, named Derek, is sent to jail for three years, while the younger brother, named Danny, struggles with what is right and wrong. During his time in jail Derek befriends a black gang member, with whom he is forced to work with, all while being disillusioned by the Arian Nation. During this time, Danny on the other hand is growing more and more attached to the ideals and morals of the Neo-Nazi gang. Danny is doing poorly in school, getting in trouble, and is even threatened with expulsion. Upon his release from jail Derek sets out to save his younger brother. After a long talk to explain the errors of his ways and the errors of the Neo-Nazi ideals, Danny decides to leave all that hate behind him. During school that day, Danny runs into a black teen he had a scuffle with the previous day. The black teen shoots and kills him, and Derek is left to deal with his decisions that led Danny down the path that killed him. The moral issue...
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...American History X is a strong and powerful movie. This controversial film was written by David McKenna and directed by Tony Faye (who is also the cinematographer) making his directors debut. With a starring cast of Edward Norton who plays an intelligent super-neo-Nazi-skinhead, named Derek Vinyard and his younger brother Danny played by Edward Furlong, who idolizes Derek and wants to follow in his footstep, but lack the intelligence like Derek. Their family also plays a role in the films storyline. Their mother who is always chronically sick, they also have a sister who Derek fights with a lot, bu. T in the end they have a powerful scene of tough family love. However, it is their father a firefighter, as well as the leader of a neo-Nazi gang who is the main reason as to why these boys are the way they were. The film’s story is defined by racism the embracement of Nazi antics of the lives of two brothers Derek and Danny who grow up in Venice, California. Their firefighter father (who was a skinhead) was killed trying to fight a fire in a black neighborhood. This is where Derek’s life started to head down the wrong path and Derek became the leader of the neo-Nazi gang after his father. One night Derek spots two black men breaking into his car; he shoots them killing them both, and is sentenced to three years in prison leaving Danny to follow his brother’s footsteps. Derek was faced with many obstacles while in prison. The fact was no matter what race you are everyone...
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...only make matters worse. The movie “American History X” is an admirable alterable attempt to inform us about these types of malicious ignorance that plague our society. The impeccable acting, artistic cinematography, occasional adrenaline-pumping score, and slightly faulted, though award-worthy script, all combine to create an over all exceptional film. American History X should not be immediately dismissed as an archetypal account of a controversial issue, it provides much more that what an audience would expect from a movie of this nature: it is an innovative drama about the unfortunate consequences of racism in a family that is surprisingly yet, frightening realistic it. The racial identity that plays in to American History X also plays out to what the authors of Omi and Winant describe in there novel “Racial Formation and plays into act with Michael Rogin, “The Sword Became a Flashing Vision”: D.W. Griffith’s Birth of a Nation. Finally, the film shows that it is not just the white neo-racists who are fools to be involved in this, but that all racism is foolish. Through these methods, the film shows the viewer, extremely convincingly, that hatred and racism will destroy a person and those around them. The dynamic that greatly contributes to the efficiency of American History X, is the illustrious acting. Edward Norton flawlessly plays Derek Vineyard, the main character in the movie, who is angered but the murder of his father by two African-American people who then, therefore...
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...Wahid Tony Bechwati June 13, 2012 Sociology 1 Movie Analysis American History X is a film about the social topic of racism and how one community is fueled by it all. The thought-provoking thing about this film is the way in which racism is portrayed. First off it is evident that, though racism is always a difficult subject to deal with, American History X presents it without any hesitations and is very blunt about the subject. Second, the film's “god” for racism, Derek Vinyard, played by Edward Norton, is not a stupid redneck racist as films often portray them, but is in fact well-spoken and smart, although he clearly holds beliefs that are horribly wrong. Finally, the film shows that it is not only the white, neo-nazi racists who are fools for being involved in this, but all those who hold hatred in their hearts. Through these methods, the film gives and inspires this idea upon the viewer, in an extremely convincingly way, that hatred and racism will destroy a person and those closest to them. It is immediately revealed to the audience at the start of the movie that there will be no holding back and there will be no beating around the bush about the realism of this intense racial theme that the movie is trying to show. The film tells the story of two brothers, Derek and Danny Vinyard of Venice Beach. Their father, a firefighter, is murdered by a black drug dealer while trying to extinguish a fire in South Central, and following the incident Derek turns bitter towards the...
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...Ergi Omeri HSB4U1-11 Mr.Drummond September 10, 2013 American History X is a reflective and inspiring drama about the consequences of urban racism as it portrays the way a family can be torn apart by hate. A very graphic examination of extremism in America, the film shows neo-nazi/skinhead activist, Derek, trying to reform himself and save his brother after living a life consumed by violence and bigotry. The story unfolds through the eyes of Danny Vineyard (Edward Furlong), who idolizes his older brother Derek (Edward Norton). Raging for revenge over the murder of their firefighter father, Derek ends up finding himself transformed by a philosophy of hate. His incendiary actions ultimately lead to a murder and a prison sentence for himself. Racism, prevalent throughout the world and of course, the film American History X, affects the way one thinks about others. A key element of this film, other than racism of course, is that the activist Majorities can never be trusted. A lot of ruthless scenes of violence were included in the film, which for some may have increased its effectualness and made it appear more real. Manipulation is also key in American History X where the main characters in this film are young, bright, and filled with potential, yet they still somehow manage to be recruited into the neo-nazi/skinhead movement. The message is that any person, no matter how normal, can quickly cross the line from being civil into being consumed by racial fanaticism, violence...
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...Alexis Franciscotty 04/02/2015 SOC 2100 American History X American History X is an interesting and complex film with many eye opening events. The writers of the film lead the viewer to see where racism begins at its’ source, in an individual’s upbringing. The film tells the story of Derek Vinyard through his younger brother Danny Vinyard’s narration. The story takes place in Venice Beach, California, and shows how the brothers become swept up in the neo-Nazi gang movement. Derek is first drawn into the racist underground after their father, a firefighter who was also racist, is killed by an African-American drug dealer while trying to put out a fire in a South Central neighborhood. Derek finds his place with the neo-Nazi skinheads because they create an environment where Derek feels welcome and part of something bigger and more powerful than himself. It was then that Derek’s racism grew from feelings to actions. Derek murders two African-American Crip gang members trying to steal his truck and is sent to prison. The film follows Danny’s influence by his older brother's actions and thoughts, as well as how Derek, now enlightened by his experience in prison, tries to prevent his brother from going down the same road he did. The film is full of gore, violence, and makes the message clear that hate will only lead to more hate, but it also portrays how one person’s influence and actions direct others in the same capacity. Derek’s father’s views, in theory, are what let Derek...
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...American History X is clearly a film dealing with racism. The interesting thing about this film is the way in which the subject is treated. First of all, it is obvious that, though racism is always a difficult subject to deal with, American History X presents it without any reservations or dumming down. Second, the film's figurehead for racism, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), is not an unintelligent redneck racist as films often portray them, but is in fact well-spoken, charismatic and intelligent, although he clearly holds ideals that are terribly wrong. Finally, the film shows that it is not just the white, neo-nazi racists who are fools to be involved in this, but all racism is foolish. Through these methods, the film shows the viewer, extremely convincingly, that hatred and racism will destroy a person and those around him. It is immediately revealed to the audience at the outset of this movie that there will be no holds barred and no playing down the realism of this intense racial hatred. When the film flashes back to the reason for Derek's incarceration, we see Danny wake up his brother to tell him that some black guys are trying to steal or wreck his truck, and Derek immediately jumps out of bed, grabs a gun, and shoots one of them, wounds another and fires at the third as he drives away. Then, in one of the most brutal scenes in film history, Derek forces the remaining, wounded man to put his face on the curb and Derek kicks the back of his head, smashing in the man's...
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...Tyler Clark 11 June 2015 Evaluation Essay People say you learn things from movies, American History X is a prime example for opening other’s eyes to life lessons. Life is too short to hate everyone for no reason. Our life expectancy is very short for human beings to hate so much. Be kind and loving. Those qualities will always be remembered. Hate can change the person you used to be. American History X was played in theatres back in 1998. Started Edward Norton, and Edward Furlong, two famous actors that were in popular movies as well. Edward Norton played in Fight Club and Edward Furlong played in Terminator 2. Like Danny Vinyard says “Hate is baggage, lives too short to be pissed off all the time.”Derek Vinyard used to be a straight-A student until he became part of the skinheads and a leader of the white supremacists in his hometown. But what influenced his change was his father’s death. Derek once said to a news reporter about his father’s death, “Yeah its race related! Every problem in this country is race related not just crime. It's like… immigration, AIDS, welfare those are problems in them. The Black community, the Hispanic community, the Asian community, they're not white problems.” Danny Vinyard, a 14 year old boy who was the younger brother of Derek Vinyard, who soon became corrupted. He had a great future ahead of him until he wanted to become like his big brother. Like any other younger sibling, right? So he soon developed that skinhead mentality and a...
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...American History X is clearly a film dealing with racism. The interesting thing about this film is the way in which the subject is treated. First of all, it is obvious that, though racism is always a difficult subject to deal with, American History X presents it without any reservations or dumming down. Second, the film's figurehead for racism, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), is not an unintelligent redneck racist as films often portray them, but is in fact well-spoken, charismatic and intelligent, although he clearly holds ideals that are terribly wrong. Finally, the film shows that it is not just the white, neo-nazi racists who are fools to be involved in this, but all racism is foolish. Through these methods, the film shows the viewer, extremely convincingly, that hatred and racism will destroy a person and those around him. It is immediately revealed to the audience at the outset of this movie that there will be no holds barred and no playing down the realism of this intense racial hatred. When the film flashes back to the reason for Derek's incarceration, we see Danny wake up his brother to tell him that some black guys are trying to steal or wreck his truck, and Derek immediately jumps out of bed, grabs a gun, and shoots one of them, wounds another and fires at the third as he drives away. Then, in one of the most brutal scenes in film history, Derek forces the remaining, wounded man to put his face on the curb and Derek kicks the back of his head, smashing in the man's...
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...American History X is clearly a film dealing with racism. The interesting thing about this film is the way in which the subject is treated. First of all, it is obvious that, though racism is always a difficult subject to deal with, American History X presents it without any reservations or dumming down. Second, the film's figurehead for racism, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), is not an unintelligent redneck racist as films often portray them, but is in fact well-spoken, charismatic and intelligent, although he clearly holds ideals that are terribly wrong. Finally, the film shows that it is not just the white, neo-nazi racists who are fools to be involved in this, but all racism is foolish. Through these methods, the film shows the viewer, extremely convincingly, that hatred and racism will destroy a person and those around him. It is immediately revealed to the audience at the outset of this movie that there will be no holds barred and no playing down the realism of this intense racial hatred. When the film flashes back to the reason for Derek's incarceration, we see Danny wake up his brother to tell him that some black guys are trying to steal or wreck his truck, and Derek immediately jumps out of bed, grabs a gun, and shoots one of them, wounds another and fires at the third as he drives away. Then, in one of the most brutal scenes in film history, Derek forces the remaining, wounded man to put his face on the curb and Derek kicks the back of his head, smashing in the man's...
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...the middle of the road, Derek rushed to intervene and crack down killing two men in the group. He was arrested and sentenced to three years in prison. Derek in jail during the future of Danny (Edward Furlong) - younger brother Derek was always considered a hero - began to be covered by black clouds of Nazi ideology. According to his step brother, Danny joined the new fascists, assaulted immigrant Asian, African, Jewish ... days out of prison, instead of joy, Derek proved before the panic really changed my son. In those days sitting in his cell, Derek realized that the nature of those who want to revive Nazism. When forced to live with a black inmates, Derek can understand the injustices and difficulties that people of color suffered on American soil. Meanwhile, the Nazis who renewed violence always playing games with him in solitary confinement. Finally, he realized that one thing: true friendship comes from the heart, not skin color Danny was amazing to hear what Derek said he has spent in prison. He looked up the swastika flags, pictures of Adolf Hitler's Nazi bosses that the brothers had pasted on the wall is listed. Maybe they did not bring anything good for America as his constant message? Will Derek's experience has been his brother pulled out of mud sin? he film wowed the audience by recalling and contrasting methods.Alternating between the full-color image of the current black and white images of the past. Edward...
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...American History X Ryan Reynolds Housatonic Community College What Sociological theories present themselves in the movie American History X? Sociology is defined as the study of human behavior and how society impacts us as individuals and as groups. From that definition you know that the setting of the movie has the biggest impact on how the characters are going to act as individuals and as groups. Groups play a major role in this movie. The topic of Nature and Nurture can also be talked about. I believe that there are only two major theories that pertain to American History X and that is Control theory and Labeling Theory. Everything that occurs in this movie trickles down from Control Theory and Labeling Theory. Let me just describe to you the family, setting and the main character in American History X. Derek, the main character, is a young, intelligent very impressionable young man who is raised in a middle class family in Pasadena, California. Pasadena, California is a beach town that is very diverse in ethnicity and has many gangs. Derek’s father kind of instills racism in his children by telling them that illegal immigrants are coming into America and stealing the white man’s jobs. Now Control Theory comes into play when Derek’s father is murdered. I brought up that Derek is very impressionable because he kind of loses it at this point and starts to blame everything bad that is happening in his life on blacks and anybody that is not white like him...
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...American History X is featured film directed by Tony Kaye and takes place in Venice California in 1998. The audience for this movie is for a history class learning about segregation or for a political science course or simply anyone who wants to watch a drama film. The movie was intended to show the segregation and discrimination between colored people, immigrants and white people. Some of the phrases said in the film were blunt and obscure but in the era the movie took place at racism was performed out in public everywhere. There was a major separation between the colored and white people specifically in this movie. This film is realistic because up to this day this world still deals with racism. It has stopped in areas such as public schools, home communities and drinking out of the same water fountain. In the film the white American’s praised for Hitler as if he was a God or someone of high recognition. Many of the characters represented him by carrying a tattoo of the swastika symbol. The entire movie had a racial hatred towards black Americans. The same issues one deals with today are the same issues dealt with in American History X. Some of the movie scenes in the film are quite disturbing especially in the beginning when the main character Deryek abuses a young black man in the front of his home. It makes one wonder why are there people with such hatred towards others simply for the color of one’s skin, it is not fair. The era in which the movie takes place fits perfectly...
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...What Sociological theories present themselves in the movie American History X? Sociology is defined as the study of human behavior and how society impacts us as individuals and as groups. From that definition you know that the setting of the movie has the biggest impact on how the characters are going to act as individuals and as groups. Groups play a major role in this movie. The topic of Nature and Nurture can also be talked about. I believe that there are only two major theories that pertain to American History X and that is Control theory and Labeling Theory. Everything that occurs in this movie trickles down from Control Theory and Labeling Theory. Let me just describe to you the family, setting and the main character in American History X. Derek, the main character, is a young, intelligent very impressionable young man who is raised in a middle class family in Pasadena, California. Pasadena, California is a beach town that is very diverse in ethnicity and has many gangs. Derek’s father kind of instills racism in his children by telling them that illegal immigrants are coming into America and stealing the white man’s jobs. Now Control Theory comes into play when Derek’s father is murdered. I brought up that Derek is very impressionable because he kind of loses it at this point and starts to blame everything bad that is happening in his life on blacks and anybody that is not white like him. He becomes very deviant. The topic of Nature and Nurture comes into...
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...What Sociological theories present themselves in the movie American History X? Sociology is defined as the study of human behavior and how society impacts us as individuals and as groups. From that definition you know that the setting of the movie has the biggest impact on how the characters are going to act as individuals and as groups. Groups play a major role in this movie. The topic of Nature and Nurture can also be talked about. I believe that there are only two major theories that pertain to American History X and that is Control theory and Labeling Theory. Everything that occurs in this movie trickles down from Control Theory and Labeling Theory. Let me just describe to you the family, setting and the main character in American History X. Derek, the main character, is a young, intelligent very impressionable young man who is raised in a middle class family in Pasadena, California. Pasadena, California is a beach town that is very diverse in ethnicity and has many gangs. Derek’s father kind of instills racism in his children by telling them that illegal immigrants are coming into America and stealing the white man’s jobs. Now Control Theory comes into play when Derek’s father is murdered. I brought up that Derek is very impressionable because he kind of loses it at this point and starts to blame everything bad that is happening in his life on blacks and anybody that is not white like him. He becomes very deviant. The topic of Nature and Nurture comes into play...
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