Racism And Gangs essays

Racism And Gangs essays American History X is a profound and stirring drama about the consequences of racism as a family is torn apart by hate. The film follows one man's struggle to reform him and save his brother after living a life consumed by violence and bigotry. The story unfolds through the eyes of Danny Vinyard, who idolizes his older brother Derek. Seeking retribution for his father's murder and burning for a way to vent his rage, Derek finds himself transformed by a philosophy of hate as he turns into a charismatic leader of a local white power movement. Despite his intelligence, his actions culminate in a brutal murder and, ultimately, a prison sentence. Three years later, everyone awaits Derek's return: His mother Doris who prays for his safety his girlfriend Stacey who longs for his return, and most of all Danny, who is desperate for his brother's love and guidance. On the day of Derek's release from prison, Danny hands in a book report on Mein Kampf. Enraged, the school principal demands that Danny write a new paper on the circumstances that led to Derek's incarceration. Through the narrative of this new assignment, the audience explores the events that haunt and define two brothers. But as Danny turns into the old Derek little does he know that Derek is a changed man. Fresh from prison, he no longer has the same views of hatred he had before the incident. Ashamed of his past, he is now in a race to save Danny and the Vinyard family from the violence he's brought down upon them. This movie portrays problems in racism by demonstrating the aspects of neo-nazism at its worse. The basketball scene, which was one of the flash backs, shows Derek along with Cameron, Stacey, Seth, and Danny sitting and watching the game which the neo-nazis were losing. Derek was then convinced to enter the game. As Derek took of his shirt you could see his hatred and beliefs in form of tattoos, the most apparent on being the swastika on his chest. Then citing, &q...