American History

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American History It is important to be proud of who you are and where you have come from. After watching the film American History X, whites are far from proud. We are ashamed to admit that people just like us can act in such a horrible and disillusioned way toward those that are different. As you watch, you see scenes of brutal violence, hear songs of hate and feel the pain of all involved. These acts show the viewers how easily young minds can be influenced to believe anything. Teachers, parents, siblings or any person of authority in a child's life can have this deep of an impact on them. American History X is the story of how powerful an influence people of importance can have upon youth. Adults can be the enemy of many teenagers. Yet when a kid is vulnerable and looking for adoration and love, they can latch onto any adult that makes them feel important or special. Cameron is the first example of the adult filling an empty space. Both Derek and Danny Vinyard, the neo-Nazi brothers of the film, fall for every word Cameron says to them. At one point in the film, Cam makes a comment to Danny about his black school principal Dr. Sweeney. To him, Sweeny is a "manipulative, self-righteous Uncle Tom" for making Dan re- write a civil rights paper because it was about Mein Kampf. Sweeney has his own opinions about Cameron stating that he preys on "insecure, frustrated, and impressionable kids. This assumption is dead on. As the organizer and unofficial leader of the Venice Beach white gang, what the middle-aged Cameron has to say about being a patriot and a proud "white Protestant" fills a void for the kids. Many, as seen most apparently in Seth, the overweight, clumsy, and dim-witted teen, have low self-esteem and lacking hom... ... middle of paper ... ...ause he mourns, he cannot fathom what he has really done. The viewer sees that Derek followed Sweeney's advice and guidance and changed his brother for the better. Whether it is positive or negative, anyone important in a child's eyes can dramatically impact how they will act, think, or believe. The teens from American History X were all looking for something to hold on to and to be a part of? It is hard to see Derek, Danny and all the others fall for the lies and propaganda set forth by the adults. It's hard to see peers pressure their gang mates into believing something so strongly that they'd rather kill a traitor than forgive a friend. It's hard to see all the hate, anguish, and pain in the film. Surprisingly, there is a silver lining, giving us hope that one positive influence in the lives of children can be enough to turn them from racism and to a better life.

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