Racism In The Film 'American History X'

Racism. A word that can spark a lengthy conversation, a word that can get under the skin of many, a word that still runs through the veins of the United States even in this modern age. We as a generation and generations before us have seen racism at some point during our lives and yet it still continues to live on without us blinking an eye in the slightest of bit. The films American History X directed by Tony Kaye and Crash directed by Paul Haggins allows the audience to view how racism still rears its head in today’s society but also shows how people can change when they allow their minds to evolve. American History X is considered to be a dark film which shows how stereotypes, prejudice and racism still coexist and how the “American

Each character in the film reach a point in their lives that makes them question themselves as people, and what they express towards others. Crash shows stories of race, class, and gender post September 11th. The film shows that almost everyone as being unconsciously prejudice towards others and we lack love for others. The first time we see a sense of racism is when a Persian man wants to buy a gun but the gun shop owner refers him as “Osama”, is refused service and is then escorted out. Two African-American men discuss about how they as a group are always being stereotyped but they themselves hijack a couple’s car moments later. It is then revealed that the couple were the district attorney and his wife named Jean. The couple choose to have the locks replaced incase the hijackers decide to pay them a visit but the locksmith in Hispanic, Jean throws a loud tantrum, believes that he has made copies and says he might give them to “his gang banger friends.” Four other characters are shown across town, two police officers looking for the stolen car, and another couple. The officer in charge shows his side of racism when he pulls over the truck although it isn’t the missing truck they are looking for because the person driving was a black male. He tells the driver he is being arrested but has no real reason to arrest him and touches his wife

We see how minorities can be discriminated against or stereotyped by just a few words that are exchanged. We as people have the opportunity to change, even those who seem helpless such as Derek Vinyard or the police officer. It also goes to show that we should be more conscious as to what we say to others even if it is harmless because it adds to the racism that goes on and it needs to come to an