Jake Gooding (2015) stated that, “it’s about how one person can go from the very bottom and come out on top as a completely different person.” Derek, the main character went through a series of life changing experiences, from the death of his loving father, his criminal activities, his imprisonment, and all other related events, which ultimately made him, change his view on life. Sharma (2013) refers to it as a transformational learning. She states, “transformational learning occurs when individuals undergo, interpret and re-interpret an experience that results in a change of how they view themselves and the world around them.” She argues that Derek experienced a psychological (changes in understanding of self), convictional (revision of belief system) and behavioral (changes in lifestyle) transformation. The result of the transformation was seen after Derek’s release from prison, through his desire to leave his white supremacist group and to prevent his younger brother from following his footsteps.
In summary, American History X was a great movie, which shows the negative consequences of having an ideology motivated by anger and hatred. Hate as mentioned at the end of the film is a heavy burden, and nothing good comes out of