American History X Sociological Analysis

The movie American History X although depicting both sociological and psychological perspectives of life, dramatically portrays the impact that hate can have on individuals, families and even the society as a whole. It is imperative to note that, although the elements of racism seem to take a center part in the movie with the way they are passed down through generations, the movie undeniably proves that individuals should not fall prey to their surroundings. Importantly, the movie shows how individuals should not be prey to their immediate environment, more so by catering to the fancies and desires of the social beings around them.
The American History X satirizes the social dominance orientation of the young white supremacists who think that they should be the only recipients of the American dream, and who engineer the subversion of other social groups deemed inferior and dangerous to their survival. The movie thus uses the sociological perspective of structural functionalism to condemn group dynamics and the confidence of the whites who detest the other individuals penetrating through the porous borders of the United States (U.S). As the movie reveals, this causes the nervousness that members of the society feel as they worry about their place in the society. Racism as depicted in the movie arises from the increased illegal …show more content…
Despite the racial conflict being viewed as socially destructive, any slight change is viewed negatively particularly as a disruption to the normal and correct order of life. The racial conflict depicted in American History X movie is therefore contrary to the structural functionalism theory. Given that the theory examines social patterns, their effect on the society, and how individuals fit into the patterns to form a sound society, any conflict in the society could lead to eventual destruction of the society (Turner,