Discrimination In American History X

Derek (Edward Norton), Danny (Edward Furlong), and their father demonstrate prejudice thoughts and discriminatory actions throughout the film American History X on multiple occasions. Racism, specifically against African Americans, is sensed throughout the film. One may analyze particular racial actions demonstrated in the film as an attempt to explain how prejudice and discrimination developed and became manifested within the characters. Derek, viewed by society as a Nazi Skinhead, was defined as one of the most powerful and influential individuals in the film. His attitudes and behaviors were observed and internalized by his younger brother, Danny. As the film concludes, the audience develops a realization as to why discriminatory actions …show more content…
Their father was a hard working white American who felt that immigrants and African Americans were receiving better treatment than the whites in the community. One evening, he expressed his frustration about an African American firefighter that was hired in the department simply because of his race. He concluded that it was unjust that this African American was offered the position because a white man scored higher than him on the firefighter examination. The father suggested that economic inequalities were in existence and that said inequalities underlined the source of all conflicts. The father suggested that there was a power-conflict within the community because the immigrants and African Americans were getting jobs more so then the whites. Through social learning, Derek became skillful at noticing how immigrants were taking over his community. His father modeled behaviors and negative attitudes towards minority groups and Derek internalized those fears and aggressions that his father demonstrated. Danny’s assessment of how racism was developed in the household was accurate. The father influenced Derek, which was then passed down to Danny. Derek’s hatred for African Americans increased after his father was killed by ‘racial parasites’. He insisted that minorities came to exploit America and is confused as to why his father was shot and killed by an African American. Derek acted out and preached what his father had said for years about immigrants. He modeled such behaviors that then influenced Danny to develop a prejudice for minorities, as well. It had been a cycle that was passed down from one generation to