American History X American History X (hereafter AHX) is a drama film that explores racism in a different perspective, from the view of a former white supremacist protagonist who undergoes a transformational learning and is determined to prevent his brother from gliding down the same path. While the movie can be viewed as being about redemption, it focuses on radical ideological concepts and issues such as racism, white supremacy, minorities and immigrants. The purpose of this paper is to identify how these moral issues were introduced in the movie and their relevancy vis-à-vis of contemporary America. First, let us briefly summarize the movie. AHX focused on the racial and socio-cultural transformation of two brothers, Derek and Danny.
…show more content…
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
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