Hansel: American History X

        American History X showcases notions of white supremacy while also presenting interjections. Few of these interjections are heard out, however. An example is the dinner scene in which Derek rants about Rodney King’s trial. Murray’s opinions are heard, but he presents them rather meekly, thus stripping his argument of its validity, in a sense. Absolutely no interjections are heard when Derek is being lectured by his father on his problems with Dr. Sweeney’s teaching style. Also, Derek gives a speech to all of his white supremacist cronies in their younger stages of bigoted organization. Most of the prejudiced opinions are presented in monologue form, as if giving the floor to these views. One could claim that this glorifies the opinions, which I began to believe myself until I took on a new standpoint on the screenplay. I think David McKenna wrote the screenplay this way to help the viewer hear the unpopular Neo-Nazi viewpoints and think of his or her own rebuttals instead of being spoon-fed a certain opinion. This assumes that the view is not a neo-Nazi, however. Neo-Nazis might interpret this movie as an inaccurate depiction or try to point out faults in Derek’s character that led to him losing sight of such a noble cause. I’m not exactly the consultant for that, however.

        Personally, I respect Tony Kaye for involving such harsh images in the film.  It helped portray the gruesome realities of impressionable teenagers of the lower class looking for a cause and meaning to their lives. Jarring portrayals such as the shower rape scene, the curb stomp scene, and the final death of Danny scene leave strong images in the viewers’ minds. These strong images leave lasting effects. The film shows how there is virtually no solution to the prejudice and racism will always exist among lower class areas of the world. The government cannot do anything about it, because although prejudice has gradually decline through the history of mankind, it will never get to a complete racial blindness.  While I am in no way prejudice, I believe that is how a significant part of the world functions.  People will always find a way to divide themselves, no matter how well the world is connected through information and communication. 

Since I feel really bad for being such a Debbie Downer, I’ll post a lovely gif to brighten things up...

Images acquired from www.ebaumsworld.com and www.tumblr.com, respectively.

BONUS:  Here's a really cool video to watch that's somewhat related to my rantings.  It's particularly interesting if you're into sociology or psychology.