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American History X

American History X. Kendrick Dunklin. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King, Jr. American History X (1998). Directed by Tony Kaye Starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong & Beverly D’Angelo

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American History X

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  1. American History X Kendrick Dunklin “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

  2. American History X (1998) • Directed by Tony Kaye • Starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong & Beverly D’Angelo • Academy Award- Nominated (Best Actor) • Theatrical Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXaZENPQrsw

  3. About the Movie • Tells the story of two brothers, Derek Vinyard (Norton) and Danny Vinyard (Furlong) • Derek was a leader in the Neo-Nazi movement in Venice Beach • Derek is arrested for murder, but his life is transformed in prison. • While in prison, Danny leads down the same path as Derek.

  4. Out-group Homogeneity • Members of the majority in-group feel threatened by members of the minority out-group as they hate them for “talking over” • Prejudices serve as a knowledge purpose because they sought to diminish ambiguity in areas they did not understand. • The disillusioned blamed their various woes on easily renowned minority groups • Went on various racist “missions” to openly criticize and attack other ethnic groups Movie Clip 10/11: 35:10

  5. Stereotypes, Prejudice, & Discrimination • The violent attack on a Korean American grocery store which was previously owned by a local Caucasian American. • Derek single-handedly carried out the brutal murder of two African American men who had been trying to steal his car, and he was clearly proud of his actions. • Danny “hates anyone that isn’t white Protestant…They’re a burden to the advancement of the white race.”

  6. The Cause • Derek and Danny’s father is shown to bestow on his children many frustrated prejudicial beliefs • Their father is killed by an African American in a majority African American neighborhood while doing his job • After father’s death, Derek is guided by Hitler idolizer, Cameron Alexander. Movie Clip 5: 13:48

  7. Reduction/Elimination of Prejudice • Derek was part of the majority (in-group) in the outside world, but in prison he was part of the minority (out-group). • “in the joint, you da nigger, not me.” • Sought solace from the Caucasian Americans while in prison, but they turned on him and gang-raped him in the shower • Two caring African Americans, Lamont and Sweeney, led the way for Derek’s recovery while in prison. Movie Clip 24 – 1:23:13

  8. Conclusion • Ultimately, prejudice and racist behavior leads to tragedy: Danny’s death is brought upon by Danny’s racism and prejudice • “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained we must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be by the better angels of our nature.” – Danny Vinyard • Instead of examining the individual acts of hate, we must investigate the source of those hateful actions. It is only then that we can apply the one force that has the power to stop this hatred, and that is love.

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