Prejudice, comformity and stereotyping in American History X

Introduction To The Topic American History X is a great film that portrays prejudice, stereotyping and conformity. Prejudice is negative attitudes toward others based on their gender, religion, race, or membership in a particular group. Prejudice involves beliefs and emotions that can turn into hatred. Having an opinion or idea about a member of a group without really knowing that individual is a part of prejudice. Some people make judgments about a whole group of people without knowing very much about them. Sometimes people are afraid of those who seem different from them and unfortunately, they express that with name-calling and negative treatment. When people grow up with these ideas, sometimes its hard to get rid of them. Like in the†¦show more content†¦Derek fires his gun to kill and commits violent actions, which ends up in the death of the two black kids who tried to steal his car. Hes convicted of murder and sent to prison for three years. While in prison, Derek begins to see things in a different way. While in jail he learns some hard truths about life from a fellow inmate and his old high school principal that takes special interest in him. Avery Brooks, the principle ask Derek a powerful question. Has any thing youve done changed your life? But, when Derek emerges with a desire to change his attitude, he finds that words are not enough. Three years later, everyone awaits Dereks return. His mother Doris who prays for his safety, his girlfriend Stacey who longs for his return, and most of all Danny whos desperate for his brothers love and guidance, yet is driven by his own increasing white supremacy hatred. Danny who idolizes Derek has stepped into his shoes. Following the crowd of the white supremacy group the DOC. Avery Brooks the high school principle who has helped Derek also tries to help Danny by telling him to write a paper on his brother in hope to make him see things in a different light. Unbeknown to Danny, Derek is a changed man. Fresh from prison, he no longer views hatred as a badge of honor. Ashamed of his past he is now in a race to save Danny and the Vineyard family from the violence he brought down upon them. His mind is open and sees the American History 5 error of his ways.