In 1998, a very serious but shocking film came out that addressed the many ugly and shocking sociological problems that most people would find uncomfortable to talk about and instead choose to sweep under the rug. This movie tested the limits of a film based on truths of the world around us. American History X is the film that got a lot of people talking. The film shows how racism can be subtle or in your face, and how this way of thinking can infiltrate and spread like a poison. It also examines the effects of racism and hate and how it affects a whole family and how their love for each other can, in the end, get them through anything. .
Most of know about nature versus nurture, and how our families' love and affections (or lack thereof) help shape us into who we will become. As children grow up they are impacted by everyday life and events. In the movie, American History X, Derek and Danny Vineyard, were brought up in a normal happy, loving household but were bitten with the racism/hate bug at a young age. Their father was the first one to plant the seed of destruction, poisoning Derek; which sent Derek down a very dark and nasty path that turned his family upside down. We all mimic and learn from those around us. Danny watched his bother turn into a Neo-Nazi and a leader of a gang. He also witnessed his brother murder two black men in front of him. Even before Derek went to away for murder, Danny was already basically being groomed to enter the same lifestyle as Derek, unbeknownst to either of them. It wasn't until Derek went to prison however, that Danny began to immerse himself more into the white supremacist culture that Derek was now a sort of legend in. Derek takes the whole, "It's not my problem, what do you expect me to do about it?" approach towards Danny's involvement with his old gang during a visit with his mother where she informs him how deeply involved with the D.
