This movie depicts many of the aspects we have covered in class. Julie Stiles, Sara, was in a position that put her in an inner city school after her mother passed away. She walks the hall of her school and clubbed at night with many ethnicities and she was the only white girl. Being new she got many unaccepted looks from African Americans, Hispanics, and other non-white ethnic groups; mainly because of the fear of the unknown. Although she has a love for dancing, that united her with the popular Derek, Sean Thomson, they find that love can be a battle when no one is on your side or willing to accept interethnic dating. The movie showed the stereotypical inner city life; Derek's sister was pregnant without a husband, their mother was in jail for drugs, and his best friend was always ready for a drive-by shooting. Not many of Sara's peers were open to this new girl in town who did not understand their way of life or ever be accepted because of her race. She learned how to become a better dancer with the help of Derek. The movie portrays African Americans with the beat they have always been known for and the white girl who can't dance, because she has no rhythm. Although after coming from two different worlds and two different cultures, their love for dancing overcomes the hate and pressures from peers. Even though the movie hit every aspect of stereotypes and prejudices, I believe it accurately portrayed many of the issues we face today. The not knowing and the difference in lifestyle can be a culture shock even when two people have been raised in the U.S. it is still a whole different side of the world when certain boundaries are crossed. The life chances in the inner cities are not there and any threat to this commiunity is not going to be accepted. .
