Father Figures in Boyz and American History X.
From Boyz N The Hood's opening STOP sign, bright red, rigid and alarming, and American History X's serene and melodic, black and white opening on the California shoreline, the two films contrast each other in almost every way. The black and white segments and flashback storytelling of American History X hardly parallels the colorful chronological spanning of Boyz N the Hood, making the movies look like opposites. The upbeat sounds of R&B and Soul of Boyz hardly sound anything like the hard rock or symphonic church music of X. And while both are fantastically moving films, Boyz's optimism and X's tragic conclusion make for completely different feels. It is through these diametric styles that Boyz & X so incredibly examine the same issues. From concerns of individuality or the group to community, to the evolution of the adolescent years, both filmmakers simply chose different means in order to express similar ideas. The paper that follows will investigate how each film conversely tackles the most significant of issues in which Boyz and X synchronize: the role of the father figure in the development of each child. Through each filmmaker's choices of cinematic style and story line, he shows the audience the effect on each child (Tre in Boyz, Danny in X) of either a positive father figure (as with Boyz) or a negative father figure (as with X). By following the progression of each film by way of examining the introduction of the father, the influence that he has on his child, and the ultimate effect of his paternal presence, we can clearly understand each director's message: while many things can sway and influence children in their teens, one's father figure is the most significant factor in determining the outcome of a child's life.
As all young boys grow into adolescence, they find that certain somebody to look up to, whether literally, figuratively, even subconsciously.
"American History X" is undeniably one of the most poignant and potent movies I have ever seen. ... In "American History X" however, hate destroys the bond between two brothers. ... "American History X" gives us more closure. ... "American History X" has much stronger actors. ... In "American History X" however, we go beyond pity. ...
"One out of every twenty-one Black American males will be murdered in their lifetime. ... This is the first thing that pops on the screen when the movie "Boyz n the Hood " comes on. ... When this altercation happens, his mother realizes that he has to stay with his father. The reason being was only his father could teach him how to become a man. ... There was no community involvement in this movie nor were there many positive figures in this movie. ...
One can see these developments of identity in books, magazines and films such as, Malcolm X, The Souls of Black Folk, Race Matters, American Apartheid, and "Boyz in the Hood- When looking at Malcolm X some of the things that he points out parallels the major point that W.E.B. ... Cornell West goes on to talk about Malcolm X's notion of psychic conversion. ... We will see Malcolm X try to reach out to the blacks to gain this equality. ... We see this problem arise in the book American Apartheid by Douglass S. ... Tre's father talked this about in the film Boyz in the Hood. ...
Pick your Poison: The Similarities and Differences of Malcolm X and Russell Baker Russell Baker and Malcolm X were both born in the year 1925. In the years to follow both of these prominent figures made their way down societies ever-winding paths while living two drastically different lives. ... Although Malcolm X in The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Russell Baker in Growing Up have very few similarities in the way they lived their everyday lives, they do share common themes that can be seen throughout their stages of life. ... Russell's father died when Russell was only five years old...
American History X Critical Review Racism influences a individual because of their social and economical position in life. American History X shows how a racist organization takes advantage and tricks white youth into making them feel like they belong to something. ... In American History X, racism is learned by Derek from his father but it's reaffirmed when his father is killed by a black drug-dealer. ... Anger and sadness are felt while watching American History X. ... The author's message conveyed in American History X is that a racist mind is not fully developed and is eas...
During Malcolm X early years Malcolm experiences his father's preaching of Marcus Garvey. ... As a young child Malcolm X lost his father and a few years later the white society found it unsuitable for Malcolm X mom to raise him and his siblings. ... Malcolm X seemed to have a knack for school he loved history and English. ... Malcolm X ambitions to create equality for the Afro-American people have made him a very influential man in American history. ... The Malcolm X Autobiography explains the life of one of the most influential black men in American history. ...
The movie American History X deals with social stratification in many ways. Derek Vinyard, the protagonist of American History X, grew up in a white lower to middle class family. ... American History X does follow suit. ... This is true in American History X because the process started with Derek's father, who feed Derek the myths. ... American History X portrays this in the grimmest way. ...
