American History X

689 Words2 Pages

The world is composed of different people with diverse nationalities. There are many countries in this world which contribute different traits to society. In the United States itself, there are about 198 nationalities out of 254 countries worldwide as reported in the 2000 census. As showed by the film American History X, prejudice is the antagonist. The character of Derek Vinyard, the leader of the Nazi skinhead community in the film demonstrates neglect, discrimination and brutality against non-American citizens (migrants) which results in Derek being sent to prison for a couple of years, after which he returns a changed man. Never show prejudice against anybody regardless of race, skin color, religion, etc., without getting to know a person, because for every action, there is an equal reaction.
Prejudice is showed throughout the beginning as well as the ending of American history X film. In the film, there is a scene in which Derek is prejudiced against a gang of African–American basketball players in Venice Beach, CA. Derek decides to intervene in a basketball game in order to impose a deal in which the squandered team abandons the Venice basketball courts permanently. A win is granted to Derek’s skinhead team, resulting in a run off on behalf of the losing team African-American team. This shows us that prejudice can take over a certain individual without them knowing the person or persons they are about to discriminate against. No matter what their skin color, race or religion is, no act of discrimination will ever be acceptable.
Family, friends, work environment or media can be a factor in promoting prejudice against others. A certain individual can learn discrimination, plus prejudice, in the factors I illustrated. In the ...

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...r ethnic groups and encourages his younger brother, Danny, to follow his steps and the values of a good citizen.
In conclusion, the world contains diverse nationalities which make up a nation. In the United States itself, there are many people who come from other countries. There are many countries in this world which contribute positive traits to society rather than negative. As showed by American History X, prejudice is the main issue. Derek Vinyard, leader of the Nazi skinhead community in the film, demonstrates neglect, discrimination and brutality against non-American citizens (migrants) that results in his incarceration. Ultimately, he returns a changed man. Demonstrating prejudicial behavior against anybody’s race, skin color, religion, etc., without getting to know a person, will result in a negative outcome. For every action, there is an equal reaction.

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