The theme of racism outside and inside a prison and how to personally overcome this racism as a victim as well as a perpetrator are major themes of the anti-racist movie
"American History X". The life of incarcerated people and how it influenced them is often portrayed in TV series or films which are mostly made to entertain the populace rather than to educate or raise awareness about the problems that arise within the displayed topics, and for that stereotypes and juxtapositions are used as well as certain methods
and means of film making. This paper looks at exemplary scenes of "American History X" with emphasis on how some means of film making are used to display the life-changing
experiences that main protagonist Derek Vinyard encounters while being incarcerated.
Today more than two million people of the United States of America are incarcerated in prisons; serving a sentence for a crime they have committed. The experience each inmate makes individually can have an immense impact on their behaviour and mind-set in and outside prison walls. Prisons in general function as public institutions which should, at the very best, try to help the inmates to “find a lawful, economically stable place” in a community and in society after their time spent in prison (Fleisher and Decker 1-2).
Incarcerated people not only have to deal with the limitations of their freedom and privacy, often they also encounter racism and racial segregation by officers and other inmates. According to Philip Goodman, "it is the interaction between the inmate and officer in which categorization is born, and that makes racial categorization and segregation possible" (762).
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. American History X
- 2.1. Racism and Prison Gangs
- 2.2. Overcoming Racism
- 3. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the film American History X, focusing on how it portrays racism within the prison system and the process of overcoming racist beliefs. It examines specific scenes to illustrate the film's use of cinematic techniques in depicting the protagonist's transformative experience. The analysis aims to understand how the film addresses the complex issue of racism and its impact on individuals and society.
- Racism in prison and society
- The process of overcoming racist beliefs
- The impact of prison experiences on inmates
- Cinematic techniques used to portray themes
- The role of prison gangs in perpetuating racism
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of mass incarceration in the United States and highlights the significant impact of prison experiences on inmates' behavior and mindset. It emphasizes the prevalence of racism and racial segregation within prisons, referencing scholarly work to support the claim that these issues are systemic and deeply ingrained in the interactions between inmates and officers. The chapter introduces American History X as a case study focusing on the themes of racism, both inside and outside prison, and the protagonist's journey of overcoming these ingrained biases. The chapter sets the stage for a deeper analysis of the film's portrayal of these issues.
2. American History X: This chapter provides a synopsis of the film American History X, introducing the main protagonist, Derek Vinyard, a former neo-Nazi, and his younger brother, Danny. It outlines the narrative structure, including the use of flashbacks and color/black and white cinematography to represent Derek's changing perspective. The chapter summarizes Derek's journey through prison, his involvement with prison gangs, his experiences that lead him to confront his racist beliefs, and the ultimate tragic consequences. It highlights the film's anti-racist message and its exploration of themes such as white supremacy, prejudice, and the struggle to overcome deeply ingrained biases. The chapter concludes by indicating that a detailed analysis of selected scenes follows, focusing on the film's portrayal of racism and its connection to prison gangs and stereotypes.
Keywords
Racism, prison, American History X, neo-Nazism, prison gangs, overcoming racism, racial segregation, cinematic techniques, stereotypes, prejudice, rehabilitation, mass incarceration.
American History X Analysis: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic analysis of the film American History X. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on the film's portrayal of racism within the prison system and the process of overcoming racist beliefs.
What are the main themes explored in the analysis of American History X?
The analysis explores several key themes, including racism in prison and society, the process of overcoming racist beliefs, the impact of prison experiences on inmates, cinematic techniques used to portray these themes, and the role of prison gangs in perpetuating racism.
What is covered in the introduction chapter?
The introduction sets the context by discussing mass incarceration in the United States and the significant impact of prison experiences on inmates. It highlights the prevalence of racism and racial segregation within prisons, referencing scholarly work. It introduces American History X as a case study focusing on racism and the protagonist's journey of overcoming ingrained biases.
What does the chapter on American History X cover?
This chapter provides a synopsis of the film, introducing the main characters, Derek and Danny Vinyard. It outlines the narrative structure, including the use of flashbacks and cinematography. It summarizes Derek's journey through prison, his involvement with prison gangs, and his experiences leading to confronting his racist beliefs. It highlights the film's anti-racist message and its exploration of white supremacy, prejudice, and overcoming ingrained biases. It also indicates that a detailed analysis of selected scenes will follow.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
The keywords include Racism, prison, American History X, neo-Nazism, prison gangs, overcoming racism, racial segregation, cinematic techniques, stereotypes, prejudice, rehabilitation, and mass incarceration.
What is the overall objective of the analysis?
The analysis aims to understand how the film American History X addresses the complex issue of racism and its impact on individuals and society. It examines how cinematic techniques are used to depict the protagonist's transformative experience.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, a chapter dedicated to the film American History X (further broken down into sections on racism and prison gangs and overcoming racism), and a conclusion.
- Quote paper
- Sarah Gahler (Author), 2015, "American History X". Overcoming Racism in Prison, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/337820
