American History X
Many Americans think of racism as something of the past, something back when Abraham Lincoln was president. Actually, racism will remain an issue in this world until the sun stops shining and the sound of people's voices no longer linger in the air. Since the beginning of time, human beings have been staring each other down because of differences in the color of their skin; this is because of a constant power struggle that continues to circulate throughout the world. Everyone is constantly fighting to be better than their neighbor, and the color of ones skin is just another excuse to look down on them. Most importantly, American History X examines the affects of racism on relationships within a family. Danny and Derek Vinyard, two smart boys who came from a normal, loving home were first bitten by the racism bug at a fairly young age. Their father, a devoted fireman and husband, was the first to plant the seed in Derek's mind. Dr. Sweeney, Derek's principal, changed the curriculum in school to where a couple books were taken away, and a couple of "black books" were added in their place. Derek said, "Dr. Sweeney comes on so strong. It's kind of hard not to listen to it, but maybe some of the stuff he says is. . ." His
When Derek killed two men who were trying to steal his car and went to jail, the entire family suffered from Derek's absence. We must not be enemies though passion may have strain it must not break our bonds of affection. It is possible for one to move on, but one can never erase the past. " Principal Sweeney acted like the father Derek did not have; this was the start of Derek's transformation. Danny and Derek were able to change the beliefs they were brought up to believe. What good would this world be without caring and compassion for those around us? How can we truly be happy? We can't because the greatest gift of all is to love and be loved in return. He realized he needed to change his ways when Principal Sweeney asked, "Has anything you've done made your life better?" When Principal Sweeney said this key quote, Derek replied with, "Help me. It is never too late for change, and We are not enemies, but friends. His attitude seemed to reach a personal level with Doris because Derek is her child, her blood. Even though the family suffered greatly from the loss of a husband, father, and dealt with many tragedies, they were able to overcome the challenges that they were faced with. Doris, their mother, especially suffered from Derek's absence because she depended on him to be the man of the house and watch over the family; he being the oldest son as well as her husband was gone. ?" With their father being killed not long after this conversation in a minority neighborhood, Derek struggles to justify his father's death.
Common topics in this essay:
American History,
Principal Sweeney,
Dr Sweeney,
Abraham Lincoln,
Doris Derek's,
Derek Danny,
Doris Derek,
Murray Doris',
Danny Throughout,
Danny Derek,
power movement,
derek's absence,
white power,
white power movement,
relationships family,
derek's relationship,
principal sweeney,
suffered derek's absence,
born child,
danny derek,
father,
family suffered,
involved white power,
doris derek's relationship,
|
Acceptance Essays
