African American roles in American History
African American roles in American History X American History X displays many controversial issues such as racism and prejudice. The story revolves around Derek, who is a white supremacist that changes his ways when someone points out to him that all his campaigning only served to make his life even worse than it had been before. A major influence on Derek in this movie was his high school English teacher Mr. Sweeney. Derek had always placed Sweeney on a Pedestal and had a great deal of respect for him. Despite Derek?s hatred for blacks throughout the movie, Derek still continued to admire and respect Sweeney. Sweeney was Derek?s English teacher while Derek?s father was still alive. Derek learned a great deal from Sweeney and was intrigued by the material Sweeney taught. Sweeney had Derek reading books such as ?Native Son?, that were thought provoking in the areas of racism, pride, and various forms
They both showed him that good black people do exist. Although he spent so much of his time hating the black race the two people that contributed positively to his personal growth and character were both African Americans. At first Derek was reluctant to even speak to him. Derek?s neo-nazi lifestyle lead him to kill two African American men which resulted in a two year prison term. During a visit with Sweeney Derek broke down and begged for his help. He came down on Derek and forced him to not believe what he was being taught and to realize that Whites are superior to blacks. This man contributed to Derek?s understanding of his actions and how they not only destroyed him but his entire family. After he was released from prison, Derek was able to turn his life around. After this incident took place Sweeney came to visit Derek. Derek was very much impressed with Sweeney?s teaching style and his views, it was clear to Derek that Sweeney was an incredibly smart man, and as a result Derek viewed him to be a genius. Sweeney and his black inmate friend were huge influences on Derek. While in prison Derek was in despair he had hit rock bottom. Any propaganda that was branded into Derek?s mind was planted there by his father. He actually started to realize the severity of his actions. When Derek?s father learned of the African American influence Sweeney had on Derek he was outraged.
Common topics in this essay:
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