Why American History X is Essential for the Netflix generation

American History X is a film based around the idea of overcoming prejudice. Despite it being over 20 years old, its message is just as relevant as ever. 

The death of American citizen George Floyd on May 25th, 2020 propelled the well-documented issue of racism within the states yet again into the global consciousness.

Across the world, communities gathered in protest, using social media to spread the word of #blacklivesmatter.

Racism sadly is as present today in society as it was during the last century.

It therefore should be the duty of entertainment industry power players such as Netflix, to promote works that demonstrate the necessity of equality.

Through their scope of subscribers, they should educate how racism brings nothing but tragedy for the perpetrator as well as the victim.

By showcasing a film such as American History X on their platform, they are certainly going in the right direction.

American History X makes for harrowing yet essential viewing.

In the space of two hours, it covers each facet of racist ideology and its flaws building to a gut-wrenching finale that embodies why hate must be subsided for acceptance.

For impressionable youths, Netflix is now a constant in terms of an entertainment service.

The streaming giants can act as educators.

By presenting Tony Kaye’s 1998 film, they are providing future generations with invaluable knowledge about racism, and its destructiveness.

American History X: A multi-layered story

American History X tells the story of two brothers, Derek and Daniel Vinyard.

The plot details their involvement in a white supremacist group known as the D.O.C (Disciples of Christ) in Venice Beach, California.

Daniel idolises his older brother Derek, who has recently been released from a three-year prison sentence.

This was for murdering three black assailants who attempting to ambush him in their family home.

Derek returns from prison a changed man, wishing to repent for the racist activity he committed in his past life.

His incarceration opened his mind teaching him a few painful lessons, both physically and mentally.

He comes home with a mission to ensure that his sibling Danny does not make the same mistakes he did.

This is easier said than done, as Danny has been following in his brother’s footsteps.

Both brothers come to learn that turning your back on a group whose foundations are formed in hate, leaves no space for a clean getaway.

Hate is baggage

The brilliance of the film lies in its depiction of complex opinions and ideologies that were organically conceived, rather than just expected to be understood.

We witness Derek’s descent into a racist enforcer, and what influenced him to be as such.

Through flashbacks that are shot in black and white, the audience learns of how Derek’s hate for black people stems from the murder of his and Danny’s father.

We learn towards the film’s conclusion that the patriarch of the Vineyard clan was a racist, and heavily influenced his son’s opinions.

Derek’s anger and grief over his death warps his feelings towards the world and the people in it.

His racism goes further than black people.

In a particularly chilling scene, Derek rips off his shirt at the dinner table to reveal a swastika, whilst pointing at his mother’s Jewish date and stating, “not welcome”.

The monstrous nature of Derek’s prejudice is fully embodied during the segment where he murders the three black attackers.

After lining the final gang member and stomping his head against the pavement, he cheerfully accepts his arrest as a younger Danny looks on horrified.

The film is as authentic in its depiction of Derek turning away from his past life as a white supremacist, as it is in displaying his initial involvement.

The viewer watches as prison life provokes his disillusionment.

He notices how white supremacists in prison, actively work with various prisoners of different ethnicity, betraying any sense of belief in ideology.

He also bonds with a black inmate, finally accepting that skin colour should not be a reason to deem another person inferior.

Derek’s transformation comes full circle in a pivotal moment, when he gazes in the bathroom mirror at the swastika on his chest, that he once proudly showcased, and covers it with his hand in shame.

Derek’s character development is integral to the movie’s message. Racist attitudes are acquired from within families, homes, and communities.

One must be able to outgrow ideas of hate and learn from the world.

A person such as Derek appearing on Netflix demonstrates a complete character metamorphosis.

To see a racist change his ways in such an authentic manner is essential viewing for educating younger generations about equality and acceptance.

Timeless relevance

American History X makes for hard viewing at times but is important.

The film is heightened by utterly compelling performances, especially Edward Norton as Derek, who is scarily convincing in his portrayal.

The level of humanity (and lack of it) that he imbues into this character is nothing short of astonishing.

In an age where Netflix is so commonplace, there is no better time for this platform to truly contribute to society by showcasing films that are culturally significant and relevant to current world issues.

American History X more then fits into both categories.

For more information about the Black Lives Matter movement, please visit: https://blacklivesmatter.com/

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