The main themes in the movie, American History X, pertain to the power of influence, for good or for evil. The movie portrays the fact that people are easily manipulated, especially when they are vulnerable. It illustrates the importance of independent thought, and the questioning of our influences.
Derek was easily influenced because of his father’s attitude towards racism, and the fact that he was prayed upon by an older Nazi in the community. Not until a horrific incident which resulted in his imprisonment, did he realize that he had been misguided, through his growing relationship with his African American cell mate. Through this friendship, he realized that everything he had believed was false. This encounter showed him that he needed to think as an individual, and not as a member of a mob. The influence of this black friend, and his high school teacher, helped him to find his higher nature.
Derek’s actions tragically influenced his younger brother, Danny. Because Danny looked up to his older brother, he was subject to his influence. Danny’s better nature was suppressed by his environment, and he began to follow the same path of hatred and racism as Derek. When Derek was released from prison, he attempted to teach Danny what he had learned during his sentence, that his racist past was misguided. He was able to get through to Danny, who realized that “Hate is baggage. Life’s too short to be pissed off all the time.” However, it was too late, as Danny was killed as a result of his past mistakes under Derek’s influence.
As individuals, we need to be aware of what influences us. The movie, American History X, illustrates the need to continually question our influences, and to be aware of the ways that we influence others. According to Carl Jung, “You can exert no influence if you are not susceptible to influence.” The meaning of this quote is illustrated in the movie, as Derek exerted the influence of racism on Danny, only because he was susceptible to similar influence from his father. While in prison, Derek was again influenced, and although too late, passed on this influence to his younger brother. This exemplifies the effect that our influences have on us, as well as the effects that our influences may have on others.
Based on the reasons above, the themes surrounding the movie, American History X, revolve around the power of influence. The movie illustrates the influence that others have on us, the influence that we have on them, and the importance of independent thought. It is neseccary for us to take our influences into careful consideration, and be able to think as individuals.
