Essay on the Antihero in the American History X Film

An antihero in a film is the character that lacks heroic qualities. They are usually involved in all voices and act for their gain. An antihero is sometimes the main character in a story, and they are an integral part in the creation of films. Garcia argues that antiheroes can also be protagonists in films. They portray negative qualities that make them evil and criminals in films. Antiheroes are compelling characters who make the audience view the world from their perspective. The film industry has recently incorporated the use of antiheroes in most of the films.

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American History X is a movie a 1998 film that talks about racism and civil rights in the American society (Anslemi). The film themes revolve around hate and redemption, and views hate as a destructive force which only destroys things. In this film, Derek Vinyard is the protagonist and the most compelling character. Dereks life in the film starts like that of a normal teenager surrounded by a loving family and does well in school (Anslemi). However, his father is murdered by people he considers as ethnic minorities in the society. These events turn Derek into a racist individual who sees a fault in the structure of the diverse society. Derek turns to become a skinhead of California and in his new identity recruits whites to join his racism revolution. Dereks character completely changes for the worse, making him the antihero in the film. He becomes brutal and an individual who is full of rage at all times. He is convicted of murdering tow gang members who attempt to steal a car from him. When he goes to prison, the Aryan brothers warmly welcome him because of his deeds. Before getting in prison, Derek quickly rose to become the leader of skinheads with Nazi tattoos. In the gang, he organizes crimes and sees that non-whites are killed.

While in prison, he separates himself from the Nazi there because he thinks they quickly bend to deal with leaders of the ethnic minority groups he despises. When his fellow Nazis see that he is distancing himself, they organize an attack on him where he is beaten and raped. Thins take a wrong turn for Derek that he seeks the friendship of a black prisoner. These experiences while in prison make Derek change his mind about hatred and racism. He sees that the acts have only landed him in the worst places in life. He remembers his brother Danny and how he successfully managed to turn him to become racists and a skinhead. His main aim after prison is to try and help his brother not to follow his footsteps. Dereks fascination of killing and committing a crime was a pleasurable act he did to console himself that he was doing the right thing to avenge his fathers death (Anslemi).

Antiheroes in movies, play a major role. They add twists and turns to the film compelling the audience to watch in anticipation of the next act. Film directors use anti- heroes to bring attention to the social flaws that affect the society. The American History X appeals to the American audience because racism is and was part of the culture back in 1998. The American audience will be drawn to the movie because racism is one of the major issues the society faces. Racism has direct and indirect effects on the lives of the American people. The director in of the film American History X tries to make the audience view the concept of racism from Dereks point of view. He also makes the audience see that hatred of the minority is a destructive force since the same people we hate are the same ones who help when one is in need. The thugs are portrayed as blacks to illustrate the stereotyping that happens in the society. Most Americans, when the word 'thug' has used the picture that comes to their minds, is that of the black man. The director uses the concept to show the tension between races that brings about the racism issue.

Use of antiheroes in films is quickly gaining acceptance in the American society. Several studies confirm that the contemporary American society values films that use antiheroes to illustrate their ideas (Tokgoz). Recently, many films have adopted the use of anti-heroes, for example, The Sopranos, House of Cards and Dexter film. Film producers are of the opinion that anti-hero films help with sales of the films and the brands of production. People are of the idea that antiheroes are more practical and realistic in handling issues more than heroes do. When an audience is watching the film, the primary aim is to relate to the character in the film. Antiheroes possess the compelling pull towards the audience. Most of the audience identifies with anti-heroes in the films, even if their character is flawed.

The contemporary audience is that which is filled with rebellion against the pre-constructs of the society. Most people in the society want to handle issues their way. Distrust is great, especially if the body, making rules and norms has a powerful position in the society. In the United States, the concept is widely accepted and also dominant as people have less trust in the government following the flaws in the society like the Watergate scandal (Vaage). People identify with characters that do not follow the rules and norms that are set by the society and the government. Antihero concept intrigues the audience as people enjoy watching scenes they cannot predict. For example, in the American History X film, Derek acts as an individual full of hate and the quest for a vengeful mission. However, while in prison, he changes for the better. This is a surprising twist as no one expects Derek to change and regret his actions. He even goes to the extent of trying to stop his brother from following his footsteps in the path of racism.

In conclusion, the American society is one that is filled with skepticism in every aspect of the society. Film characters who are portrayed as impeccable are just fiction and do not draw the audience attention. Antiheroes, on the other hand, go through the problems we face in the society, and it is easy to identify with them. Antiheroes portray a real life perspective on issues where one can draw valid conclusions.

Works cited

Anslemi, M. "Sociological Theories in the Movie American History X | ReelRundown." 26 Dec. 2016, reelrundown.com/movies/American-History-X-sociology.

Garcia, Alberto N. "Moral Emotions, Antiheroes and the Limits of Allegiance." Emotions in Contemporary TV Series. Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2016. 52-70.

TOKGOZ, YIGIT. The Rise of The Anti-Hero: Pushing Network Boundaries in The Contemporary US Television. Diss. KADIR HAS UNIVERSITY, 2016.

Vaage, Margrethe Bruun. The antihero in American television. Routledge, 2015.