This is a typical example of how belief system is passed down through generation where you’re branded and labeled, and how it impacts an individual identity. His father was put off by the fascination Derek (Edward Norton ) had for his teacher (Avery Brooks), and how he admire his knowledge and education. The seed was planted in Derek head when his father spoke negative bias remarks about affirmative action for blacks, and the seed exploded after his father’s death. His father’s root of Social identity is perceived from exaggerate in-group similarities and out-group differences, and his fear for change and how it will affect him made him show his authority to hold on to his family.
“The story unfolds through the eyes of Danny Vinyard, who idolizes his older brother Derek. Seeking retribution for his father's murder and burning a way to vent his rage, Derek finds himself transformed by a philosophy of hate as he turns into a charismatic leader of a local white power movement. Despite his indisputable intelligence, his incendiary actions culminate in a brutal murder and ultimately, a prison sentence”.
-Derek had a strong in-group attachment and identification with a group which increased his belief system making him think he is invincible which ultimately made him into a violent extremist.
-Derek imprisonment was the shift accompanied by pro group behavior aimed at changing existing inequalities. When the group attachment is weak identity easily escaped, Derek bond with the laundry guy in prison allowed him to be more socially acceptable. Ashamed of his past he is now in a race to save Danny and the Vinyard family from the violence he brought down upon them.
-Derek imprisonment was the shift accompanied by pro group behavior aimed at changing existing inequalities. When the group attachment is weak identity easily escaped, Derek bond with the laundry guy in prison allowed him to be more socially acceptable. Ashamed of his past he is now in a race to save Danny and the Vinyard family from the violence he brought down upon them.
The lesson learned is if hate is developed as a Social Identity, and it helps the individual locate themselves, what is the price? and when does it end? Unfortunately, the negative aspect is when the seed of hate is planted it will poison the mind, and the (ultimate price) was the original witness to Derek’s crime were the death of his younger brother Danny Vinyard.
This was a great movie, and was well acted by Edward Furlong- ultimate portrayal of hatred with such realism. It was great that they introduce a black character Avery Brooks with positive attribute. It’s a fact that customs and beliefs start from the home, and we portray what we know. One great thing Obama strive for is education, because knowledge helps the solution! But if we don't learn from it in my opinion America will stay divided, and there will be two classes have and have not’s.
ReplyDeleteCustoms and beliefs does start from the home. Some of the young kids today are very radical and it's real scary! they have no fear, and are easily manipulated to be followers instead of leaders. Minority society is looked at as radical because of their enviroment. But American is changing Whites and other nationality is no longer exempt. Look at the t.v shows. So wake up America.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing this movie in the Adults in Transition class. It was a great movie, sad but true. Children are not born hating people or religions they learn what they see and hear around them as they grown up. I am teaching my children to be more tolerant of other racial groups and religions.
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