If you need reminding, American History X is on ITV4. Worth rewatching these days.
A couple of things watching it again, 20 years later.
The tropes from Derek and his acolytes are the same. The same tired tropes from the far right we get today. The same bullshit. Just dressed up differently; but identical.
The tropes from Derek and his acolytes are the same. The same tired tropes from the far right we get today. The same bullshit. Just dressed up differently; but identical.
The second thing is the scene where Cameron Alexander correctly identifies the internet as a massive opportunity for white supremacists and the far right. It predates social media, but he correctly identifies it as a vector for organising.
A third is Derek's path to redemption, albeit arguably a failed one. The film explores his path to radicalisation after the death of his firefighter father, not as an excuse though. His father held similar views in the infamous dinner scene. It's a version of "anti-PC" rhetoric
Dr Bob Sweeney, refusing to "give up on this child" is an extraordinary character, and still I think Avery Brooks' best performance.
When you're done with that, dig out The Death of Yugoslavia on YouTube. Watch it again if you've seen it already.
