An analysis of prejudice and discrimination in American history X (1998) film

AN ANALYSIS OF PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION
IN AMERICAN HISTORY X (1998) FILM

A Thesis
Submitted to Letters and Humanities Faculty in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Strata One (S1)

Muhammad Aji Akasyah
109026000105

ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTEMENT
LETTERS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY
SYARIF HIDAYATULLAH
JAKARTA
2014 M/1435 H

ABSTRACT
Muhammad Aji Akasyah, An Analysis of Prejudice and Discrimination in
American History X (1998) Film, Thesis: English Letters Department, Adab and
Humanities Faculty, State Islamic University of Syarif Hidayatullah. Jakarta,

2014.
This reseach studies about American History X film directed by David
McKeena on 1998. The analysis is aimed to find out how prejudice and
discrimination issues and the relationship between prejudice and discrimination is
described through theories of Prejudice and Discrimination by analyzing the
characters.
From the analysis, there are several characters involved in act of prejudice
and discrimination. After that, it can be concluded that there are two forms of the
relationship between prejudice and discrimination. There are prejudice that does
not lead into discrimination and prejudice that leads into discrimination.

i

APPROVEMENT
AN ANALYSIS OF PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION IN
AMERICAN HISTORY X (1998) FILM

A Thesis
Submitted to Letters and Humanities Faculty in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Strata One (S1)

MUHAMMAD AJI AKASYAH
109026000105

Approved by:

Drs. Saefudin, M.Pd
NIP. 19640710 199303 1 006
(Day/Date:
)

ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
LETTERS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY SYARIF HIDAYATULLAH
JAKARTA
2014

ii

LEGALIZATION

Name : Muhammad Aji Akasyah
NIM

: 109026000105

Title

:An Analysis of Prejudice and Discrimination in American History X
(1998) Film
The thesis entitled above has been defended before the Letters and

Humanities Faculty’s Examination Comittee onApril 3rd, 2014. It has already been
accepted as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of strata one.
Jakarta, April 3rd, 2014

Examination Committee

Signature

Date

1. Drs. Saefudin, M.Pd.
19640710 199303 1 006

(Chair Person)

____________

_________

2. Elve Oktafiyani, M.Hum.
19781003 200112 2 002

(Secretary)

____________

_________

3. Drs. Saefudin, M.Pd.
19640710 199303 1 006

(Advisor)

____________

_________

4. Inayatul Chusna, M.Hum.
19780126 200312 2 002

(Examiner I)

____________

_________

5. Elve Oktafiyani, M.Hum.
19781003 200112 2 002

(Examiner II)

____________

_________

iii

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and that, to the best of
my knowledge and belief. It contains no material previously published or written
by another person nor material which to substantial extent has been accepted for
the award of any other degree or diploma of the university or other institute of
higher learning, except where due acknowledgement has been made in the text.

Jakarta, April 2014

Muhammad Aji Akasyah

iv

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
In the name of Allah SWT, The most merciful
and our beloved prophet Muhammad SAW for peace and blessing.

My appreciation in the first place goes to my advisor, Maria Ulfa, M. A,
M. Hum, for her guidance, support, encouragement, and thought in finishing this
thesis.
Many people have helped me in different ways to complete this work. I
would like to thank, particulary, Dr. H. Abdul Wahid Hasyim, MA, the Dean of
the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, Drs. Asep Saefuddin, M.Pd. the Head of the
English Letters Department, Elve Oktafiyani, M.Hum, the Secretary of the
English Letters Department. In addition, the writer`s appreciation also goes
toInayatul Chusna, M.Hum., Arif Rahman Hakim M.Hum., and alllecturers of
English Letters Department, who have taught, inspired and educated the writer
during his studying at campus.
The most appreciation goes to my parents, Asmad Effendi and Romlah.
This thesis and all of my work are dedicated to both of them. Their guidance,

advice, prays, and supports are irreplaceable and unchangeable through the time. I
love you both so much. Moreover, I also would like to thank to my brothers and
sisters, Lia, Iqbal, Iqdam, Kheny, and Tia for their support, help, and sharing time.
Another best gratitude goes to all my classmates in C class: Gita, Topik,
Heri, Chris, Kos, Yudaris, Yan, Agus, Yudhi (Mamat), Hafid, Ai, Icha, Erna,
Dwi, Kiki, Ninu, Tiara, Zata, Talitha, Sri, Chusna, Dini and other friends who

v

can`t be mentioned one by one here. Next, my classmates in literature class:
Andra, Ipin, Agung, Mugni, Suyuti, Vanda, Sapta, Kiput, Aida, Emil, Riri, Isti,
Iis, Nenden, Syifa, Nanda, and all friends who can`t be listed in this paper. Then,
The Bohemians: Gusti, Hakim, Icul. KKN BETA family: Panji, Aponk, Yopie,
Icha, Ruhi, Kiki.My Brothers in Arms; Fian, Ludi, Ilham, Faisal, Harris, Oki.
After that, goes to the best foreigner teachers; Mr. Kim Caula and Mr. Khadri
Fadzil Rahman. Thank you very much for sharing your support, motivation,
thought, laught, and joy.
And my last praise goes to you. You are the biggest part of my support
system. You have give me so much more than I could ever dreamed, your time,
joy, and kindness. Thank you for giving me some memorable songs and I will

always remember your beautiful voice when you are singing. Thank you for not
turning away when things get uncomfortable. Thank you for caring and loving
me. Thank you for everything that you have given me. Thank you for being my
happiness, dear. You are the very best God’s gift to me, thank you very much.
Finally, I hope this paper will be useful and also can give a lot of benefit
for students of English Letters Department who want to do the further research
about Prejudice and Discrimination. And I realize that this paper is far from being
perfect, therefore it is really a pleasure for me to receive some suggestions and
critics.
Jakarta, March 2014
M.A.A

vi

TABLE OF CONTENT

ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................

i

APPROVEMENT .............................................................................................

ii

LEGALIZATION ............................................................................................. iii
DECLARATION ............................................................................................... iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ..................................................................................

v

TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................. viii

CHAPTER I

CHAPTER II

INTRODUCTION
A. Background of Study ................................................

1

B. Focus of Study ..........................................................

6

C. Research Question .....................................................

6

D. Significance of the Study ..........................................

6

E. Research Methodology..............................................

7

1. Objectives of the Study .......................................

7

2. Method of Research ............................................

7

3. Technique of Data Analysis ................................

8

4. Instrument of Research .......................................

9

5. Unit of Analysis ..................................................

9

F. Time and Place ..........................................................

9

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A. Film Theory............................................................... 10
1. Character and Characterization Theory .............. 11
vii

2. Prejudice and Discrimination Theory ................. 17
CHAPTER III

RESEARCH FINDING
A. Characters Identification........................................... 23
B. American History X, Prejudice, and Discrimination 25
C. The Relation of Prejudice and Discrimination ......... 42

CHAPTER IV

CONCLUSIONS
A. Conclusions ............................................................. 45

BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................. 48

viii

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

A. Background of Study
Humans usually deal with problems in social life, such as prejudice and
discrimination. Prejudice and discrimination are two things which have relevance.
Both of these can be detrimental to the growth, development, or even integrated in
society, from a small occurrence that only involves two individuals to moreextend
involving group or even a region. This also accompanied by acts of violence
which are very harmful and destructive.
Prejudice and discrimination is a complex and a huge problem in social
phenomena from the past until this time. First known use of word prejudice was in
13th century1 and discrimination was in 1648.2 The first example is the negative
stereotypes and prejudices against Muslims fuelling discrimination especially in
education and employment. Muslim women in Europe are being denied jobs and
girls prevented from attending regular classes just because they wear traditional
forms of dress, such as the headscarf, Men can be dismissed for wearing beards
associated with Islam.3 Another example a case of discrimination is Indonesia’s
health services. As we can see on the news, many poor people who cannot get
health care because of their lack of funds, though they have Jamkesda card. Many
“Prejudice,”
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prejudiceAccessed
on
September, 25th2013 at 17:38
2
“Discrimination,” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discrimination Accessed
on September, 4th 2013 at 20:50
3
“Muslim Discriminated Against for Demonstrating Their Faith”,
https://www.amnesty.org/en/news/muslims-discriminated-against-demonstrating-their-faith-201204-23 Accessed on April. 16th 2014 at 19:56
1

1

2

reasons issued by the hospital to refuse underprivileged patients. Not a few
patients who eventually dying because the hospital did not want to accept and
give service to them.
Basically, the act of discrimination begin from a prejudice that makes a
person or group making a distinction against other individuals or groups.
Prejudice and discrimination have been widespread in human history, and we
must first clearly distinguish between them. Prejudice refers to opinions or
attitudes held by members of one groups towards another. Gordon W. Allport
defined prejudice as a feeling, favorable or unfavorable, toward a person or thing,
prior to, or not based on, actual experience.4 Anthony Giddens stated a prejudiced
person’s preconceived views are often based on hearsay rather than on direct
evidence, and are resistant to change even in the face of new information.5This
happens because we, humans, are social beings who naturally want to gather with
others who are similar to ourselves.
The lack of understanding and treatment to other people who different
from him or his groups are the main reasons why prejudice could happen. In his
journal, Louis A. Penner explained prejudice can be based on group’s age,
occupation, social-class, region of residence, or dozens of other characteristic.
Among of multitude of different kinds of prejudice, the most common is Ethnic
Prejudice. 6 Milton Rokeach, social psychologist, proposed an explanation of
ethnic prejudice based on this fact. According to Rokeach,

4

Gordon W. Allport, The Nature of Prejudice, (Massachusetts: Addison Wesley
Publishing Company, 1979). p. 6.
5
Anthony Giddens, Sociology Fourth Edition, (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2001), p. 250.
6
Louis A. Penner, “Prejudice and Discrimination”, in The Encyclopedia Americana, Vol.
22, International ed., p. 545b.

3

“Members of one ethnic group may dislike members of another group
because they assume that people whose race, religion, language, or
cultures are different from theirs will also hold other beliefs, attitudes, and
values that are different from their own. The basis of ethnic prejudice is
thus not ethnic dissimilarity; it is perceived-belief dissimilarity.”7
If prejudice represents attitudes and opinions, discrimination refers to
actual behavior against another group or individual. In accordance with George A.
Theodorson & Achilles G. Theodorson, discrimination is the unequal treatment of
individuals or groups on the basis of some, usually categorical, attribute such as
race, ethnic, religious, or social-class. The term is used to describe the action of a
dominant majority to a weak minority in a relation, therefore this imply an
immoral and undemocratic behavior.8 Nina Osin and Dina Porat defined;
“Discrimination is prohibited by six of the core international human rights
documents. The vast majority of the world's states have constitutional or
statutory provisions outlawing discrimination. And most philosophical,
political, and legal discussions of discrimination proceed on the premise
that discrimination is morally wrong and, in a wide range of cases, ought
to be legally prohibited.”9
Discrimination is a social issue that frequently appears as a controversial
topic in varied life contexts. It showed a negative attitude toward individuals or
groups (institutional). Louis A, Penner described institutional discrimination
occurs when some large organization (for example, a government, business, or
school) engages in practices that are unfair to member of some group and puts
them at a disadvantage. Individual and institutional discrimination differ in the
following respects. Individual discrimination is carried out by people acting on

7

Ibid, 545c.
George A. Theodorson and Achilles G. Theodorson, A Modern Dictionary of Sociology
(Scarborough, ON: HarperCollins Publishers, 1979), 115-116.
9
Nina Osin and Dina Porateds, Legislating Against Discrimination: An International
Survey of Anti-Discrimination Norms, (Leiden: MartinusNijhoff, 2005).
8

4

their own. Institutional discrimination occurs when an institution makes laws or
rules that affect the behavior of large numbers of people. 10 Actually, this
discussion does not mean to view further on prejudice and discrimination
concepts by each sociologist figures mentioned above, but to point out what
becomes the intention of this research.
Nowadays, in 20th century or above, prejudice and discrimination issues
are often used as a general theme in the film industry. There are so many works
which use prejudice and discrimination as a general theme such as Remember The
Titans (2000) which was directed by Boaz Yakin. It shows a flinty antidote to the
virus of racial hatred and bigotry. In a variety of wonderful scenes, this film
shows us how these black and white boys learn to salute the inner greatness of
each other's souls. Another film is The Help (2011). Set in 1960s, The Help tells
story about a local newspaper journalist who wants to make a novel concerning
with black maids life in Jackson, Mississippi. This film lifts racism by showing
prejudice and discrimination against black people.
One of the popular films11 that shows prejudice and discrimination issue as
the main theme is American History X (1998). The film is set in Venice Beach,
County of Los Angeles, California. It reflects a wide range of diverse cultures and
social classes, where prejudice and discrimination exist between white people and

Louis A. Penner, “Prejudice and Discrimination”, 545a.
In September 2008, Empire magazine named it as the 311th of The 500 Greatest Movie
of All The Time.” http://www.empireonline.com/500/35.asp Accessed on July, 17th 20:50 at 2013.
It also nominated in Golden Reel Award (1999) for Best Sound Editing - Music (Foreign &
Domestic) by Richard Ford (music editor), and Golden Satellite Award (1999) for Best Motion
Picture Screenplay – Original by David McKenna. Furthermore, main actor of this film, Edward
Norton, have nominated for Best Actor in Academy Awards (1999), Saturn Award (1999), CFCA
Award (1999), Choltrudis Award (1999), OFCS Award (1999), and Young Artist Award (1999).
He has won this category in Golden Satellite Award (1999), Southeastern Film Critics Association
Awards (1999), and Taormina International Film Festival (1999).
10
11

5

colored people. It tells a story about two white colored neo-Nazi brothers: Derek
(Edward Norton) and Danny Vineyard (Edward Furlong). Since his father was
killed by Black men, Derek becomes the leader of D.O.C, a neo-Nazi gang in their
neighborhood. He used to lead some frustrated kids and give them firebrand
speech about the foreigners who stole their freedom and exploiting their country.
Derek is described as a hateful, bigoted, and cruel, but he was always an
intelligent and promising man. He spends for over 3 years in prison after killing
two black teen who try to steal his truck. There, Derek learns a few things about
life. His younger brother, Danny, has been heading down the same track Derek
did. He is a member of D.O.C too. But, after Derek realizes what he had done
were truly wrong, he pulls out Danny out of the gang. In the end of the film,
Danny is killed by a black student at the restroom before he submits his essay.12
From the explanation above, in American History X (1998) film, the
distinction between white and colored people constructed by idealism from few
central figures, Derek and Daniel Vineyard. Derek, who became a head leader of
D.O.C, persuades another gang member to act decisively on colored people.
According to them, colored people are social parasite who ready to exploit their
country, America. In this case, the film represents social structure which has been
established based on the skin color associated to social structure, as stated by
Eduardo Bonilla Silva (Professor of Sociology). Because of the racial categories
that lead to the origin of the racial structure, racial ideology which appears in the
film serves as the basic framework for justifying the dominant race. In society,

An essay about the events surrounding Derek’s incarceration after he had done about
Mein Kampf essay, through Danny's essay we see the rest of the story portrayed in the film.
12

6

racial categories based on skin color have been constructed in relation with
prejudice that white groups have more power than the colored group. This
prejudice is underlying the existence of an act of discrimination. According to
McLemore, the relationship between prejudice and discrimination has a mutual
effect on each other which may strengthen the racial categories and the racial
structures in society. In fact, the writer believes that there is a relation between
prejudice and discrimination issue described in American History X film (1998).
B. Focus of Study
According to the background of the study above, this research focuses on
the topic of prejudice and discrimination issue which is showed in American
History X (1998) film. This discussion is meant to give restriction within the
research, so the substance of this research will not be distracted by any
misconception neither from me nor the readers.

C. Research Question
The writer identifies prejudice and discrimination issue in American
History X (1998) film with the question: How is the issue of prejudice and
discrimination described through the characters? And, how is the relationship
between prejudice and discrimination in American History X film?

D. Significance of the Study
American History X is fiercely disturbing; not only the language in the film
is pervasive but also the film itself exposes brutality. Yet, the film is important to
be studied because it shows the linkage of discrimination. Ethnic, racial or skin

7

color discrimination is the main factor which causes the oppression to happen, in
the film. In addition to the above mentioned factor, the other factor that causes the
oppression is prejudice toward individual or other groups. Prejudice have a
tendency to disregard objective facts, but it is based on minimum facts which are
interpreted subjectively toward individual or other groups from different ethnics,
race and skin color, which allowing the discrimination to happen. Nowadays,
prejudice and discrimination issues remain to be polemics that continuously grow
in social life.
The significance of this research is to understand how prejudice and
discrimination are described. And also, the writer expects this study can improve
the reader’s knowledge about prejudice and discrimination. Moreover, the readers
are expected to get some interesting points about racial issues in American History
X film (1998).

E. Research Methodology
1. Objectives of the Study
Based on the issues discussed in the background of the study, the
purpose of this research is to describe the issues of prejudice and
discrimination and the relationship between prejudice and discrimination
that are shown in American History X (1998) film.
2. Method of Research
In this research, the writer uses the descriptive qualitative method.
Sharan B. Merriam states that qualitative research is an umbrella term
covering an array of interpretive techniques which seek to describe,

8

decode, translate, and otherwise come terms with the meaning, not the
frequency, of certain more or less naturally occurring phenomena in the
social world.13Neil J. Salkind also mentioned that, in general, qualitative
researchers are interested in studying social processes, how people make
sense and create meaning, and what their lived experiences are like.14
So, by using this method, the writer try to analyze prejudice and
discrimination issue in American History X (1998) film by using character
and characterization in film theory and S. Dale McLemore theory about
prejudice and discrimination.
3. Technique of Data Analysis
In analyzing the data, the writer use descriptive analysis technique
by implementing the following procedures: Gathering the data from
several sources; such as film, books, articles, journals, encyclopedia, and
browsing from the internet, watching the film in detail and intensively,
reading the film script to avoid any misconception about the core of the
film, collecting the data by watching film and reading film script.
Therefore, the writer analyze the data using the writer assessment
to find correlation between the data and the question which try to be
answered in this research, and the last is summing up the correlation will
be described specifically as the conclusion of this research to articulate the
answer of the research question.

13

Sharan B. Merriam. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation.
United States of America: A Wiley Imprint, 2009. p. 13.
14
Neil J. Salkind (Ed), “Qualitative Research”, Encyclopedia of Research Design Volume
3, (Thousand Oaks, CA, SAGE Publications, Inc, 2010) p.1159

9

4. Instrument of Research
Based on Buchari Alma, in the qualitative method the researcher is
the primary instrument for data collection and analysis.15 The instrument of
this research is the writer as the researcher to collect the data, to find the
correlation between the data and the research question, and to answer the
research question.
5. Unit of Analysis
American History X (1998) film is the unit of analysis of this
research. American History X is 1998 drama film directed by Tony Kaye
starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. It was distributed by New
Line Cinema.

F. Time and Place
This research is conducted in the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, Syarif
Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Jakarta. To mention the time of the
research, this research is began in the academic year 2013.

15

Buchari Alma. Metode dan Teknik Menyusun Tesis.(Bandung : AlfaBeta.2010)., p.15.

10

CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

A. Film Theory
Film is one part of the art which is produced by recording real images with
cameras or by creating images through special effect or animation. Advancing
audio and visual aspects, film could be an influential and effective instrument of
universal communication. Present-day, film is a popular provenance of
entertainment. Not only entertainment, but film is also used as a powerful method
for educating and vindicating a historical record.
As mentioned in the previous chapter, Joseph M. Boggs and Dennis W.
Petrie defined film is a unique and powerful art form on a par with painting,
sculpture, music, literature, and drama. 16 Film communicates visually and
verbally; visually, through action and gesture; verbally, through dialogue. 17 In
point of view, a film can cover the full spectrum from the purely objective to
intensely subjective; in depth it can focus on the surface realities and the purely
sensual, or it can delve into the intellectual and philosophical.18 Film can run the
gamut of feeling from the most fragile, tender, and beautiful to the most brutal,
violent, and repulsive.19
In analyzing a film, a circumspection and precision are necessary for the
researchers in capturing certain elements which are presented in it. Still according

16

Joseph M. Boggs & Dennis W. Petrie., Op. Cit, p.2
Ibid.
18
Ibid.,pp.2-3
19
Ibid., p.3
17

10

11

to Boggs and Petrie, film analysis requires us to respond sensitively to the
simultaneous and continuous interplay of image, sound, and movement on the
screen.20 Like the novel, short story, or play, film has some unique elements such,
theme and focus, conflict, character and characterization, allegory, symbolism,
and irony. However, the writer did not use all the elements of the film in this
research, but only focus on character and characterization.
1. Character and Characterization Theory
Boggs and Petrie claimed that characters are the most human elements
in the film. The characters in a story are believable in the same way that the
story is believable.21 The characters should bring a reality impression within
the film and insist the viewers to believe that what they see in the film is a
reality. Boggs and Petrie also explained. They conform the laws of probability
and necessity (by reflecting externally observable truths about human nature),
they conform to some inner truth (man as we want him to be), or they are
made to seem real by the convincing art of the actor.22
Boggs and Petrie define several techniques of characterizations to
portray the characteristics of each character:
a. Characterization through Appearance
Because most film actors project certain qualities of character the
minute they appear on the screen, characterization in film has a great deal
to do with casting. A major aspect of film characterization is revealed
visually and instantaneously. Although some actors may be versatile
20

Ibid.,
Ibid.,p.50
22
Ibid.
21

12

enough to project completely different qualities in different roles, most
actors are not. The minute we see most actors on the screen, we make
certain assumptions about them because of their facial features, dress,
physical build, and mannerisms and the way they move. Our first visual
impression may be proven erroneous as the story progresses, but it is
certainly an important means of establishing character.23
The viewers will directly make assumptions about how character’s
personality or character appearances about their facial features, dress,
physical build, mannerism and the way they move will be shown as long
as the story running in film.
b. Characterization through Dialogue
The dialogue (what they say and how they say it) of the character
in film can reveal the significant detail about themselves. In accordance
with Boggs and Petrie, their true thoughts, attitudes, and emotions can be
revealed in subtle ways through word choice and through the stress, pitch,
and pause patterns of their speech. Actors’ use of grammar, sentence
structure, vocabulary, and particular dialects (if any) reveals a great deal
about their characters’ social and economic level, educational background,
and natural processes.24
c. Characterization through External Action
It must be assumed, of course, that real characters are more than
mere instrument of the plot, that they do what they do for a purpose, out of
23
24

Ibid.
Ibid.,pp.50-52

13

motives that are consistent with their overall personality. Thus, there
should be a clear relationship between a character and his or her actions;
the actions should grow naturally out of the character’s personality. If the
motivation for character’s action is clearly established, the character and
the plot become so closely interwoven that they are impossible to separate,
and evey action that the character takes in some way reflects the quality of
his particular personality. 25
The external action is not only the characters actions which grow
naturally out of the character’s personality in the film, but also the action
that the characters do beyond their motives or their substance purpose in
the film.
d. Characterization through Internal Action
Inner action occurs within characters’ minds and emotions and
consists of secret, unspoken thoughts, daydreams, aspiration, memories,
fears, and fantasies. The most obvious way in which the filmmaker reveals
inner reality is by taking us visually into the character’s mind so that we
see or hear the things that the character imagines, remembers, or thinks
about. This may be achieved through a sustained interior view or through
fleeting glimpses revealed by means of metaphors. In addition to
providing glimpses into the inner action by revealing the sounds and sights
the character imagines he sees and hears, the filmmaker may employ tight
close-ups on an unusually sensitive and expressive face (reaction shots) or
may utilize the musical score for essentially the same purpose.26

25
26

Ibid.,pp.52-53
Ibid.,p.53

14

Through internal actions the characters unspoken thoughts,
daydreams, aspiration, memories, fears, which implied in the sounds and
sights the characters imagines, can reveal the character’s secret about his
or her emotion and minds.
e. Characterization through Reactions of Other Characters
The way other characters view a person often serves as an excellent
means of characterization. Sometimes, a great deal of information about a
character is provided through such means before the character first appears
on the screen.27
Through their dialogue and the way they response the main
character, sometimes the other character have a noteworthy role to define
the main character’s personality.
f. Characterization through Contrast: Dramatic Foils
One of the most effective techniques of characterization is the use
of foils─contrasting characters whose behaviors, attitudes, opinions,
lifestyle, physical appearance, and so on are the opposite of those the main
characters. The effect is similar to that achieved by putting black and
white together─the black appears blacker and the white appears whiter.28
The passage above means that other characters have contrast
characteristics with the main character. Both should affirm the line of the
difference between them.

27
28

Ibid.
Ibid.,p.54

15

g. Characterization through Caricature and Leimotif
In order to etch a character quickly and deeply on our minds and
memories, actors often exaggerate or distort one or more dominant
features or personality traits. This device is called caricature (from
technique used in cartooning). 29 A similar means of characterization,
leimotif, is the repetition of single action, phrase, or idea by a character
until it becomes almost a trademark or theme song for that character.
Because it essentially exaggerates and emphasizes (through repetition),
such a device acts very much like caricature. 30 In this way, the actor
described with special accents or exaggerated from the usual.
h. Characterization through Choice of Name
The qualities of sound, meaning, or connotation within the name of
a character can help reveal the character personality.
One important method of characterization is the use of names
possessing appropriate qualities of sound, meaning, or connotation. This
technique is known as name typing.31
Another method which mentioned by Boggs and Petrie for
analyzing characters in film is defined into three different types of pairing:
i. Stock characters and Stereotypes
Stock characters are minor characters whose actions are
completely predictable or typical of their job or profession (such as a
bartender in a western). They are in the film simply because the situation
29

Ibid.
Ibid.,p.56
31
Ibid., p.57
30

16

demands their presence. They serve as natural part of the setting, much as
stage properties like a lamp or chair might function in a play.32
Stereotypes, however are character s of somewhat greater
importance to the film. They fit into preconceived patterns of behavior
common to or representative of a large number of people, at least a large
number of fictional people. Examples of stereotypes are the rich playboy,
the western hero’s sidekick, the pompous banker, and the unmarried
aunt.33
j. Static versus Dynamic or Developing Characters
Developing characters are deeply affected by the action of the
plot (internal, external, or both) and undergo some important change in
personality, attitude, or outlook on life as a result of the action of the story.
The change can be of any type but is significant to the total makeup of the
individual undergoing the change. 34
Static characters remain essentially the same throughout the film.
The action does not have an important effect on their lives (as might
generally be the case with the her of an action/adventure film). Or they are
insensitive to the meaning of the action and thus are not capable of growth
or change.35
k. Flat versus Round Characters
Flat characters are two-dimensional, predictable characters who
lack the complexity and unique qualities associated with psychological
32

Ibid.,pp.57-58
Ibid.,p.58
34
Ibid.
35
Ibid.,p. 59
33

17

depth. they often tend to be representative character types rather than real
flesh-and-blood human beings.36
Round characters or three-dimensional characters are not
inherently superior to flat characters. The terms merely imply how
different characters function within the framework of a story.37
In other words, this utilization of three different types of pairings is
used to classify a character and his or her importance and his or her role in
the film into a specific definition of a character which intended to
analyzed.
2. Prejudice and Discrimination Theory
It is mentioned in the previous chapter, prejudice and discrimination is
a complex and a huge problem in social phenomena from the past until this
time. Prejudice and discrimination have been widespread in human history,
and we must first clearly distinguish between them. S. Dale McLemore
explained, firstly, the term of prejudice refers to an attitude or some other
similar internal state or disposition, feeling, or opinion. The term
discrimination in contrast, refers to an overt acting. Secondly, although racial
and ethnic prejudice and discrimination may involves attitudes and actions
that are intended to favor a particular group or its members, these terms refer
to actions directed against certain persons. Thirdly, prejudice usually is
thought to precede, lie behind, or be the cause of discrimination.38

36

Ibid.,p. 60
Ibid.
38
S. Dale McLemore, Racial and Ethnic Relations in America; Second Edition, (Newton,
Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon, Inc, 1983). p. 108
37

18

a. Prejudice
Prejudice represents attitudes and opinions. Prejudice refers to
opinions or attitudes held by members of one groups towards another. In
accordance with McLemore, prejudice is an unfavorable attitude toward
people because they are members of a particular racial or ethnic group. 39
There are three factors that can affect the prejudice, namely:

1) Cultural Transmission
Cultural transmission is a factor which was influenced by the
cultural environment. People will naturally learn what is already
established in the community. McLemore defined, two aspects of a culture
are particularly closely related to the extent and kind of prejudice that is
found in given society. The first of these has to do with the shared beliefs
that members of one group have about the members of the other groups in
the society. The second has to do with culture’s prescriptions concerning
the degrees of intimacy of “nearness” that one group’s members should
permit or desire from any other group’s members.40

39
40

Ibid., p.108
Ibid.,pp.110-111

19

2) Personality Traits
Personality traits are a factor which related to the frustrationaggression hypothesis. As mentioned by various scholars in McLemore that
frustration always leads to aggression and aggression is always the result of
frustration. But, this hypothesis got refinement and revised after a number
of studies have been designed, proposed, and tested that aggression could
be caused by things other than frustration.41 Here, McLemore generalized
the argument that all people experience various frustrations in their daily
lives, that these frustrations give rise to hostile feelings, that the hostile
feelings may lead to aggressive behavior, and that the aggression may be
aimed at a substitute target. He explained the frustration-aggression theory
points in a different direction. It assumes that the guilt produced by
scapegoating―the sense that one may have committed an injustice―may
be accompanied by a fear that the injured person will retaliate. The
combination of guilt and fear now becomes a new source of frustration, and
this new source of frustration, like the original source, arouses aggressive
feelings.

For example racial minorities have afforded a weak and a

convenient target ─ scapegoats ― for the free-floating aggressions of the
majority. In this way, prejudice serves to assist the majority-group
members to displace (and possibly to “drain off”) their accumulated
feelings without exposing themselves to a high risk of retaliation.42

41
42

Ibid., p.116
Ibid.,pp.117-118

20

3) Group Identity
This factor explained that the members of human groups would be
drawn together by a common interest, they simultaneously become
distinguished from another group. The ethnocentrism automatically
generates prejudice in a group’s member. McLemore said, in this way, the
group’s preference become their preference; its standard, their standard; its
beliefs, their beliefs, and its enemies, their enemies. Prejudice is a
predictable consequence of this natural ethnocentrism.43
b. Discrimination
If prejudice represents attitudes and opinions, discrimination refers to
actual behavior against another group or individual. Discrimination is a social
issue that frequently appears as a controversial topic in varied life contexts. It
showed a negative attitude toward individuals or groups (institutional).
McLemore argues that discrimination is an unfavorable action toward people
because they are members of a particular racial and ethnic group. 44 It was
mentioned before that prejudice may lead to discrimination. But, this process
can be reversed. Discrimination by those who are wealthy and powerful may
create other group differences which then foster prejudice. There are three
factors of discrimination (which also are theories of indirect prejudice)

43
44

Ibid., p.120
Ibid., p.108

21

1) Situational Pressure
As well as a number of studies demonstrated that prejudice and
discrimination do not necessarily go together. Discrimination may not
occur when prejudice in present, and it may occur when prejudice is
absent. In either case, a serious objection is raised to the presumption that
prejudice is the cause of discrimination. People may claim to be
unprejudiced but, in fact, discriminate under some conditions; but they
also show that people may claim to be prejudiced and not discriminate.
The specific social pressures arising in particular situations seem, in many
instances, to many outweigh personal prejudice as a cause of
discrimination. Situational pressures theory is focus on behavior rather
than attitudes, but it also emphasizes the current determinants of behavior
rather than those growing out of socialization process. Individuals learn
stereotypes and social distance norms; individual develop personality
needs that predispose them more-or-less toward becoming prejudiced;
individuals respond to situational pressures and behave in discriminatory
ways.45

45

Ibid.,pp.127-129

22

2) Group Gains
This theory of discrimination is based on how groups struggled for
possession of the land; how the fear of another group would take jobs
away. Those two important resources conflicts between groups led to
relatively fixed social arrangements in which the members of the more
powerful groups enjoyed greater privilege and higher social standing than
those in the less powerful group. The members of dominant group have
discriminated systemically against the members of racial and ethnic groups
because the discriminators seem to gain by that.46
3) Institutional
In this case, we could see that the discrimination that occurs in one
institutional setting may carry over into or have side effects on a related
institutional setting. Schools, hospitals, factories, banks, and so on do not
need to be staffed by prejudiced people in order to achieve discriminatory
result. To carry the matter further, a father’s difficult in finding
employment may lead his son to drop out of school to go to work. The son,
too, may encounter the same employment problems as the father. Both the
group-gains theory and the institutional-discrimination theory emphasize
that discrimination has important sources other than individual prejudice.47

46
47

Ibid., pp.130-135
Ibid.,pp.136-137

CHAPTER III
RESEARCH FINDING

In this chapter, I analyze prejudice and discrimination issue in American
History X (1998) film. After watching this film carefully and continuously, I
analyze some characters through their dialogues, pictures, and acts that are
relevant with the issue of prejudice and discrimination in the film by using
character and characterization theory. Hereafter, I connect the correlation between
character acts with prejudice and discrimination theory. Finally, I explain the
relationship between prejudice and discrimination issues portrayed in American
History X (1998) film.
A. Characters Identification
The issue of prejudice and discrimination in American History X are
shown through the characters with various ethnics, such as White, Black, Asian,
and Hispanic. In this film, a number of white characters consider that colored
characters or other ethnics are not part of their country, America. They, colored
people, are illegal immigrants who should not be protected by the state.
Character is one of the important elements in a film. Derek and Daniel
Vinyard are the major characters in American History X film. They are two whitebrothers, who join into D.O.C. gang. Derek Vinyard is an intelligent man with a
high courageousness and leadership to runs his gang. He battles through a
purification to help his younger brother and becomes the father figure of the

23

24

family. Daniel Vinyard is the younger brother of Derek. He lost a father figure in
his life, so he has been heading down the same track Derek did.
Asides from major character, there are some minor characters in American
History X. The householder of Vinyards family, Dennis Vinyard; a firefighter,
was killed on his duty to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten in the black
neighborhood. The other Vineyard families are Doris, their mother, and Davina,
younger sister of Derek. She is a liberal, open-minded, and brainy young woman.
Seth Ryan is a Derek’s close friend, an overweight white man and a member of
D.O.C gang. Derek has a girlfriend, her name is Stacey. She is a member of
D.O.C gang too.
Other minor characters are Dr. Bob Sweeney; a Black principal at Venice
Beach High School, Mr. Murray Rosenberg; a teacher and he had been dating
with Doris, Cameron Alexander; an idealist and prime mover of D.O.C gang,
Lamont; Derek’s best friend in jail, Huge Aryan; a prisoner and leader towards a
small Nazi group in jail, Lawrence; one of black gang member and Little Henry; a
young black student at Venice Beach High School, also one of black gang
member. In addition, numerous other characters are not described clearly, such
members of D.O.C gang and employees of Archie’s Ranch Market.
From all of the characters that mentioned above, some of them will be
focus discussed related to prejudice and discrimination issues whether they are
actors; who perform prejudice and act of discrimination, victims; who become
victims of what the actors have done. The characters who are relatedin prejudice
and discrimination as actorsareDerek Vinyard, Daniel Vinyard, Dennis Vinyard,

25

Seth Ryan, and several of D.O.C gang members. Furthermore, a number of
characters who are related to prejudice and discrimination issues as victims in
American History X (1998) film are Mr. Murray, Lawrence (with his friend), Dr.
Bob Sweeney and some minority group members.48

B. American History X, Prejudice, and Discrimination
American History X (1998) is a film which raises prejudice and
discrimination issues towards White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and another ethnic.
After analyzing some characters through their dialogues, pictures, and acts that are
relevant with the issue of prejudice and discrimination in the film by using
character and characterization theory, in this part, I will analyze the issues through
theory of prejudice and discrimination by S. Dale McLemore which is divided
into cultural transmission, personality traits, and group identity lead to prejudice,
and situational pressure, group gains, and institutional structure lead to
discrimination.
There are several characters who become actors of prejudice and
discrimination, such as Derek Vinyard, Daniel Vinyard, Dennis Vinyard, Seth
Ryan, and D.O.C gang members. From that mentioned characters, they are
commit to the act prejudiceand discrimination.
Derek Vinyard, the oldest son of Vinyard’s family. Through his
appearances, firstly he described as a simple or naïve person with a neat hair and
slightly longer who is swallowing everything he recently know (Picture 1). At this

48

This refers to some characters who work in Archie’s Ranch Market.

26

time, Derek has a real father figure, Dennis Vinyard, his father. Dennis Vinyard,
is a husband of Doris and a father from his four children. He works in L.A County
fire department. Derek describes him as a decent hard worker man. On his duty to
extinguish hazardous fires in a Compton drug den, Dennis is killed. He gets shoot
after some social parasites (minorities) rob him. He cares about his children
activities and discusses it together. When he is still alive, Derek tells him about
his activity in school and he follows what his father said.
Derek : What do you expect?
A decent hard working Americans like my dad are getting rubbed out by
social parasites.

Picture 1 (01:39:52)

Derek has a younger brother, Daniel Vinyard or Danny. He is a
student of Venice Beach High School. This young bald guy is so infatuated
with Derek. Danny actually seems to be like Derek. As the dialogue that
mentioned, Danny is a talented student same as Derek.
Dr. Bob Sweeney
Daniel
Dr. Bob Sweeney
Daniel
Dr. Bob Sweeney
Daniel
Dr. Bob Sweeney

: How are you doing‟?
: Fine.
: Things at home ok?
: Yap
: Derek got out this morning, did he not?
: Yeah, he did.
: He was one of my students you know that right? Honors
English. He was a brilliant student. Like you. But he
hung out with simple-minded fools, also like you…

(00:08:29 – 00:09:02)

27

Danny is a very young and impressionable guy. He is one of a D.O.C
gang member too. When he was a teenager, he lost his father. Derek, as his
first brother, turns into a father figure for Danny. Danny stays on behind his
brother. It is shown in various scenes; when Derek gives a firebrand speech
toward D.O.C members (Picture 4) and then at the basketball court on the
D.O.C versus black gang game (Picture 5).After Derek’s incarceration, Danny
follows his brother foot-steps further. However, in his quite young age, it is
difficult to maintain his thought without any companion. He starts influenced
with rhetoric or propaganda white supremacy, and blinded by them in the
gang.

Picture 2 (00:36:11)

Picture 3 (00:17:56)

He thinks that what he has done is right. He feels that he had grown up
and now he is not a 14 years old kid anymore. Danny becomes a heavy
smoker. Later than Derek’s free from prison, Danny wants to impress Derek
with his essay about Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” and his new tattoo which
he got a month ago officially from Cameron. Derek does not want his brother
fall into the same track Derek did. Firstly, Derek just tells Danny to stay at
home and not to join the party, but Danny ignores it. At the end of the film,

28

after he realizes what had he done and taught were wrong, and he tries to
make a new life, but Danny is getting shot and die at a school’s toilet.
From three characters mentioned above, the first aspect that leads
prejudice,cultural transmission, is described.According to McLemore,
Cultural transmission is a factor which was influenced by the cultural
environment. People will naturally learn what is already established in the
community.49
Dennis is a major factor or who should be responsible for the
beginning of prejudice in Vinyard’s family. At first, Derek is very impressed
with his teacher, Sweeney. He is so excited and passionate when Sweeney
gave him an essay exam on Native Son book and learn about black literature.
Dennis
Derek
Dennis

Derek
Dennis

Derek
Dennis

49

: Read the book. Ace the guy‟s test. Just don‟t swallow everything he
feeds you whole. Just because you see it on the news.
: But, like what?
: All this stuff about making everything equal. It‟s not that simple. Lo