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Social Psychology
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Introduction
Social psychology is an important feature in the study of how individual or group
behavior is influenced by the presence and behaviors of others. It helps understand social
thinking, influence, and behavior. The American History X is a film created to illustrate the
reality of change and transformation in society in the context of racism, violence, and white
supremacy that have eroded it. The film presents American society as it is divided in the
issues of race, discrimination, and order and the absence of understanding the importance of
respecting each person or cultural difference due to a lack of knowledge and appreciation of
differences. The main character, Derek Vinyard, is influenced by and believes in racism and
is a member of white supremacy, but his actions change after realizing the importance of
order and togetherness and running as far away from that lifestyle as possible. The social
psychology in the film America History X portrays the issues of behavior influence through
the concepts of functional theory, conflict and deviance, labeling theory, broken windows
theory and conformity, and differential association and influence of strain theory.
Functional Theory
Functional theory provides social psychology concepts associated with the nature of
society (Ritzer and Stepnisky, 2020). The concept seeks to provide an understanding of
stability, order, and cohesion within a society. It states that in a functioning society, an
individual structure exists with functions that affect each other and promote stability in the
entire area. The functional theory in the aspect of deviance states that deviance is an
important aspect of society, even though it can go against the norms and is in-cohesive
(Akkerman, Sluiter, & Jansen, 2020). It is important to note that deviance helps people
understand the normal things in society to ensure cultural norms are reinforced. It ensures the
public punishment aspect of deviant behaviors. The punishment communicates to society or
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that particular community the issues associated with deviance and the punishment its
consequences bring to them.
The American History X illustrates three functions of deviance: classification of rules,
unity among groups that oppose or engage in deviance, and promotion of social change. The
functions of deviance are evidenced in the film, such as the rules being classified after Derek
was arrested for killing three black men. Murder in most societies is considered formal and a
crime of deviance. Due to his incidental or social deviation, Derek's white prison mates
sexually assaulted him as a punishment for playing basketball with the black inmates (Kaye,
1998, np). The African-Americans were people he was supposed to hate, but instead he
socialized with them and as a punishment, these fellow white inmates raped him. The films
feature gangs, including neo-Nazi, other gangs, and police organizations, as examples of the
second function of uniting groups. As a deviant act, the neo-Nazis, commonly referred to as
the "skinheads," banded together to loot a market. Since the owner was Korean, the police
department joined forces to put an end to the skinheads. When Derek was being raped, he
witnessed firsthand how awful members of the white community could be, which led him to
doubt his own convictions. Deviance also brings about societal transformation.
Moreover, Derek's action makes him regret it and he does not want Danny to be in the
extreme. Also, Sweeney helps Danny deviate from the bad influence. It shows that Derek and
Sweeney act as the repair people who want to prevent other windows from breaking. It is the
reason Sweeney urges Danny to write American History X while Derek explains the story to
him to encourage and help Danny from becoming an extremist, as it has repercussions as
Danny faces jail time for his actions (Kaye, 1998, np). Thus, it shows that with proper role
models, guidance, and support, an individual can change deviant acts and live a happy life.
The environment and social norms and values contribute to deviance. The neighborhood
influences these events as it is filled with gang violence. Crime is prevalent and extreme
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when it leads to social disruption and disorder. However, when a person realizes someone is
going astray, they try to motivate and encourage them to do the right thing, as Sweeney and
Derek did to ensure Danny has changed his life.
Conflict Theory and Deviance
Conflict theory focuses on the unfavorable aspects of society, such as social
inequalities based on gender, ethnicity, or class, and groups competing for limited resources.
The proletariat and the bourgeoisie are the two main social classes. The capitalist class, as
well as the owners of capital, industries, and other means of production, is collectively
referred to as the bourgeoisie. Worker groups that exchange labor for pay are included in the
proletariat. These ideologies are a set of values or beliefs developed by the bourgeoisie in
order to further their own goals.
The conflict theory approach in the aspect of deviance indicates that individuals in
power make rules that are based on their interests. The rules always serve their interest which
gives them power to control undesirable groups. Since street crimes that are committed by the
lower class are perceived as a threat to capitalism, white-collar crime, which involves the
upper class and the powerful in society with resources, helps them to avoid being blamed or
labeled as criminals. Hence, this social discrepancy leads to differences in experience in the
criminal justice system, which is based on race and social class.
especiallyCameron Alexander, the Suser,ead’s user is a perfect illustration of the
bourgeoisie in the film. At the head of the hierarchy, he coerces every member into behaving
and thinking in line with his wishes. Additionally, he stays out of jail by having the gang
members perform his dirty job for him throughout the film. This is evident during their
conversation in the car when Danny says that Derek became enraged and tried to grab hold of
Cameron. Wasks Derek ask Cameron tohousethe marked the Korean man
ownswarns,esaying,aying that “You know I got thme.ops on me, If I come up on
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onecameras,se cameras I'm a dead man” (Kaye, 1998, np.). The statement shows that
Cameron has criminal records and used his bourgeois connexploitingat exploit Derek and
Danny to terrorize the market, especial people of color and minority groups.
In addition, the movie's portrayal of the criminal justice system highlights racial
prejudices in society as covered by conflict theory. The scene in which Derek's fellow black
prisoner describes how he got into trouble is the finest illustration of this in the film. He talks
about how he was robbing a TV that was close to a doughnut business. The television fell on
a policeman's foot as the officers caught him and grabbed his arms. He faces six-year assault
charges after they accuse him of hurling the TV at them. Derek is adamant and does not
believe his story, as he says, “That doesn’t make sense. Nah, you didn’t get six years for
stealing a TV” (Kaye, 1998, np.). The statement implies that Derek was lying, as he could not
get six years in prison for stealing since he served the years for murdering three black men in
cold blood. Therefore, conflict can cause harm due to misunderstandings or ego-driven hatred
toward another person.
Labeling Theory
The labeling concept shows the capacity of reputations to guide someone toward or
away from misbehavior (Theory Bernburg, 2019). Labels have meaning; people will adhere
to their expectations, and it can be quite challenging to overcome those labels. According to
labeling theory, there are two kinds of deviance: main and secondary. The first act of
deviation is known as primary deviance, while secondary deviance happens when someone
notices a deviant act and labels it “deviant.” The person keeps going in a deviant direction,
which causes their self-concept to shift.
Derek was used to hearing racist comments at the dinner table. After killing the three
black men, Derek solidifies his reputation as the leader of the Skinheads, solidifying the label
even before his arrest. This is an example of secondary deviance. After he is released from
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prison, he is still associated with that label, as is seen during the Skinhead get-together when
they laud him (Kaye, 1998, np). These organizations engage in what is known as the
relationship of exploitation, in which the proletariat is subject to bourgeois domination
through the application of an ideology.
One instance of this is when a teenage Skinhead calls Derek a "fucking god man," to
which Derek tries to turn away. None of his former pals, not even Stacey, are able to get past
his reputation as a Skinhead leader. She thinks Derek is crazy and tells him, "This isn't you,"
as he attempts to get her to quit the Skinheads. He pulls his arm out of hers and adds, "You
don't know anything about me, Stacey," after saying, “I know you” (Kaye, 1998, np).
Everywhere he goes, his label follows him, and he hopes Danny won't follow in his footsteps.
As a result of his affiliation with his brother's behavior, Danny is too easily branded as a
Skinhead and appears to be progressively becoming more and more involved in the group at
the start of the film. Danny's statement, “People look at me and see my brother,” further
demonstrates the issues of labeling (Kaye, 1998, np). This results in his demise at the film's
conclusion, when it is hinted that his murderer was connected to one of the black guys Derek
killed during the carjacking or robbery.
Broken Windows Theory and Conformity
The broken window concept is an important approach, as it is a symbol of how
society views crime. It argues that when one window is broken, it leads to another and sends
a green light signal, indicating no one is caring about the place (Lanfear, Matsueda, & Beach,
2020). In society, when crime is always seen and not addressed, it continues to occur due to a
lack of intervention to repair the broken window and stop others from breaking it. The broken
window concept in psychology shows that an individual is motivated to do something over
and over when they are not intervened with or punished. The theory also addresses this issue
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by indicating that small crimes must be controlled or prevented to reduce or eliminate the
situation from getting worse.
In the film American History X, the viewer can trace the instance of broken window
symbolism through a simple moment when Vineyard brothers are at the dinner table when
their father burst a racist comment in affirming action against Mr. Sweeney, saying, “It’s
bullshit, it’s n***** bullshit” (Kaye, 1998, np). In this case, it seems that Derek gets this
influence of racism as he looks up to his father as the role model. Danny also conforms to his
brother Derek in the same way. Therefore, Derek and Danny are windows that will be broken
in the future as the family, especially their father, is broken and his influence is reflected in
his son’s actions. Therefore, when an individual role model is deviant, the followers will
ultimately copy their beliefs and actions when confronted in similar situations.
The racist window is broken, and no one is there to amend it, which leads to a series
of breakings as pressure comes from the leader. Since Derek believes in his father and
follows his steps, it is likely he will follow through. The influence is seen when Derek father
dies and blames the Hispanic, African-American, and Asian for no apparent reason. Derek
and Danny then look up to Cameron, who is a racist and white supremacist (Kaye, 1998,
n.p.). The final window is broken when Derek murders three black men due to his hatred of
people of color. Therefore, the influence a person in power has can destroy others through
propaganda and misinformation driven by their misfortune or hatred.
Moreover, society is broken, and people who have the influence of gangs’ affiliations
can break the law. Society can be in a position where, without proper protection, laws, and
enforcement, it can be dangerous and disrupt peace (Agnew, 2020). In the scene where
Skinhead Mom raids and robs the market, Derek can be seen explaining that the government
has neglected the white people. He continues to blame immigrants, including the Korean man
who owns the market, for the poor livelihood of white Americans. It appears that society does
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not trust the criminal justice system, and Derek felt it was failing him, making them achieve
the goal of white America. Therefore, when one broken window is not amended, the rest
follow suit, which leads to abuse of people of color, destroying property, and destroying food.
Differential Association and Influence of Strain Theory
Differential Association Theory indicates that deviance behaviors and practices are
learned from close family members, family, or friends (Maloku, 2020). In the film, Derek has
deviant behaviors that are contrary to the societal desires and norms required to maintain
peace. These behaviors can be traced to his father, who was a stunt and supporter of white
supremacy, which has had a great influence on Derek (Kaye, 1998, n.p.). Derek was raised
with derogatory and hateful attitudes toward people of color and minorities. The influence
opens up Derek to extremism, though, as behaviors and beliefs are learned through
observation and teaching from family.
Another instance of differential association comes from friends and peers. Waller
(2020) argues that people tend to fit in by submitting to their group to have a sense of
belonging. These primary groups consist of Cameron and Danny, who act as guidance,
believe in their extremist teaching, and conform to their actions of doing dirty work. It makes
it easy for the Skinheads group to control him. Also, like Derek, Seth is a character who has
become a primary group member since he spends a lot of time at Danny's house. Seth pushes
Danny by insisting he should attend the skinhead gathering and get a symbolic tattoo to fit in
with the group. Also, from a young age, Derek has had similar influences as Danny. When
they met at the Mr. Murray family dinner, Derek had an argument with Mr. Murray about
racism and police brutality, which made Danny believe in extremism. Therefore, Danny
learns and believes in racism and deviance behavior after being exposed to them by his
brother.
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Besides the differential approach, the character exhibits a social structure that is
unstable and out of order. These behaviors can be explained through strain theory, which
ideologically indicates that when social structure fails and becomes inadequate, people tend
to commit deviant acts (Agnew, 2020). The extremism exposed to Danny and Derek by the
family makes them live a life of deviance. According to Agnew and Brezina (2019), strain
theory shows that when a person is unable to achieve their goal legitimately, they turn to
illegitimate ways to accomplish their goals.
The main social structure in American History X is the family. The vineyard family is
seen to have fallen apart due to differential associations and other psychological factors.
Derek is arrested and is in jail for killing black men due to racism; Doris is sick; and Danny is
left alone without anyone to look after him. Since Danny lacks a sense of belonging in his
fallen family, he is easily manipulative and can turn into a skinhead. It is the only place he
can get a male figure, Cameron. Even Cameron recognized this situation as he said, “He’ll
come to me. I’m more important to him now than you’ll ever be” (Kaye, 1998). It shows that
Danny does not have a choice but to join the Skinhead, as he writes a letter to Mein Kampf
and joins the Skinhead. Therefore, the family structure is an important social and
psychological nurture for young ones since a lack of its stability and norms can lead to
deviance.
Conclusion
American History X is a great film that touches on important aspects of social
structure and influence, crime, and racism. It is through racism that the viewer understands
the racial difference and how it can disrupt social order due to bad influences and upbringings
in this environment. It depicts the reality of society and how functionalism and differential
association with family can ruin a person's life and cause them to believe in issues that are
propagated by hate. Derek learns that racism and white supremacy are norms and should be
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embraced. Danny also falls victim by believing in his brother Derek and joining the extremist
group Skinhead, whose propaganda propagates hate, violence, and social disorder towards
people of color and minority groups such as the Chinese in that area. The film is very
enlightening as it highlights the application of sociological theories and concepts ranging
from functional conflict to labeling broken windows to differential and strain issues. It helps
understand what pushes the character toward deviant actions.
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References
Agnew, R. (2020). The contribution of social-psychological strain theory to the explanation
of crime and delinquency. In The legacy of anomie theory (pp. 113-137). Routledge.
Agnew, R., & Brezina, T. (2019). General strain theory. Handbook on crime and deviance,
145-160.
Akkerman, A., Sluiter, R., & Jansen, G. (2020). Temporary work and deviant behavior the
role of workplace cohesion. The Sociological Quarterly, 61(4), 678-702.
Bernburg, J. G. (2019). Labeling theory. Handbook on crime and deviance, 179-196.
Kaye, T. (1998). American History X. New Line Cinema.
Lanfear, C. C., Matsueda, R. L., & Beach, L. R. (2020). Broken windows, informal social
control, and crime: assessing causality in empirical studies. Annual review of
criminology, 3, 97-120.
Maloku, A. (2020). Theory of differential association. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary
Studies, 9(1), 170.
Ritzer, G., & Stepnisky, J. (2020). Classical sociological theory. Sage publications.
Waller, L. (2020). Fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace: Enhancing well-being
and a positive and coherent sense of self. The Palgrave handbook of workplace well-
being, 1-27.
