American History X: Then and Now
I've seen the movie, "American History X," twice now. The first time I saw it was as a teenager, attending a predominantly black Texas high school with a slight mix of whites, Asians, and Hispanics (a 
lthough my Mexican friends hate the term Hispanic) and I don't remember any Native Americans. I was a teenager, either just barely, or only old enough to drive or just old enough to smoke (Pointless since I quit smoking in junior high. I'll write about that later). I can't remember how old I was, just that I was a teenager. Now, at 23, I've seen it again and my views have changed with time among other things.
When I viewed it as a teenager, I first thought everything Ed Norton's character preached was completely racist and out of line. As an adult, it's very clear which things are actually true and those that were created especially for the tone of the movie. Time would tell me the difference.
Nearly all of the issues raised by Norton's aggressive and convincing character, with the exception of his views on the Jewish people, have progressed to a level of visibility where we all can see the truth. Most of America and the people living here, however, make sure they're blind so they don't have to defend their opinion at the risk of controversy.
Illegal immigration is responsible for the destruction of homegrown businesses, thanks to competitors' willingness to cut costs by hiring people who can't even read this.
Literacy used to be a big deal, now it's not even a requirement. Not even for our own kids, but especially not for illegal immigrants. Teachers are somehow being blamed for this, rather than the real culprit: standardized testing (more on this if future posts as well).
As Americans, we have to show more credentials for being here with our documents than a bunch of people who cut a hole in a fence. Bank of America has started a program that gives credit cards to illegal immigrants with real or fake social security numbers. The country sits on its La-Z-Boy and appeases itself, saying, "It's just business." The public outcry and news stories over that issue lasted all of a week.
When I viewed it as a teenager, I first thought everything Ed Norton's character preached was completely racist and out of line. As an adult, it's very clear which things are actually true and those that were created especially for the tone of the movie. Time would tell me the difference.
Nearly all of the issues raised by Norton's aggressive and convincing character, with the exception of his views on the Jewish people, have progressed to a level of visibility where we all can see the truth. Most of America and the people living here, however, make sure they're blind so they don't have to defend their opinion at the risk of controversy.
Illegal immigration is responsible for the destruction of homegrown businesses, thanks to competitors' willingness to cut costs by hiring people who can't even read this.
Literacy used to be a big deal, now it's not even a requirement. Not even for our own kids, but especially not for illegal immigrants. Teachers are somehow being blamed for this, rather than the real culprit: standardized testing (more on this if future posts as well).
As Americans, we have to show more credentials for being here with our documents than a bunch of people who cut a hole in a fence. Bank of America has started a program that gives credit cards to illegal immigrants with real or fake social security numbers. The country sits on its La-Z-Boy and appeases itself, saying, "It's just business." The public outcry and news stories over that issue lasted all of a week.