In movies centered around racism, the characters often change. Racist characters change and grow from the beginning to the end. They start to accept people as they are, and develop a new outlook on people. It is evident in a few movies, such as Remember the Titans or American History X. These movies show how people can learn to let go of racial bias once they realize that race is not what defines a person. Remember the Titans offers a good example of people changing their minds about racism. Remember the Titans demonstrates how different races are able to learn acceptance. When two football squads of different races must integrate to form one, racial bias divides them. When the “all-white” team learns that they will be getting a black coach, tensions begin to rise. Coach Boone has been promoted to replace the white team’s coach. Gerry, the captain of the white team that had been integrated into the “black” group, initially opposed the idea. The team slowly becomes more accepting as they spend more time together. Coach Boone recognizes that there is a racial split and he puts his team through a lot of training. Then, he takes the group to Gettysburg Cemetery and gives them a motivational lecture. Gerry had a racist mindset until he listened to the speech and met his teammates. Gerry was able to change his perspective and that of the entire team towards each other. Gerry ends up becoming good friends with Jullius (the “black” team leader). Remember the Titans shows that people can change their perspective and racist attitude towards different races. The main antagonist of Gran Torino is Walt, a perfect example of a racist character who has been able change. Walt, a Korean War veteran, has a racial bias against people of Asian descent. Walt’s neighbours, who are Koreans, show a lot of coldness at the beginning. Walt’s neighbours respect him after he helps them, but he doesn’t like it. Walt ignores that his neighbours have a very good heart, despite their kindness. Walt begins to respect the family as things progress. Thao the neighbor’s son is assigned to help Walt in the home after an accident involving Walt’s Gran Torino. Walt wasn’t too keen on the idea, but still agreed. Walt starts to realize how Thao is as time goes on and they form a friendship. Walt starts to forget about his racial prejudices and begins warming up to Thao’s family. Walt has become very close to his family at the end and no longer sees their race as a factor. Walt is a great example of a racist character who has changed their mind and perception towards other races. American History X is another example of characters who are able readjust racist attitudes. The film centers around Derek Vinyard (left) and Danny Vinyard (right), who are both racists at first. Danny and Derek had a racist dad as children, which led to them having a preconceived notion about other races. Derek was driven to lead a Neo-Nazi organization after their brother’s hate for other races increased. Derek became a racist and shot two blacks who attempted to steal his truck. Derek was jailed for 3 years after he shot two black men who tried to steal his truck. Derek had to share a prison cell with an African-American man, which caused him to rethink his views on race. Derkes visit to prison led him to realize who he has become, and this made him change Danny’s attitude towards racism. Derek and Danny were two characters that showed the character’s ability to accept other races. Characters can always change their racism. Gerry refused to accept any black player in Remember the Titans. Gerry’s entire outlook on race was changed in the end. The same thing happens in Gran Torino when Walt meets Thao. Walt had always been racist, but that changed when he met Thao. Thao helped Walt to rethink how he views different races. American History X demonstrates how Derek changed his racist beliefs and went back to help his brother. These movies show how characters can learn to let go of racial bias once they realize that race is not what defines who someone is.
