| Abstract: | This work analyzes three so‐called anti‐racist films of the 1990s; American History X, A Time to Kill, and Higher Learning. Although each film discusses why racial hatred is problematic, a variety of underlying themes contradict the message of racial tolerance. Racial hatred is depicted as largely a group phenomenon perpetrated by individuals who elect or learn to hate. Each film portrays white characters as the heroes in the struggle for racial equality, while showing black characters in stereotypical fashion. Additionally, white supremacists are allowed verbally to present their position much more frequently and more passionately than are those who are already racially tolerant. This research analyzes these and other examples of white supremacist hegemony in these three films, and discusses implications for viewers. |
