American History X: Analysis of Key Themes

In American History X, the key determinant ideal is the "capacity of oneself to change". That is, our behavior is a result of environmentally deterministic events, and thus we have the ability to change our thoughts, our behavior, and our life situation. In doing so, we hold a virtually limitless power to determine the circumstances surrounding our lives and the consequences of those circumstances.
The focus of the story centers around the primary character, Derrick, as we witness his tremendous psychological transformation from radical, racist skinhead to enlightened, mature leader against the very hate that he previously wrought. …