Crash With a Bang

Crash was a very interesting movie with lots of concepts that made you think about the ideas of race and stereotypes in this world. And it is not just about one stereotype from one social group. It is a bigger picture than that. This video showed more along the scenes about a story of stereotypical perspective. I think this video shows roots of racism and people's ideas of pride and privilege.

There were a vast example of stereotypes and racism in this movie. One example was with the scene that included the white wife of the district attorney (Sandra Bullock) and the Mexican-American locksmith (Michael Pena). Jean was going crazy while talking about her uncomfort with David. It was interesting how she, despite police and other people being at her apartment, makes a scene. She starts saying things about her concern with David because she is scared that if he changes the lock that he will probably give the new lock key to one of his gang buddies and take all of her stuff. This was mainly thought of because of the fact that he was a little browned skinned and that he was a mexican. It was astonishing to me how she completely embarrassed David even though he had little to do with the situation before this.

There were many areas where the stereotypes were proven as well. For example, when Peter and Anthony were walking down the street in the very beginning of the movie, they were walking down the street and talking about how black people are not treated right in society. It is a bit funny how they had a full convo about the idea that black people are being stereotyped. Then, they prove that same stereotype that they were debating against by stealing a car from a white couple. This isn't the only time you see them proving the stereotype. Before almost all of their car jackings, they have a deep conversation about race and racism.

Another major scene in my opinion that tackles this idea of stereotypes was the scene in the car with Hansen and Peter. In this scene, Peter was in the car and seen the idol on his dashboard. He giggled a bit, and Hansen suddenly became defensive. When the tension rose between the two, Peter thought it would be a good idea to show Hansen the idol in his pocket. When he tried to pull it out, Hansen thought it was a gun and shot Peter. This is a clear sign of racism towards a certain social group. In Hansen’s mind, he had a angry black man in his vehicle without knowing much about him. It seemed as though Peter would have a gun. Hansen subconscious mind was already scared of dying. Just like many people, he related a black man with guns and pulled the trigger based on his life being in danger. Later we find out that this was the worst thing to ever happened to him after calling Ryan a racist

This movie has taught me that everyone has stereotypes of one another. We might not seem open with it, like with racist jokes and other things. However these thoughts  flow through our mind more than we think of it. In fact, it might be a subconscious idea that we have and possibly never think of unless we’re angry, frustrated, or iis focused on the option. So we all have to ask: how can we change the negativity into something positive?