Frank Meeink in American History X

I feel like I am beating a horse to death by constantly bringing up American History X, but how can you deny the parallels between Derek in American History X and Frank Meeink? Actually after doing research, some of American History X's scenes are loosely based off of Frank Meeink.

The parallels between Frank and Derek are staggering. Both were confused kids and easy targets for recruitment. In Derek's case, his ability to hate was always there, instilled by his father. When, his father is killed at the hands of blacks Derek's whole attitude is changed. After a meltdown on a local news interview, Derek is recruited by Cam to become part of the movement. Frank's troubled path to the movement, was due to different things. Rejection by family and constantly being beat up by local gangs , had Frank looking for another calling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs0ZvwIai7w&feature=related

Like Derek, Frank became a leader for the Neo-Nazi's at a young age. I googled more about Frank and found from various sites that he indeed became a Skinhead leader. I was interested to see how Frank was perceived in the Stormfront community. Many discredit him and said he was never fully embraced by the movement and was nothing.

Derek and Frank both go through transformations in jail, befriending the enemy. The perspective of others dramatically shifts because of exposure to the other culture. Hollywood and Meeink's personal story brings ideas of change being possible if one is isolated from others in the movement and learn about and get to know other races that they had spent their lives hating.

In Derek's case, he kills three Crip members. This scene is the favorites of many white nationalists members. The violence in the way he murders the black gang members are applauded by many white nationalists. That part, along with Derek's ideas at the dinner table that meet no comebacks are the reasons why many white nationalists watch that movie and even own it.

Frank mentions that, "The whole skinhead movement revolves around violence, and I was so tired of that." That line is interesting because it strikes many white nationalists the wrong way. Many white nationalists feel that their movement doesn't revolve around violence; however, everyone's favorite scene in American History X is the violent way Derek murders the gang members.

It's that double standard that comes up again. The victim card is busted out. No one is for violence, but they all love it. Also, Frank is a beloved member while in the community and a traitor and a non-credible source after he leaves it.

What's interesting is why are Derek's and Frank's stories so touching. The fact is they were both violent, hateful people who served jail time. Their redemption, comes when they realize they are wrong. These stories are highlighted because it restores faith that people do change. It was interesting in class, when David brought up the idea, why these stories are accepted and advertised as redemption stories. Would the affect be the same if a Black Pather who murdered a white person was seeking redemption? Even when there is a good message, it still has a weird under tone.