What Happens to Derek at the End of American History X?

American History X is a movie that explores the themes of racism, white supremacy, and redemption. The movie revolves around Derek Vinyard, a former white supremacist who tries to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps.

The ending of the movie has left many viewers wondering about what happens to Derek after he reforms himself. In this article, we will explore the different theories about what happens to Derek at the end of American History X.

The Ending

The ending of American History X is one of the most powerful and emotional scenes in cinema. After being released from prison, Derek goes back to his old house and finds Danny, his younger brother, dead in the bathroom. Danny had been shot by a black student whom he had an altercation with earlier in the movie.

Derek breaks down crying as he holds his brother’s lifeless body in his arms. The scene then cuts to Derek shaving his head, which was a symbol of his past as a white supremacist. The final shot shows Derek walking towards the camera with a determined look on his face.

Theories About What Happens Next

There are different theories about what happens to Derek after the end of American History X. Some people believe that he goes back to his old ways and becomes a white supremacist again while others think that he continues on his path towards redemption.

Derek Continues on His Path Towards Redemption

One theory is that Derek continues on his path towards redemption after the death of Danny. This theory is supported by the fact that Derek shaves off his hair, which symbolizes his break away from his past as a white supremacist.

It’s also important to note that throughout the movie, we see Derek’s transformation from a hateful person to someone who realizes the error of their ways. He forms relationships with people from different races such as Sweeney and Lamont, which shows that he is capable of change.

Derek Goes Back to His Old Ways

Another theory is that Derek goes back to his old ways and becomes a white supremacist again after the death of Danny. This theory is supported by the fact that Danny’s death could be seen as a trigger for Derek to revert back to his old beliefs.

However, this theory is less likely since we see Derek break down in tears when he finds Danny dead. This emotional reaction shows that Derek has truly changed and is not just pretending to be reformed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ending of American History X leaves many questions unanswered about what happens to Derek after he reforms himself. While some believe that he goes back to his old ways, it’s more likely that he continues on his path towards redemption. The scene where he shaves off his hair symbolizes his break from his past as a white supremacist and his emotional reaction to Danny’s death shows that he has truly changed.