Media Meanings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Media Meanings - Essay Example Racism played a major role in this movie, seen as a negative aspect in the children’s attitudes and mentalities. Racism is defined as unconstructive behaviour on an incorrect assumption that one race is intrinsically superior to others. This is one of the many forms of bigotry which is defined as unjust actions directed against people based on their gender, race, nationality, ethnicity, language, or sexual direction. Throughout the movie, there are many examples of racism. Basically, the students going to that high school come from different background, and therefore, at high school, they create separate â€Å"tribes†. Such tribes where â€Å"south of the boarder – Latinos†, â€Å"little Cambodia†, â€Å"the ghetto†, â€Å"Wonder bread Land†, and others that were not mentioned. All of these â€Å"tribes† believed that their race is superior to the â€Å"other†, and if that â€Å"other† particular race would not exi st, their life would be much better. From this, many problems leading to violence, and even crime, aroused. Many students went to boot camps or jail for youths, and lost a lot of their friends because of gang related activities. In addition to this, in the movie it was mentioned that in Long Beach, the place where the action takes place, it all comes down to what you look like; Latino, Asian, Black, etc. They are so buried in their hatred towards each other that it is likely to get shot anytime you walk out of your door. The students fight each other for territory; kill each other over race, pride and respect. Prejudice is seen in the movie as well. Prejudice is defined as a set of opinions, attitudes, and feelings that unfairly cast a group and its members in a negative light, without legitimate reasons. In a way, prejudice is tied to stereotype. On the other hand, stereotypes are more a false or generalized belief about a group of people that result in categorizing members without regard for individual reference. One example of a combination