Introduction :
We studied the theme of “Places and Forms of Power ”. First of all I would like to give the definition of Power . Power is the ability to exercise control on somebody, but leads generally to conflict between those who have power and those who don't. We analyzed the film “American History X” by Tony Kaye and a text “Very Hellish Journey” of the magazine Newsweek. The documents that we studied in class shows us the different forms of power.
We asked ourselves if power is permanent and whether situations of power can turn around.
In a first part, I will talk about an American story between Jay Dobyns and the gang “Hell's Angels” .Then in a second part, I will talk about the movie “American History X”
On the one hand, Jay Dobyns is a policeman who wants to undercover and integrated (uncover and disintegrate?) the Hell's Angels gangs. His mission was to infiltrate the gang and arrest some of its members. To be believed by the gang, he staged a fake crime and changed his physical appearance by getting more tattoos and rings. The Operation lasted 2 years, from 2001 to 2003 and was a success, since 52 people we arrested for racketeering and murder. Jay Dobyn's was considered as a hero because he had taken the power from the Hells Angels; but there is a reversal of the situation. Indeed, after the operation, Jay Dobyns became a man wanted by a gang, his house was on fire and with adverse consequences on his family. Jay Dobyns family changed identities and houses to avoid reprisals; he has regrets and feels guilty to have participated in this operation.
On the other hand, “American History X” is the story of 2 brothers, Derek and Danny Vinyard who live in Los Angeles, where rival gangs fight to get control of the area. Derek, the big brother, is a racist skinhead and his gang terrorized immigrants in the neighborhood. He killed 2 black men from a rival gang and got 3 years in prison. But there is a reversal of situation in jail, his black cellmate Lamont tells Derek that Derek is “the nigger”, not him. It means that Derek doesn't have any power and is not protected by his gang in jail. Finally, the prison is revelation for Derek and after jail he respects Lamont even if he's black. Lamont impressed and became Derek's friend, who decides to leave his Neo-Nazi gang and become a new man.
Conclusion :
To conclude, power is not permanent and can change hands. Indeed, Jay Dobyn's has the power over the Hells Angels then there was a reversal of situation: he is wanted by the Gang. In the movie Derek became a new man and he views racism as useless thanks to the time he served in prison.
