Derek Vinyard

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Derek Vinyard was the main villain of the movie American History X although he arguably manages to redeem himself - the film focuses on Derek's past and the consequences of his actions both in the present and the potential future.

Derek Vinyard was originally portrayed as a violent White supremacist and a proud supporter of a dark underbelly of American society ruled over by neo-Nazi groups - his hatred for other races climaxed in the now famous scene in which he, in a hateful rampage, curb-stomped an African-American male: resulting in his imprisonment.

While in prison Derek's path to redemption begins and although he remained racist he eventually befriended an African-American inmate who (somewhat ironically) would prove to be one of Derek's only true allies during his stay in prison: this friendship would put Derek at odds with the neo-Nazi prison gangs and resulted in him being raped as a form of punishment.

After leaving prison Derek tried to return to normal life but found himself continually battling his past as he tried to distance himself from his violent past - including a confrontation with his brother Danny, however after Derek explained to Danny why he had changed (including the rape) Danny starts to understand.

However the story ends in tragedy when Danny is shot by a black student he had been in conflict with and the film ends with Derek holding his dead brother - what happens next is left to speculation.

Trivia

• In an early draft of the film, after the death of his brother, Derek shaves his head again, implying he had once again became a Neo-Nazi.