Racism is everywhere

Film plays an influential role on the perception of different races and ethnicities. Crash examines stereotypes prevalent in the past and still in our society today. Through the intertwining vignettes, Crash presents different races and ethnicities and the common stereotypes associated with them. Anthony and Peter serve as archetypes of the black inner-city car thieves; Daniel struggles against the label of a Mexican gangbanger; Farhad is labeled with the identity of a terrorist because of his Persian roots. These stereotypes and the people casting the stereotypes in the film show how racism and prejudice affect our perceptions of and interactions with people in everyday life. Despite the diversity in America, racial discrimination and prejudice is still inescapable and, to some extent, defines the characters in the film. Anthony, who complains about the racist and stereotypical views of blacks, conforms to these stereotypes in many ways. In the end, racism will remain a prevailing issue in our society. Crash does not provide a solution to racism; however, the film draws empathy for every character, suggesting that understanding of different races and ethnicities to some extent will ease the racial tensions of our society today. Crash ends on the note that we are all human and, despite our different backgrounds, we are all connected and can find a way to understand each other on some level.

- C.N.