How does trauma shape our beliefs?
American History X is a 1998 American drama film directed by Tony Kaye and written by David McKenna. Edward Norton and Edward Furlong star as two brothers involved in white power skinhead and neo-Nazi movements. This movie is quite emotionally charged and left a strong impression on me, making me think about what a waste of a world we are living in—yet, as there is also good in it, so there is still hope.
Edward Norton plays the older brother who, along with his younger brother, adopted racist views from his father, joined a neo-Nazi group, and eventually killed multiple Black people. In prison, after being gang-raped and brutalized by the Aryan Brotherhood he had once followed, while also befriending a Black inmate assigned as his workmate, his views finally begin to shift. We can change. Why? Because our brains have this ability called neuroplasticity, which allows us to adapt and transform. Traumatic events can make this shift occur more rapidly and intensely, but we can also work on neuroplasticity by building healthy habits for our brains.
How much influence do we have on others?
Whether we like it or not, as long as we are born into this world, we will influence those around us. How we influence them is up to us, and us alone. We may not notice or even believe that we do, but our words and actions shape others. This is especially true in parenting, where children absorb our values and behaviors. But it extends beyond that—our impact is felt in our communities, workplaces, and, in the modern world, through social media. The recent explosion of online “influencers” proves that influence is a universal power.
What does it mean to take responsibility for our influence?
With great power comes great responsibility, and this power—everyone owns it, at their own scale. Don’t we want to be a role model for our children, just as Edward Norton’s character tried to become after his release from prison? He recognized that he played a role in shaping his younger brother’s fate and took action, attempting to undo the damage.
What about us? Have we ever reflected on the impact we have on others? Have we been conscious of the influence we exert—knowingly or unknowingly—on those around us?
#tales-posts
Leave a Reply