Crash: A Movie on Prejudice

Crash, a 2005 film, is the story of life in Los Angeles from a number of unique, racially diverse perspectives. The entire purpose of the movie is to illustrate in great depth the prejudices and stereotypes that society uses to blame others for their own troubles. Today racism especially, and stereotypes in a broader view, are greatly influential in everyday life, whether we choose to acknowledge them or not. It is neither comfortable nor easy to admit that society is still so biased and prejudiced due to a thing as simple as the shade of mans' skin. This film's purpose is to make quite clear that present day America remains unjust and prejudice, and that no matter how hard one may try to overlook this bitter truth, it cannot be avoided. Stereotypes and prejudices play a massive role in our present society; men still judge and are judged simply by the tone of their skin.

The entire story of Crash is an intertwining connection between a wealthy black man, two young white cops, a Mexican locksmith, an Afghan family, and a white district attorney. Every scene is drenched in awful stereotypes, and each character in the movie is either set back, disturbed, or fighting against these prejudices. The Afghan family's store is robbed, and they blame the Mexican locksmith for failing to correctly fix the locks. The wealthy black man is pulled over by the young cops, and his wife is inappropriately groped by one of the white cops. The Caucasian district attorney is car jacked by two young African American men who feel that they are unfairly stereotyped by the white population surrounding them. There are many small stories weaved together to illustrate the prejudices that live and thrive in Los Angeles. It is, fundamentally, a story of prejudice.

The opening scene of Crash involves Ria, a Latino detective in the LAPD, in a heated argument with an Asian woman who has just rear-ended Ria's car. The story begins immediately with a quarrel between these two women who use racist arguments to blame and offend one another. This work is attempting to breakdown and illustrate just how constantly and harshly society judges based upon race or other stereotypes. The unique perspectives from different characters show the audience the different ways in which people judge and are judged.

The end of the movie is so adeptly woven that the audience realizes it has been prejudiced even while watching the film. It is well done, but it is sad to contemplate the reality of how prejudice separates us all.