Crash Essay

Movie Description: "Crash" is a complex movie with a simple premise: set in Los Angeles it follows 8 main
characters (and many, many more supporting) from all walks of life and races whose lives intersect at some
point during one 24 hour period. These people are all different yet all alienated, to the point of breaking, so
much so that when they come together, things explode. This film interweaves many incidents of prejudice
based on race and prejudice. These incidents are multi-linear in format, and the actions of the characters span
and transpose between the base and degraded to the admirable and heroic - painting a picture of the
complexity of race and ethnic relations in America. A fine sense of irony pervades many of the stories as
characters from all walks of life are put face-to-face with their prejudices. The film begs various questions from
the audience It also highlights many different sociological concepts such as culture, race, stereotypes,
prejudice, and double consciousness. This makes it a perfect introduction to our new section of our first unit, so
after watching and discussion the movie, you will write an essay

Task: Write an analytical critique in essay-format on how race, gender, and the concept of double-
consciousness impact the character’s actions and perception of self.

Be sure to discuss discrimination, prejudice, biases, and stereotypes in your writing as well, and how they
contribute to the actions of characters whether correct or not. Support your comments with claims that
reference the characters and incidents in the film in order to connect to the themes listed above which we
have studied in class thus far.

This is intentionally broad so that you may expand on these topics in any way you really like. If you are stuck,
you can expand on the topic by going down various avenues such as:

-Discuss whether implicit or explicit bias is more dangerous to society through examples in the film.
-Discuss the struggle for characters in the film to find a sense of self-identity as a result of double-
consciousness occurring in the film.
-Highlighting examples for each topic through juxtaposed storylines.

Remember to use MLA format:

 Double Space
 MLA Heading
 1” margins
 12 Times New Roman or Arial

Page length: 2 – 4.5 pages (Anything less than 2 pages or more than 4.5 will result in a decrease in grade.)
Please keep in mind that just because your paper is on the second page does not mean it is 2 pages in length.
It MUST be a FULL page to receive credit. Spell-check THEN proof-read your essay! Don’t have lazy mistakes!

What I’m Grading On:

 Your ability to argue convincingly. The reader needs to be convinced by what you say, which means that you
provide evidence and good examples.
 Your ability to analyze the sociological concepts and incorporate the examples from the movie. This includes
summarizing and using direct quotes.
 Your ability to meet and respond to the prompt. If you’re struggling, talk to me.