Ashlyn Finnie
Philosophy
The Crash between Races
The movie “Crash” directed by Paul Haggis displays and represents several
ethical issues based on racism and stereotyping. Throughout the film I felt the character
who represented the most outstanding form of proper morality was Daniel Ruiz played
by actor Michael Peña. This locksmith experienced many threats against his race yet
remained a devoted father and husband. Many people in life become defensive and
aggressive when attacked by those who are stereotyping based off of someones race
and appearance, but Daniel remained firm and positive.
The first situation in the movie when Daniel is faced with a racial conflict is when
he is trying to help fix the lock on a door for Farhad, a persian immigrant. Farhad was
continuously harassed by people because they thought he was an Arab. When people
are harassed in this manner they begin to become angry and the hatred sometimes
takes over. Farhad’s anger took over when Daniel could not fix his lock. Farhad
screamed and called him a cheat out of stereotypical anger. Daniel remained calm and
respectable by simply walking away and not charging the Persian family for the work he
had done on the lock, when in fact the door was what needed replacing. Later the
Persians were robbed and vandalized by racists who thought they were Arab. Farhad
was so outraged he turned to racism and rash decisions. Farhad had bought a gun to
protect him self from racism yet ironically takes this gun to attack Daniel. Farhad’s
exposure to racism
Ashlyn Finnie
Philosophy
drove him to shoot at Daniel. Daniels daughter jumped between the bullet. Fortunately
the gun was not loaded. Daniel was heartbroken and relieved all at once to hear the gun
click and to feel his daughter in his arms alive and well. He was a great father and had
done everything to protect his daughter from his past upbringings in a ghetto
neighborhood.
Daniel was once again a victim of racism when he went to change the locks at
Sandra Bullocks home. Ironically he was changing these locks because Sandra Bullock
was terrified after being attacked by two black men. While Daniel was fixing the locks
Sandra Bullock began ranting within ear site of Daniel that Daniel was a “gangbanger”
with “prison tattoos” and was going to give copies of her keys to his “homies”. When
Sandra Bullock walked into the kitchen to realize Daniel had heard these hurtful racist
comments Daniel once again showed self control and strength. Instead of becoming
angry like those around him Daniel politely handed Sandra Bullock her keys and went
home to tuck his daughter in to bed.
Daniel Ruiz portrayed a great man who was stereotyped and mistreated. In
moments of hate he remained a good strong man. Daniel cared about his daughter and
wife before anything else. He was a hard worker and provided for his family. Yet society
did not see Daniel for such things. Daniel was a reminder that we can not judge and
should always treat a human being the way they deserve to be treated. If Daniel Ruiz
can treat others with love and compassion while battling with outside racism, we all can.