Blind Side Paternalism
Collin Hill
English Composition I
November, 13 2014
The Blind Side Sport movies have a long, troubled history of well-meaning white paternalism, with poor black athletes finding success through white charity. But The Blind Side, based on Michael Lewis’ non-fiction book is one of the best. As Michael Oher, played by Quinton Aaron, is struggling with everything in his life, he gets taken in by the Tuohys, a loving, Christian family. The Blind Side is a sports movie that’s not really even about sports. It’s a football movie based on the story of a real-life (and really good) football player that often avoids football altogether. Only one game is singled out for special attention—Michael’s first for Wingate. Sure, they win Tennessee’s private school state championship. Sure, Michael’s shown working feverishly to get into shape and learn the game, but it had to have something to do with football. …show more content…
But most of Wingate’s students are white, rich, and really smart. “Big Mike” as he was called, came from Memphis’ projects; he has no real home. He carries his extra clothes with him, mostly just a spare shirt, in a plastic bag, and he washed all his clothes in the sink at the local laundromat. He would’ve disappeared that cold November night if he could have as he walked, shivering, along the side of the road. But instead, he was spotted by Leigh Anne Tuohy and her family, and before Michael knew it, all 300-plus pounds of him was ushered into the backseat and whisked away to the Tuohy mansion. Leigh Anne threw some sheets on the couch, bid Michael a cordial goodnight and walked
English Composition I
November, 13 2014
The Blind Side Sport movies have a long, troubled history of well-meaning white paternalism, with poor black athletes finding success through white charity. But The Blind Side, based on Michael Lewis’ non-fiction book is one of the best. As Michael Oher, played by Quinton Aaron, is struggling with everything in his life, he gets taken in by the Tuohys, a loving, Christian family. The Blind Side is a sports movie that’s not really even about sports. It’s a football movie based on the story of a real-life (and really good) football player that often avoids football altogether. Only one game is singled out for special attention—Michael’s first for Wingate. Sure, they win Tennessee’s private school state championship. Sure, Michael’s shown working feverishly to get into shape and learn the game, but it had to have something to do with football. …show more content…
But most of Wingate’s students are white, rich, and really smart. “Big Mike” as he was called, came from Memphis’ projects; he has no real home. He carries his extra clothes with him, mostly just a spare shirt, in a plastic bag, and he washed all his clothes in the sink at the local laundromat. He would’ve disappeared that cold November night if he could have as he walked, shivering, along the side of the road. But instead, he was spotted by Leigh Anne Tuohy and her family, and before Michael knew it, all 300-plus pounds of him was ushered into the backseat and whisked away to the Tuohy mansion. Leigh Anne threw some sheets on the couch, bid Michael a cordial goodnight and walked