The Blind Side, a 2009 Hollywood film that tells the inspiring story of a struggling black teenager who goes on to become a star athlete with the help of a white family, is now at the center of a legal battle and cultural debate. Former NFL player Michael Oher, whom the film is based on, has filed a petition to end his relationship with the Tuohys, the family who took him in. Oher claims that he was never compensated for the film and that the story was built on lies. This controversy has not only reignited discussions about the film but has also pulled lead actress Sandra Bullock into the controversy.
Oher alleges that he received nothing for a story that wouldn’t have existed without him. He also accuses the Tuohy family of lying about adopting him and tricking him into signing a conservatorship that gave them legal control over his finances. The Tuohys have dismissed these allegations as “hurtful and absurd” and labeled the legal action as a “shakedown”. Meanwhile, the film-makers have remained silent on the matter.
The legal battle between Oher and the Tuohys has sparked criticism of The Blind Side’s portrayal of a “white savior” narrative. Critics argue that the film feeds into the narrative of a central white character saving a non-white character from unfortunate circumstances. Some have even called for Sandra Bullock to return her Oscar for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mother who helps Oher. Ojewumi, a public speaker and author, has expressed her discontent on social media, stating that while Bullock may be let off the hook, others should still be held accountable.
However, Bullock’s co-star Quinton Aaron has come to her defense, emphasizing that her performance should not be tarnished by allegations that have nothing to do with her. TV and film critic Richard Roeper also criticized the assignment of blame to Bullock, describing it as unfair.
This controversy surrounding The Blind Side is not unique. It is part of a larger discussion about the “white savior” narrative found in numerous films throughout history. The trope, dating back to the 1915 film Birth of a Nation, portrays white people as necessary to save the day or the country. Similar narratives can be seen in other sports genre films like Glory Road and the biographical movies about Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens.
Film professor Samantha Sheppard notes that these films shift the focus from black lives to the benevolence and righteousness of white paternalistic forces. However, she also highlights the progress made in recent years, with more filmmakers of color telling dimensional stories about black lives without centralizing white people.
The renewed cultural debate over The Blind Side highlights how a once-acclaimed feel-good classic is now viewed as outdated and controversial. It raises important conversations about race, representation, and the responsibility of filmmakers to portray stories authentically and without perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
As the legal battle continues and the cultural debate unfolds, it is important for society to engage in constructive discussions about the impact of films like The Blind Side and the narratives they perpetuate. This controversy serves as a reminder that films have the power to shape public perceptions and contribute to broader conversations about race and identity. Ultimately, it calls for a critical reevaluation of the stories we tell and the perspectives we choose to uplift in cinema.
