“The Blind Side,” the beloved 2009 film about a destitute Black teenager rescued by a wealthy white family, captivated American audiences. Based on a true story, it follows the Tuohy family, led by Sean and Leigh Anne, as they take in Michael Oher and help him succeed in college and beyond. This narrative reflects our belief in the transformative power of sports, the ability to forge lifelong bonds, overcome hardships, and build character. However, it also simplifies the complex issue of race in America, perpetuating the notion that white people can redeem themselves by aiding Black individuals. Despite these criticisms, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $300 million and earning Sandra Bullock an Oscar.
“The Blind Side,” adapted from Michael Lewis’ bestselling book, simplifies a more nuanced reality into a digestible format. Recently, news of Oher’s lawsuit against the Tuohys has prompted a reassessment of the film. Oher is seeking a full account of their relationship, claiming that the familial bond depicted in the movie was a lie and that the Tuohys profited at his expense. The couple has defended themselves, arguing that the conservatorship they established was necessary for Oher to play college football without jeopardizing his eligibility. With multiple versions of the story from Lewis, the movie studio, Oher, and the Tuohys, it becomes challenging to discern the truth.
Prior to this week, I had deliberately avoided watching “The Blind Side,” wary of movies that rely on simplistic racial stereotypes. As a child, I grew weary of seeing Black heroes perish so white heroes could triumph. However, Oher’s lawsuit convinced me to finally sit down and watch the film with the benefit of hindsight and a renewed focus on the intersection of race and sports in America today.
Early on in the film, it became apparent that Oher’s character was being shaped in a way that reinforced my initial concerns. The portrayal depicted him as a lost cause until the Tuohys intervened, offering him an opportunity to attend an affluent Christian school in Memphis. The movie introduced Oher as little more than a physically imposing Black teenager with a low IQ, unfamiliar with a life beyond poverty and despair. This depiction was disheartening and made me question its authenticity.
The Baltimore Ravens selecting Oher in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft lends credibility to his criticisms of his portrayal in the film. No athlete reaches that level of success without years of dedication and training. Oher, an intelligent individual, had been a skilled football player long before meeting the Tuohys. He did not need their young son to teach him the game using condiment bottles as visual aids. The film also implies that the Tuohys used sports as a means to elevate Oher’s confidence and social status, eventually leading him to their alma mater, Ole Miss.
Oher is portrayed as a protector throughout the movie, shielding Leigh Anne Tuohy in the neighborhoods he grew up in and saving Sean Jr. from a car accident. Even when Oher struggles on the field, Leigh Anne Tuohy steps in and instructs him, comparing his role to protecting her and her son. This moment, delivered by a determined white woman, is a pivotal turning point. Oher transforms from a football novice to an offensive lineman with incredible strength, agility, and size.
During a game, Oher endures racist taunting from an opponent who initially outperforms him. However, Oher’s rage motivates him to overpower his adversary, driving him across the field and over a fence. The film concludes with Oher’s remarkable transformation, displaying his improved IQ and athletic achievements. Coaches from various colleges express their admiration, showcasing Oher’s success. However, the portrayal of Oher as a passive figure who obediently follows his newfound family’s directives makes it difficult to discern the truth behind his lawsuit.
While “The Blind Side” encompassed various elements, including the oversimplified trope relating to race and class in America, it also celebrated the purity of sports and its potential to change lives for the better. However, the film fell short in addressing the shady aspects of sports, such as cheating, lies, and broken promises, which may be crucial factors in this ongoing legal battle.
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