In the movie “The Blind Side,” there is a powerful scene that aims to inspire viewers. Michael Oher, a talented Black offensive lineman, is struggling during a high school football practice when Leigh Anne Tuohy, a white woman who took him into her family, steps in to give him a pep talk. Tuohy recounts a moment when Oher protected her from drug dealers in a dangerous neighborhood and tells him to think of that as he protects the quarterback’s blind side. She also tells him to imagine the quarterback and running back as herself and her son. Oher takes her advice, and the practice becomes a montage of his incredible physical abilities, earning the approval of his teammates and coach.
However, in real life, Oher has filed a lawsuit against Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, accusing them of exaggerating their relationship and misleading him into signing away his life story. The Tuohys’ lawyers claim that Oher was never adopted but instead placed under a conservatorship that they are now willing to end.
The dispute raises questions about the conservatorship arrangement and the money earned from the story of the Tuohys and Oher. Author Michael Lewis, whose book the movie is based on, states that he and the Tuohys received a total of $350,000, mainly from net profits. The movie’s depiction of Oher as physically talented but intellectually challenged has drawn criticism for perpetuating stereotypes about Black athletes and the need for white saviors.
While “The Blind Side” has been a popular sports movie, grossing over $300 million at the box office, it has faced scrutiny for its portrayal of Black Americans. As society becomes more aware of racial dynamics, particularly in sports, the movie’s narrative is being reevaluated. Oher claims that the portrayal affected how NFL teams viewed him and damaged his career.
It has been nearly 20 years since Oher first stepped onto the football field, and much has changed. He has had a successful NFL career, earning millions of dollars, winning a Super Bowl, and starting a family. Society’s understanding of race in sports has also evolved, and discussions about racial issues have influenced changing opinions, such as support for paying college athletes.
One of the most hurtful revelations in Oher’s lawsuit is that the Tuohys never fully adopted him, despite their repeated claims. This mirrors the paternalistic impression portrayed in the book and movie, where Leigh Anne Tuohy is depicted as trying to “jump-start” Oher’s life.
In summary, the story of “The Blind Side” has taken a real-life turn with Oher’s lawsuit against the Tuohys. It highlights questions about their relationship, the conservatorship, and the movie’s portrayal of Oher. As society becomes more aware of racial dynamics, narratives like “The Blind Side” face increased scrutiny, prompting discussions about stereotypes and the role of white saviors.
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