Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Blind Side- a different opinion
I agree with Sheila- I loved the movie too. I cried like an old lady all the way through the second half. It’s a true story and a great story about putting aside stereotypes and doing the right thing. Something about it troubled me though and I couldn’t quite pinpoint where that little mental discomfort was located until tonight. When Sheila wrote that she would like her children to see it when they were older, I wasn’t so sure that I would take mine. I figured out why when I was talking to my husband, Ron, who hasn’t seen it yet. How can you find fault with something that is true and noble? What has been bothering me is that the movie reinforces racial stereotypes. Maybe I’m too sensitive and looking for hidden prejudice, but I’d like to see more balance in the stories chosen to inspire us. Am I just weird?
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3 comments:
I also had a secondary reaction to the movie. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the movie very much and love to see the portrayal of a strong woman, or man for that matter, standing up for and sticking with their kid. Like you, however, I felt uncomfortable with the perpetuation of racial stereotypes. As an adoptive, and former treatment foster parent, I also know that a lot more blood, sweat and tears are often shed than what was portrayed in Blind Side. But, the movie did a phenomenal job of portraying the healing power of relationships. I thought Sandra Bullock did a brilliant job portraying a woman who bumps up against her own prejudice and social programming and chooses to be courageous and committed to what her heart tells her is the right thing to do.
I'm going to see it tomorrow so I'll let you know my thoughts then!
I loved this movie. I do agree with Annette and Carol that some negative cultural stereotypes seem to be a bit exploited unfortunately. But...the thing that stuck out for me was the "claiming" that went on between Michael and every member of the family. When she turned around to that guy in the stands and said "that's my son!" I wanted to stand up and cheer. I was also nearly a ball on the floor when he said, "I want to go to Ol' Miss because that is where my family goes to school". The fact that Sandra Bullock's character sought out Michael's biological mother and seemed to be compassionate to her struggle was another important reminder that we need to honor, recognize and appreciate where our children come from. In the end, the family seemed to accept eachother for who they were...faults, talents and all. That is the beauty of the story for me.
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