Ella Fukushima

            From a superficial, first glance, The Blind Side is a heartwarming story about an African American boy who instantaneously connects with a white, suburban family (Tuohy’s) who eventually adopt him. Compared to the other socialites in her predominantly white community, Leigh Anne Tuohy is presented as more inclusive and kind as she willingly takes in a homeless African American kid from the poorer side of Memphis. However, taking a more critical and closer look at the movie, there are more racial microaggressions, especially the White Savior complex, sprinkled throughout the movie. For this reason, my changes in the movie focus more on rectifying the portrayal of Michael.  While the movie presents him as a timid and fragile seventeen year old, the actual teenage Michael Oher was more driven and outspoken without the assistance of his white, adoptive family. Firstly, I would change the interactions between Michael and the college recrui...

The Blind Side        The “White Savior” has been a positive, yet problematic, stereotype that dates back centuries ago. From Rudyard Kipling’s 1899 “The White Man’s Burden” to early 21st century cinema like the 2009 “The Blind Side”, there has been a consistent depiction of this need for a heroic white person to liberate the lives of a non-white individual. Consequently, the non-white person is more prominently portrayed as a helpless individual whose future success in life depends on a “White Savior”.   In “The Blind Side”, one of the protagonists, Michael Oher, is a blind, homeless, African American teenager who comes from a traumatic childhood/past. After Leigh Anne, a white and well-respected socialite in her community, takes Michael into her family, Michael’s life begins to improve. It becomes Leigh Anne’s ‘mission’ — as if it is her duty to be the “White Savior to improve other non-whites — remake Michael’s life. While it is a kind and selfless ac...

Just a little late.. but hi! My name is Ella Fukushima. I live in Redondo Beach, CA (If you know where Manhattan Beach is, I live right in that area). Growing up in the South Bay (Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, & PV/Palos Verdes), I have TONS of food recommendations and go-to restaurants, especially if you're in Downtown Manhattan Beach/by the pier. If you haven't already gone to these MB places, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Caffe Altamura, Sugarfish, Love & Salt, and MB Post (try the bacon cheddar buttermilk biscuits!!). I can't wait to meet you all in person (hopefully on the 24th!!)