WP1 BLOG 1: Positive Stereotypes

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 act, it still represents the “White Savior” complex. There is a great juxtaposition between Leigh Anne’s social eliteness and Michael’s academic and mental deficiencies. This positive stereotype normalizes this desire for a “White Savior” and this negative view that non-whites are dependent on white people’s help within society.

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Article on "White Savior" Complex in The Blind Side and other modern movies: https://movies.mxdwn.com/feature/a-critical-analysis-of-white-savior-films-and-why-you-should-avoid-them/