Both The Blind Side (dir. Hancock, 2009) and The White Knights (dir. Lafosse, 2015) contain

Question

strong links to the white saviour narrative. Given Michael Oher’s outspoken criticism of The
Blind Side, could one argue that both these films create a narrative burden for the children
and biological parents depicted (or not depicted) in these films? Does the narrative burden in
these films extend beyond the adoption triad to include individuals of other races, cultures,
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and languages? How would you argue adoption narratives be approached in order to alleviate
the narrative burden? what does this question requires me to do

Answer 1

This question requires you to explore the concept of the "white savior" narrative as it appears in both The Blind Side and The White Knights. Your response should analyze how these films present and potentially perpetuate stereotypes or misconceptions about race, privilege, and the experiences of the people they depict, particularly the children and their biological parents.

To address this question, you might consider the following steps:

1. Define the White Savior Narrative: Begin by explaining what a white savior narrative entails. This often features a white character who rescues or significantly helps a marginalized character, typically overshadowing the complexities and agency of that character's background.

2. Identify and Analyze Links in Both Films: Discuss specific examples from The Blind Side and The White Knights that illustrate this narrative. For instance, how do the films portray their protagonists and the roles of the children or parents? Consider Michael Oher’s criticism, which can provide insight into how these narratives can misrepresent or simplify the experiences of marginalized individuals.

3. Examine the Narrative Burden: Analyze the implications of these narratives for the individuals depicted in the films, especially focusing on the “narrative burden” that may arise. This could include:

   • How the films potentially misrepresent the realities of adoption and the experiences of children and their biological families.
   • Ways in which the narratives may create unrealistic expectations or foster feelings of inadequacy among individuals from the depicted groups.

4. Extend the Discussion Beyond Adoption: Consider whether the narrative burden affects a broader spectrum of individuals beyond those directly involved in adoption stories. Discuss how these narratives may impact societal views on race, culture, and privilege, and how they may perpetuate harmful stereotypes for other marginalized groups.

5. Propose Alternatives: Finally, suggest how adoption narratives could be approached differently to alleviate narrative burdens. This might involve:

   • Diverse storytelling that includes multiple perspectives, particularly those of the biological families and the adopted children.
   • Challenging power dynamics by granting agency and voice to characters from marginalized communities.
   • Focusing on collaborative narratives that highlight personal growth and interdependence rather than a simplistic savior-rescue dynamic.

Overall, your response should blend critical analysis with suggestions for more inclusive and sensitive storytelling practices in films that tackle these themes.