Question
How does the films " The Blind side " and the knights portray white savior narrative and the narrative burden
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Both "The Blind Side" and "The Knights" (likely referring to "The Great Debaters," as "The Knights" doesn't specifically correspond to a well-known film known for this narrative) have been analyzed for how they portray the "white savior" narrative and the concept of "narrative burden." Here's an overview of both aspects in relation to each film:
### The Blind Side
**White Savior Narrative:**
- "The Blind Side" tells the story of Michael Oher, a Black man who becomes a successful football player with the help of Leigh Anne Tuohy, a white woman who takes him in. It embodies the white savior trope by centering the story on Leigh Anne’s benevolence and her role in Michael's life, often minimizing Michael's agency and achievements.
- While the film portrays themes of kindness and compassion, it has been criticized for reinforcing racial stereotypes and presenting a one-dimensional view of both race relations and the experiences of Black individuals. The narrative focuses more on Leigh Anne's philanthropic journey rather than a nuanced portrayal of Michael’s background, struggles, and personal growth.
**Narrative Burden:**
- The narrative burden in this film can be seen in how it often shifts the focus away from Michael's perspective and experiences. Instead, the audience primarily witnesses the story through Leigh Anne's eyes, which limits a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that affect Black communities.
- Michael's achievements are often framed as outcomes of Leigh Anne's intervention rather than his own hard work and commitment. This narrative choice suggests that individual agency and systemic barriers are secondary to the white savior's actions.
### The Great Debaters
**White Savior Narrative:**
- In "The Great Debaters," based on the true story of a debate team from an all-Black college, the white savior narrative is subtler but still present. The students, particularly those led by Professor Melvin Tolson (who has a crucial role in their development), fight against racial injustice and prejudice. However, there are moments where the success of the Black debate team is framed in relation to their interactions with white institutions, suggesting that external validation or authority (often represented by whites) is necessary for their achievements.
- The portrayal of white characters can sometimes lean towards a savior complex, particularly in how they engage with and support the Black protagonists.
**Narrative Burden:**
- The narrative burden here can refer to the expectation of Black characters to navigate their struggles against the backdrop of a predominantly white societal framework. While the film highlights systemic racism and the fight for equality, it can also inadvertently present the white characters as necessary players in the Black characters’ stories.
- Similar to "The Blind Side," the achievements of the Black students, while impressive and significant, can sometimes be depicted as needing external support or acknowledgment from white society to be validated.
### Conclusion
Both films illustrate elements of the white savior narrative and the narrative burden. These narratives often prioritize the experiences and growth of white characters over those of the marginalized individuals they aim to help, perpetuating a portrayal that can diminish the complexity of Black experiences. The critiques usually focus on how these narratives reinforce existing power dynamics and societal frameworks, rather than offering a fully realized and agency-driven portrayal of Black individuals and their narratives.
### The Blind Side
**White Savior Narrative:**
- "The Blind Side" tells the story of Michael Oher, a Black man who becomes a successful football player with the help of Leigh Anne Tuohy, a white woman who takes him in. It embodies the white savior trope by centering the story on Leigh Anne’s benevolence and her role in Michael's life, often minimizing Michael's agency and achievements.
- While the film portrays themes of kindness and compassion, it has been criticized for reinforcing racial stereotypes and presenting a one-dimensional view of both race relations and the experiences of Black individuals. The narrative focuses more on Leigh Anne's philanthropic journey rather than a nuanced portrayal of Michael’s background, struggles, and personal growth.
**Narrative Burden:**
- The narrative burden in this film can be seen in how it often shifts the focus away from Michael's perspective and experiences. Instead, the audience primarily witnesses the story through Leigh Anne's eyes, which limits a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that affect Black communities.
- Michael's achievements are often framed as outcomes of Leigh Anne's intervention rather than his own hard work and commitment. This narrative choice suggests that individual agency and systemic barriers are secondary to the white savior's actions.
### The Great Debaters
**White Savior Narrative:**
- In "The Great Debaters," based on the true story of a debate team from an all-Black college, the white savior narrative is subtler but still present. The students, particularly those led by Professor Melvin Tolson (who has a crucial role in their development), fight against racial injustice and prejudice. However, there are moments where the success of the Black debate team is framed in relation to their interactions with white institutions, suggesting that external validation or authority (often represented by whites) is necessary for their achievements.
- The portrayal of white characters can sometimes lean towards a savior complex, particularly in how they engage with and support the Black protagonists.
**Narrative Burden:**
- The narrative burden here can refer to the expectation of Black characters to navigate their struggles against the backdrop of a predominantly white societal framework. While the film highlights systemic racism and the fight for equality, it can also inadvertently present the white characters as necessary players in the Black characters’ stories.
- Similar to "The Blind Side," the achievements of the Black students, while impressive and significant, can sometimes be depicted as needing external support or acknowledgment from white society to be validated.
### Conclusion
Both films illustrate elements of the white savior narrative and the narrative burden. These narratives often prioritize the experiences and growth of white characters over those of the marginalized individuals they aim to help, perpetuating a portrayal that can diminish the complexity of Black experiences. The critiques usually focus on how these narratives reinforce existing power dynamics and societal frameworks, rather than offering a fully realized and agency-driven portrayal of Black individuals and their narratives.