Social Inequality In The Blind Side

Many films throughout history, have not only illuminated some culture’s shortcomings but the strength and ability to deviance in hopes of attaining meritocracy. It is within the arts, films, music and literature that are produced by a culture that researchers can identify the evolution of change from analyzing the micro symbolic interactionism between individuals to the social consensus in the functionalist theory that produces an organic solidarity. Each of these theoretical paradigms allow one the ability to change perspectives in order to deduce how values and norms are modified. Although each theoretical theory can be applied to the film, “The Blind Side” it is while utilizing the macro conflict theory, that social inequality is seen to …show more content…
Extremes are glaring presented in the representations of these two opposing cultures. The Tuohy family is initially depicted as the typical wealthy Southern white family, believing their actions and status in life is supported by the Christians mores and values they hold dear. In is when Michael Oher enters into their lives that an awareness of the social conflict between the two cultures becomes apparent and how it influences the manner in which Christian values may conflict with one’s social status. Oher has had to continually adapt to an unforgiving environment. The stereotypes presented within the film of those living in poverty are harsh and accurate as they are superficial. Oher may have been considered an atypical African American teenager from the inner city with a mother addicted to drugs, living off the system to perpetuate that addiction. That stereotype may further be supported by Oher’s lack of any academic background, work prospect and living conditions. To evaluate that stereotype one must also address the causes behind the environmental conditions of the inner city. It must be acknowledged that the minimal and lacking educational systems within the inner city are due to the dominant culture’s control of resources, that predominately go to fund institutions that provides benefits within their community. This specific film denotes that the dominant culture in this case is utilizing a private Christian school instead of one in the public school system which provides a dramatic comparison in relation to the inner city school system thereby compounding the stereotype. There are other external factors such as the lack of a healthy family unit that also influence the negative connotation given to those raised at the