Movie Dealing with Sociology

Exploring Social Inequality and Race in The Blind Side: A Sociological Perspective Student’s Name Institution of Affiliation Course Date Exploring Social Inequality and Race in The Blind Side: A Sociological Perspective The movie The Blind Side (2009) by John Lee Hancock focuses on Michael Oher, the black teenager adopted by the white Tuohy family. The film is a real story and shows how love can transform a person. Beneath its narrative, the movie delves into deeper sociological themes such as social class, justice, race, and family. This paper will focus on social class and inequality and how it has been portrayed in the movie by comparing Michael's poor life with Tuohy's affluent life. It also addresses the issue of race since Michael is a black teenager adopted by a white family to show the racial relations involved in his life. The Blind Side focuses on the lens of social class and race and how they impact people's opportunities, privileges, knowledge, and resources. In that way, the film puts the viewer in a position to question his/her perception of privilege and inequality in society. Social Class and Inequality in The Blind Side Michael’s early life depicts a poor, homeless child neglected by his birth parents. Living with an addicted mother and transitioning through the foster care system, Michael's life is a reflection of the many disadvantaged children who fail to meet their basic needs for shelter and education. One of the most touching scenes is when Michael spends the night in the school's gym with no place to sleep. This completely contrasts the lavish lifestyle depicted in the Tuohy family's home and living environment; poverty is a barrier to fundamental needs such as s...