The Blind Side is still playing in the theaters and raking in the dough. If you haven't seen it yet, you should. It is a true, heartwarming story of a Christian family who stepped out of their comfort zone and took in a homeless child. It will challenge you and hopefully cause you to ask if you would do the same. We highly recommend the movie and at the bottom of this post are some excerpts from positive reviews. However, we did have a few concerns about the film as it pertains to trans-racial adoption:1. We saw this movie during opening week. Our theater was packed, not one empty seat. But as we scanned the audience, it was obvious that we were all alike... upper middle class and white. There was not one African-American in the place. We had hopes that this movie would ease racial tensions just a little bit, because it sends a message that even though we look different, we all need the same love. However, scanning the audience made us wonder if the film might not appeal to African-Americans. If not, is it because, in the words of one critic, the movie "peddles the most insidious kind of racism, one in which whiteys are virtuous saviors, coming to the rescue of blacks who become superfluous in narratives that are supposed to be about them"? That's an unfortunate criticism (and one we believe is false), given that trans-racial adoption holds such blessings for so many families.
2. Another message in the movie is that those blessed with wealth should give in return. The Tuohy family is rich. They even own a private jet. We were thankful to see and hear their story on the big screen. However, we do want to express that you do not have to be wealthy to adopt. There are many ways to take in and love orphaned children without emptying your pockets. If you are financially able to have a biological child, then you are financially able to adopt. Here is a little more info on this subject:
Foster to Adopt
This is a free program. The only financial responsibility is court fees which are a few thousand dollars. In this program, you foster the child first and then are given the right to adopt once the birth family has relinquished their rights to the child.
Adoption of a African-American or Biracial Child
The cost of this program varies depending on your annual income. Look how the scale makes it cheaper for lower income families.
Income = Cost of Adoption
Less than $75,000 = $11,100
$75,001 to $100,000 = $15,100
$101,001 to $150,000 = $20,100
$150,001 to $200,000 = $25,100
$200,001 to $300,000 = $29,100
$300,001 plus = $32,100
So, we just wanted to encourage you that adoption is within all of our reach. It is not a blessing to be enjoyed only by the wealthy. It is a blessing to step out of your comfortable lives (relative to the rest of the world) and take in an unwanted baby, child, or teen. We have felt honored and truly blessed to be given the gift of being Nate's parents. We hope to have more adopted children in our home as God leads.
Movie Reviews:
From World Magazine-
After the screening, many critics were, like me, dabbing their eyes and shared my feeling that The Blind Side is a classic old Hollywood-style film that is well-written, nicely-paced, and wonderfully acted, in addition to being hilarious and heartwarming. After all, it's a movie about the best in humanity and how, if those who are blessed with financial and spiritual resources reach out and share those blessings, they can change the course of someone's life for good.
(The director was questioned on racism in this movie. His response below.)
"There will always be a certain camp that will say, 'Oh it's paternalism; its white guilt; its another one of those stories that says an African-American can't make it on his own.' I think its all balderdash," said Hancock. "Leigh Anne Tuohy didn't stop that car to pick up that kid because he was African-American. She stopped that car to pick up that kid because he was cold."
From Good News Film Reviews-
This is simply a great movie. It is honestly inspiring and challenges the audience to not only improve their lives but to improve the lives of those around them.
Quote from Leigh Anne Tuohy-
“I am telling you there are Michael Ohers everywhere—wonderful kids who need a home, who want a family. It doesn’t take much searching out, because they are right under your nose. And they don’t need to be brilliant at football. They don’t need to be someone who excels at anything other than loving you and wanting love in return.”
