Overcoming Racism and Poverty: A Glimpse of Michael Oher's Life

“I look and I see white everywhere: white walls, white floors, and a lot of white people…” Quoted by one individual like many others, that feels their ethnicity is inferior to others around them. Racism and stereotyping are common among members in our society and cause distress for those who are not of the ethnic population or do not fit the white racial ideologies. People living in poverty are negatively affected by these stereotypes and racial issues. These negative ideas and beliefs about those of a different race or in a different social classes have a strong impact on the individual’s chances of coming out of poverty. African American’s are one race among many that is stereotyped for living mainly in poverty or being in the lower social

With these stereotypes and racial thoughts, it is hard for these young adults to see a future for themselves because it impacts their living situations and their learning environments. The quote above was said by Michael Oher, the main character in the movie, The Blind Side. This phenomenal movie portrays a real life story about a young man who was affected by racism, discrimination and social class challenges. Michael’s childhood consisted of many foster care homes and life without education. It wasn’t until Michael’s height, race and size was noticed by a school football coach, for him to potentially see a future starting for himself. Briarcrest Christian School gave Michael his first chance at success and open opportunities to create a life. It didn’t just take the school community for Michael to succeed, it took

Michael is one example of many young individuals who go through a time of having no place to call home or no one who accepts them. The night Leigh Anne pulled over to see what Michael was doing, he was on his way to the school gym to stay warm and dry. Michael didn’t have a home to return to every night because his mother chose drugs over him when he was a young boy. The morning after Michael was welcomed into the Tuohy household, Leigh Anne chased Michael down the driveway because he was leaving. He had nowhere to leave and return to, but he wasn’t used to having a place to stay for longer than a couple nights. Being homeless is not easy for anyone, but especially not for young children because they feel hopeless at such a young age and when someone actually tries to welcome them with open hearts, many can be unsure what to do. Leigh Anne set up a room in her house for Michael and after talking about the bed he said, “It’s mine?” (Film) Leigh Anne was confused by his question but he followed by saying, “I have never had one before” (film). Many American’s do not realize the homeless communities or those less fortunate than them, but Leigh Anne was making the most dramatic impact on Michael’s life by doing such simple acts of kindness that meant so much more to him than other children in their community at his