The Character of The Blind Side

I am a pushover for a good story and I found one this week in the movie, The Blind Side. It is the story of Michael Oher and his journey to become a first round draft choice for the Baltimore Ravens. However, it is not a football story. It is about character. The character of the Tuohy family and their willingness to see someone in need and then to offer to help Michael fulfill his potential.

Looking at the Tuohy's through the Character of Leadership lens it is easy to see Justice demonstrated by the Tuohy's in their provision for Michael’s needs, his education and his future. Love is apparent in the way they nurture Michael and the way he cares for and protects them. The most evident element however is Courage. The Tuohys demonstrate the Courage to push against the prejudices of their friends and Michael’s Courage to leave behind his tragic past and push into the light of success. Michael's courage was particularly interesting to me. We often think that when someone is afforded an opportunity to escape the brutality of their current circumstances that they will naturally choose the better opportunity. However, it takes real courage to leave behind the only world you know (even if it is dysfunctional one) and reach for success. It takes courage to succeed. All of these character elements are wrapped in Hope.

The movie has all the standard Hollywood emotional plays and it breaks down in the recruiting sequences when coaches are playing themselves but the basic story is sound. Justice, Love, Courage and Hope are powerful components of character; when they are positively mixed, the result is improved lives.