I was 21 years old when one of my favorite films, Soul Food, was released. Now that I’m older, more mature and more seasoned with grown children, I recognize Teri’s heroism that lies beneath her stern exterior. Back then, I just thought my girl was uptight!
Teri, the character portrayed by Vanessa Williams in the heartwarming film, often gets painted as the villain. But, if we take some time to examine her plight, we’d understand why the character carries a demeanor that viewers have a hard time absorbing.
Now, if you’ve seen the movie, the whirlwind of family drama, secrets, and betrayal kept you on the edge of your seat. And in the midst of it all, Teri takes on the role of the responsible sister who everyone expects to “fix things”. That’s enough of a burden for anyone who feels taken for granted. Let’s not forget to mention Teri is also the “breadwinner” of the family. let’s take a closer look and unpack why she might just be the unsung hero.
A few key points:
1)Teri, who financially provided for her family for years, was the most unappreciated member of the family.
2) She lost her boyfriend to her sister Maxine (portrayed by Vivica Fox) who she eventually marries. That ultimately led to an obvious strain in their relationship.
3)Teri pulled some strings at her job to get Bird’s (Nia Long) husband out of jail for assault with a beer bottle. Granted, Teri is the reason he went to jail, but that was only to protect her sister.
4) She paid for Bird’s wedding.
5) Bird never said thank you for neither.
Teri is often criticized for her “uptight” demeanor and her seemingly judgmental attitude towards her sisters and their way of life, but we really can’t blame her for how she acts. As the eldest sister, she is burdened with not only the responsibilities, but also the expectations that come with being the older sister, especially after the passing of “Big Mama”. Teri’s demeanor isn’t just a result of her being “stuck-up”; it’s a defense mechanism, a way of coping with the weight of the family legacy resting on her shoulders. She also has to deal with problems in her marriage and her husband stickin’ his thang in the “cousin in-law”.
Yes, how Teri does things may seem controlling at times, but her intentions are rooted in love…. That’s why she stayed to cook with her sisters after that big fallout with her family. Cooking together strengthens a family bond…. especially during Sunday dinners.
Teri’s strength and unwavering love for her family makes her a true hero in her own right.
