the politics of "Avatar"

[EywaBlessMe]

Apparently, we have both the misguided religious overtones of avatar-


Jesus Weeps: Pastor Mark Driscoll Calls ‘Avatar’ The Most Satanic Film Ever

and the racial overtones-


When Will White People Stop Making Movies Like "Avatar"?

so obviously, a lot of people have an axe to grind and take any opportunity to get some pub for their sole cause.

Sad.

Can't they just enjoy it?

[Isard]

Anything can be called satanic, anything can be called racist. Its the way the world works.

[Human No More]

Ever notice how it's always people who promote a message the opposite of Avatar?
Ayskxawng...

[Woodsprite]

Originally Posted by Human No More

Ever notice how it's always people who promote a message the opposite of Avatar?
Ayskxawng...

Lol, that's kind of expected... I mean, you wouldn't diss out a movie as much if you were actually for the things presented.

I can see why people'd lash out at the religious elements, because movies affect the human mind, both positively and negatively. They can change worldviews, or support them; make you laugh, cry, obsess over ()... even inspire wonderful causes, as well as incite bad ones.

Star Wars, believe it or not, led many to the view that God is a force. Laugh it off all you want (I have), but it's true. Avatar portrays the Na'vi worshipping nature... Pantheism is already an established religion among others, but not too many people are a part of it. Avatar is science fiction. Case closed. If anyone realizes that then we're all cool. Unfortunately, some still act like children.

When I was a kid and got frightened by something in a film my mother always told me, "It's just a movie. It can't hurt you. It isn't real." Avatar is a movie, it cannot harm anyone, and the story, characters, and Pandora itself are all fake. From the imagination. Fiction. Sure, it's a beautiful tale that could sweep anyone (but unfortunately not everyone) off their feet into an experience beyond anything seen or heard. It can inspire people to be... better; to take more care of the environment (though some have taken it to the extreme); to change their bad habits to some extent. But it can't happen in reality. Side note, the movie even changed my outlook on life other than ourselves in the universe; if I'd known 3 years ago that I'd believe that in the future, I'd be screaming at myself. However, this view-changing film can do just about that: change views. That's all it can do.


As for racism... no comment.


As for real politics, the only thing involved is environmentalism. I honestly don't see an extreme amount presented in the film like many have already alluded to. Maybe I'm just not looking for it... but then, I have tried to and I still just don't see the overtness of it. Sure, I know it's in there, but it isn't incredibly in-your-face. I believe the earth isn't in danger of humans destroying it. Some who agree have said, "Well we aren't doing anything to help it, either." True, but there isn't anything we can do. Even Joel Rogers, president for the Emerald City group (environmentalist group) admitted (talking about Cap & Trade),

"I wouldn't get too excited about the money aspect of the carbon. You can do everything in the U.S. to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and it won't make much of a dent actually. I hope you all realize that you could eliminate every power plant in America today and you can stop every car in America. Take out these higher powered generation sector, take out all of the transportation sector and you still wouldn't be anywhere near 80% below 1990 levels. You would be closer to 60%, around 68%. And that's bringing the economy to a complete halt basically."

So, yeah... I think we shouldn't litter. We should try to produce less-polluting industries and more fuel-efficient vehicles. I'm all for this. But this won't help the planet. Humans are like a single speck of sand on a juicy steak: we aren't much of a problem. Someone could eat the steak and not notice a thing different about it, whether the grain of sand was on it or not.


Other than these things, I'm sure this is all the "politics" and issues involved in/with Avatar.

[Spock]

Well said. I don't do much polical discussion anymore, I have other things on my mind. Plus, I don't see the logic in responding to things I already know the answer to now.

Although just two things.

1. If the M theory is proven to be correct one day then the Avatar universe is indeed real.

2. I would rather you replaced that grain of sand with a grain of salt.

Now, my simple answer. If something works against someones political best interests then they're going to want to oppose it. As it compromises them and their power and control over whatever state their interests are in at the time. You will find this in nearly all situations. The cause and effect of human nature. As I view the world through largely cynical eyes (which I don't like) I just sit back and laugh now. I understand human nature too well unfortunately.