Mighty Whitey

[joeylovesgaia]

I love Avatar, I think the messages are very progressive and enlightened, and of course Eywa's world is stunningly beautiful. BUT.

There is something that seems just a little insulting to natives in the old "mighty whitey" storyline. Not to mention ludicrous. How can a foreigner show up as a grown man, and in an insanely short time learn the native way of life better than the natives themselves?

Putting oneself in the shoes of the peoples depicted in movies like Avatar and Dances with Wolves, it would seem a little unfair, and ridiculous.

Mighty Whitey - Television Tropes & Idioms

The only saving grace is, Jake's transformation feels so positive, so uplifting. A non-white dude might identify with Tsu'tey and feel just the opposite, though. Maybe JC should have cast the Native American in the lead role?