A Different Perspective of the Movie Avatar

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I finally watched James Cameron's movie "Avatar."  I resisted for a while.  I like to have my leisure time activities actually be enjoyable and I was afraid I'd just get ticked off at what I might see.  Then I heard myself asking someone about a show I watch.  They had some derogatory things to say about it and I responded, "But have you actually WATCHED it?"  So, I watched the movie.  I was quite surprised at my take on the whole thing.  It all started with the word "unobtainium."  This is defined at the link's site as:  an extremely rare, costly, or physically impossible material, or device.  That much you can figure out from the root of the word: unobtainable.  This means not able to be obtained, required, or reached.  I immediately named the fictional planet where this movie takes place, "Unobtania."  Another word for this is "utopia." James calls it Pandora.  I could do an entire post on that, so let it suffice to say that is a very interesting choice.

The movie presents a world and culture where everyone is happy and free, there is apparently no conflicts between the different tribes on this planet, although, the main female character, Neytiri, does mention "the time of great sadness."  We are left to assume that the tribes have reached utopia through some unknown process.  There are "leaders" of the tribes and a life source that contains, well, the source of life as well as connections to all of their ancestors.  In my world we call him God, but I am pretty sure that is not what Mr. Cameron meant.  I think he is referring to "Mother Earth" or "Mother Nature."  There is perfect harmony with nature, although things can still kill you there.  There is no killing of the "animals" without "purpose" and when that occurs there is a "prayer" said thanking the animal for giving up  their life for the purpose of enabling survival of the inhabitants of the planet.  I actually like this concept.  I thank God for providing me with things that will enable me to survive, but, then again, that's just my world view.  I would also add, though, that I like the "respect" it shows to the source of your sustenance and the striving to be good stewards of our resources. That is probably the only aspect we agree upon.

There is also (music conveying evil and hateful purposes plays) some of Earth's worst who have invaded this world and wish to destroy it to get what they want.  These would be our military personnel cleverly disguised as "mercenaries" and, of course, the greedy capitalist who will do ANYTHING to make a buck.  Into this mix we add the kind and benevolent scientist who is presented as the strong moral conscience of mankind.  (Well....maybe at some points I did get a little ticked off :-)

So, what we are to conclude from all of this is in line with the message presented to thousands of our school children in the short movie, "The Story of Stuff."  Funded by our good friend, George Soros via the Tides Foundation.  (In case you miss it, that is my use of sarcasm.) In this propaganda piece the narrator states: "Third World is another term for 'our stuff' that somehow got on someone else' s land...and we go and get it and trash the place."  Yep, I think there was some consultation on the message.  Either that or Mr. Cameron watched the Story of Stuff and plagiarized.

So my interpretation of this story?  Here goes....I think of the fictional planet of Pandora and the Na'vi population as people who have a strong connection to God who provides them with a transcendent source of right and wrong.  Then, along come the "Collectivists" who tell them that they are going to plow their God right under the ground in order to take control of the "unobtainium" which represents their freedom and liberty.  They are doing this because the Na'vi people are basically stupid (although none of them are named Homer...maybe that will be in the sequel) and obviously don't know how to handle their freedom and liberty in an intelligent and prosperous fashion.  In the movie, Neytiri states that "God" doesn't take sides, but, in the time of crisis, (s)He comes through.  I see this as "truth" winning out over lies; good winning out over evil.  In the end we are all held accountable for our actions here on this planet and this plays out beautifully in the movie.  My world view gives me this perspective.  It is clearly not James Cameron's world view.

So, why does any of this matter to you?

In the articles below you might want to read further.  In the Avatar Sequel article is a link, "Vatican Slams Avatar Movie." At the George Soros link above that takes you to his website you might want to read his op-ed; America Needs Stimulus, Not Virtue."  This from a man who was probably heavily involved in and benefited from the collapse of the British Pound and a couple of other currencies.  Benefited means he made LOTS of money....I wonder why he hates Capitalism so much?  Oh yeah, I know.  He hates it because he kinda thinks of himself as God and in a free market he doesn't get to call all the shots.  Got it Homer?

At the Tides Foundation link above you might want to read about their "progressive" goals and projects.  Of particular interest will be their Center for Genetics and Society.  It positions itself as "politically progressive."  If you have not already I would implore you to look into the history of Eugenics and the Fabian Socialist movement.....please. The kind and benevolent scientist that uses genetic engineering in the movie Avatar might just give you a great deal to think about.  Not that James Cameron wants you to think about it in that way.

Related articles

• James Cameron on his 'Hiroshima' movie - due 'sometime before the next nuclear war' (popwatch.ew.com)
• James Cameron Confirms Avatar Sequel (bettyconfidential.com)
• Successful Test of NASA's New Composite Material "Unobtainium" (bigthink.com)