From the way some on the internet have been writing, you would think that everyone is sick and tired of films where a white lead character discovers another culture – and is often initiated into it, or even becomes it’s leader. One would think it was the ultimate evil – a seemingly harmless fantasy that ultimately leads us down the road to racism and racial superiority.
How do I say this politely.
It’s bullshit.
Here’s why…..
First, the entire theory is based on the idea that white people have a fantasy of subjugating other cultures. In the case of avatar, a white man supposedly has the desire to take over a more primitive culture on another planet. But most films with this premise – including Avatar – are more likely fantasies about people leaving behind the morals and principles of their own culture for ones that wish to adopt. Most people in modern society wish to leave behind many of the problems of their world, and they imagine that a wholly new place or society exists (if only in fantasy) where they can be free of all their burdens, worries and cares. They can imagine a real culture they know little about, or create a whole new culture – with a entirely different set of circumstances and problems; preferably ones that are as black and white (forgive the pun) as the “Good” people vs. the “Evil” people.
Second, I believe that when you add in the common fantasy of a hero’s journey – a seemingly ordinary person rising to become a great hero – you get the “White guy joins new society and becomes it’s hero” story. What greater level of acceptance in a society could you have than to save it or some important part of it in a heroic way? The real fantasy here is one of escapism: Escapism from the world we have become use to, and may be disillusioned with. And, escapism from ourselves. We may feel unimportant or undeserving of accolades or attention in our everyday lives. Fantasies of being another person who does rate those things are common.
Third, who is holding a gun to your head and making you watch this movie? Be an adult and go watch another movie if the basic idea offends you. Go ask for your money back at the box office if you are so deeply put-off by the basic story. Walk out and get your money back. Vote with your feet. It is not nearly as hard as it sounds.
Fourth, and this is perhaps the most important – why don’t those of you who are so disgusted by these films (and so good at ignoring the positive messages of considering other points of view) go to see films made by minority owned studies, minority directors, minority writers and minority actors? Where are all the movie reviews on your site about Native American made films? There are entire web pages, film festivals and film journal devoted to these things, but you couldn’t find them? Really? No, they are not a part of the mainstream, and they never will be if you keep talking about movies that you are offended by and never bother to take a moment to promote films you do think make a positive difference. Films by independent minority-run studios? When was the last time to took the time to actively promote an upcoming film that very few people have heard about, but is well done and reflects the values of it’s minority filmmakers.
To Sum Up
In short, the guy who sticks his head up gets the most accolades, and the most criticism. Criticism in it’s self is not a bad thing. But both empty praise and empty criticism waste everyone’s time.
If you want to promote more big studio films that focus on cultures you would like to see represented, then start talking about them more. Write a script. Get some money together. Do a little work. Create a fantasy that you think would be worth putting money behind.
Get Off Your Butt
Though it is certainly true that there is a certain sadness in noticing that our society has fantasies of other “magical” cultures giving us answers to our problems, the basic heroes journey has always been about a simple person getting into extraordinary and unusual circumstances that inform the choices he makes when he returns to “real life”.
Rather than blame a storyteller who has had some success – with a well made film, I might add- why don’t we open up a dialog on how we can change and improve things so that these types of films are only one of a cornucopia of stories available to people in our society as well as societies all over the world?
Why People Don’t (Get off Their Butts)
Why don’t more people do that? Because in our society it’s easier to bitch and moan than to act. It is easier to whine that someone is doing wrong than to do right ourselves. It is easier to criticize the singer rather than be brave enough to add our voice to the chorus.
Which is why fantasies like “Avatar” exist in the first place; because we wish it wasn’t that way.
And truthfully, it does have to be. It’s up to us.
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Escapism has always been a way of deeling with the problems of life. It wont cure the problems, but it gives time to relax, gather strength and then return to living. In real life we seem to stager from one problem to another. Some times with little time to recover befor the next the next one hits. So what is wrong with going to the Shire and being a Hero with a ring? Nothing, as long as we do not hide there from reality. Ride with the Sacketts chaseing bad guys for a day. Life seems better when you face it the next day.