Poll: Do You Think Avatar is Racist?
By Krystal Clark
Earlier today, we posted an article discussing the topic of racism in Avatar. Many of our readers had a pretty strong reaction to the argument at hand. Some felt there were some obvious undertones that needed to be addressed, while others thought critics were digging too deep. We’ve decided there’s only one way to settle this, and that’s to put it to a vote! We want to know what you think once and for all, so take our poll and let your opinion be heard.
Over a billion people across the globe have seen the film so everyone has an opinion on what they think Avatar stands for. Our very own Mali Elfman did a review of the film when it first came out, and she also had some concerns about the controversial premise that everyone’s been talking about.
White man comes in, learns the ways of a more primitive people, then fucks them over, has a change in heart, and comes back and uses their own ignorance and belief system to make himself a hero. It’s like Thanksgiving all over again! Although this is an old story that we’ve seen many times before and I can’t blame Cameron for coming up with it, is this really a message we want to be spreading and more so, promoting? What about taking responsibility for yourself?
This is just one person’s interpretation of Avatar‘s story, but it does make you wonder about the overall message that’s being presented. Tell us what side you stand on in this debate…
Loading ...You can discuss in the comments section why you voted the way you did, or talk about other issues you found within the film that haven’t been addressed.
Monday, January 11, 2010 11:09AM
[...] you think Avatar is racist? Take our poll and let us know how you feel about the subject. Avatar’s Racist Undertone Still A Hot [...]
Monday, January 11, 2010 11:12AM
The person that wrote that review is an idiotic racist. James Cameron is not racist, the Na’vi are not black or white or anything else, they are Na’vi stop looking for color issues, you wouldn’t call Iron Man ageist just because A younger man is fighting an older man.(Downey vs Bridges). Stop seeing color, if Jake Sully was played by Will Smith would it change the story at all? The answer is no because the story and message of the film have absolutly nothing to do with that. It’s 2010, can we get passed racism yet? Afterall the difference in color of skin is no different than color of eye.
Monday, January 11, 2010 11:13AM
Um, no. Just because the Na’vi could possibly be a symbol for Native Americans doesn’t mean that the movie is racist. The Native Americans won! I don’t understand how that is racist. Yes, there was two ‘races’ in this movie – but that does not make the movie racist.
Monday, January 11, 2010 8:12PM
…and this is from someone who has eagerly anticipated this film for 10 years after downloading the treatment for from Drew's Script-O-Rama.
Also most people posting here have such a narrow view of race vis-à-vis this film. the evil race here isn't whites, it's humans period. hell, we subjugate most other species on the planet (from bacteria to plants to animals) even when our survival isn't a factor — we do it for the sake of comfort and that makes the action (and the perpetrator) despicable.
Monday, January 11, 2010 8:15PM
Racist? What an interesting misunderstanding. Maybe the person who thinks the film is racist imagines that there is no possible redemption for those who live in societies dominated by modern day western government / corporate interests? Do you not see that more than a few soldiers (and scientists) in Avatar are also oppressed?
I'd offer looking at the film like this:
The journey of atonement where the hero turns on his former masters addresses racism and xenophobia as a parable against it. It calls upon the hero to defy any master's conquest for material gain at the expense of life — all life.
Don't get this confused. The Navi didn't need Jake Sully to save them from themselves! To oppress them with a fundamentalist religion or bring them anything at all. The Navi needed Jake to help them defend themselves against HIS people. Big difference. This is ALL about taking personal responsibility.
The hero carries our dreams until we are strong enough to carry them ourselves….
But in all, something could be learned from the role of each man (and woman) can play, in each instant we are called upon by our leaders to contribute to a wrong done to our neighbors, in the name of some vague principal, meant to shroud the real source: blind loyalty to a ruling classes that worships the material world over honoring the living one.
Monday, January 11, 2010 8:39PM
Thanks, Matthew. Much better said than my own feeble attempts.
Monday, January 11, 2010 8:41PM
The popcorn was good and the blue girl was cute.
Monday, January 11, 2010 8:46PM
Thanks, Matthew. So much better said than my own feeble attempts.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 5:26AM
There are clearly two discussions going on here. One by people who have heard the word subtext and metaphor and those who simply see and believe. One by those that think and one by those that regurgitate. In case you are unclear those that regurgitate are the ones who don't understand why anyone is raising the issue of race and ethnicity with words like "white guilt" "noble savage" or of course the classic "white man's burden". So before you wet yourself again defending what you don't even understand(the film) perhaps we could try to know what the fuck we're talking about for starters. A good first step would be to understand the history of those words in quotes.
I was Born on the Fourth of Avatar while Dancing with Wolves and special effects geeks should not be allowed to direct movies.
As for the "as a white man, I have been the reciever of racism" you are the poster child of the problem and you can't even spell receiver correctly. I recommend digressing less.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 4:31AM
“Darkstar”…..what an idiot.Since Obama has came into office,the black race is ultimitally bringing up more and more racist junk.Get over yourselves!! You are not a slave! You,nor your parents,nor your grandparents were slaves.In fact if you learned anything on history,all races have been slaves at some point in time.INCLUDING WHITE MEN!!! It is a fact that real African Americans sold there own race to these people including Hispanics,Chinese,Germans,And you know,slaves still exist in your ancestors country today even.Your ancestors came here to be freed.In China where im from,the blacks there understand this and have much respect, but here in the US it seems that a majority of blacks here are just greedy.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 2:49PM
How convenient that you can lump everyone into two neat categories. Since I understand both the what I see in the film and the concepts of white guilt, noble savage, and the "white man's burden" I'm not sure which category you've chosen to put me in.
Can a movie be classified as racist if the protagonist is clearly not? After all, we expect the antagonists to be. Is Cameron's portrayal of the indigenous people of Pandora racist just because he uses the archetype of "le bon sauvage" (the good wild man, a connotation wildly different from that of the "noble savage")? Movies are generally populated with archetypes so that we recognize and empathize with the characters. Cameron's portrayal seems more along the lines of "le bon sauvage" rather than the child-like savages portrayed in The Last of the Mohicans, for instance.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 2:53PM
It's not racist, it just shows the lack of creativity by the writer, he couldn't think of making the alines other then some one who reflects a tribe from Africa and Native American. I don't know that the fuzz it's about with this movie, there's nothing new/exciting in it, other then the CGI effects?????? that's what everybody comments after they realize that there's not much to it "yeah, but the especial effects are great" Is that what makes a movie great??? and it should be called "Pocahontas 2154"
Also the costumes??? fashion changes so quickly, he couldn't hire some body to design the costumes? I would understand if it was another galaxy like Star Wars but no, it was people from earth.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 2:57PM
And I will submit again, that the center of Cameron's story is the tale of the conversion of protagonist (a common theme in literature). But unlike some of the other stories mentioned, our "hero" is no more the savior of the Na'vi than is the good Dr. Augustine. He is not portrayed as better, smarter, or more heroic. Yes, he uses (abuses?) his knowledge of their culture to win his way back into the tribe, but he then submits himself to the leader. He asks permission to speak, offers to help, and what he ultimately provides is just that – help, in the form of insider information.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 3:07PM
The Mother God, however, is the ultimate hero.
Instead of criticising the spelling of others, why don't you try describing in detail what makes the movie racist? After all, what makes you think Cameron feels any "white guilt". I don't. I'm not responsible for the ignorance of my forebearers any more than you are for yours (and yes, I'm simply going to assume that yours were as well, for the sake of discussion, of course).
And what of "le bon sauvage"? Again, I'd argue which is portrayed (le bon sauvage vs noble savage) but regardless, the concept is more a product of sentimentalism than it is racism. It is practiced by many groups and not just in their beliefs about others but also about their own, simpler past.
So give us more than a couple of bumper stickers if you truly believe that the movie is racist (as opposed to anti-military, anti-big business, or anti-imperialist, as others have argued).
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 5:51PM
Racist? Everyone keeps commenting on "betraying your own race". They are talking about the HUMAN RACE. Have you seen the film? Humans and aliens… not whites and blacks or American Indians, f#$king aliens.
Race will always be an issue in this country if people continue to ignore the difference between fantasy worlds and reality.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 12:58PM
um the other soldiers were all sorts of colours, white black indian japanese hispanic etc, didnt you notice that??
Saturday, January 16, 2010 5:27PM
this film is racist against white people if anything. this movie portrays white people as the capitalistic oppressors while the natives are a peaceful spiritual people.
i don't believe this movie is actually racist in anyway. what if the main character, jake, was played by a none-white actor? would that really make all that much difference? people say it is racist only because they are racist against white people themselves, even if they are white.
Saturday, January 16, 2010 11:59PM
It's speciest atmost, and what is he to do? Not help them, not to use his expertise in warfare, where the Na'vi have none? The humans where superior to the Na'vi, hello the build frikking Spaceships and where almost 3000 years ahead in their technological advance!
Sunday, January 17, 2010 8:35AM
I see no racist theme in Avatar at all! People are too concerned with "black and white" in society today. What does it matter anymore? I do notice in all of this distress and attention that I have not seen one word mentioned about, "Why couldn't the savior have been of Oriental or Spanish descent." Why is that? People, this is a movie! It is entertainment! Can you not enjoy it for the entertainment, instead of depicting every little detail in the work of art? Maybe you should focus on the overview of the story… Maybe the surprisingly similarities between white European decent INVADING North America and TAKING it from the Native Americans, pushing a “third world people” out of there homes FORCEFULLY; OR EVEN how the Na'vi LOVED there land for what it was worth, for what they already had; NOT for what the "superior race" or aliens saw in it. Did you see that side of the coin? No! Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the movie (which I see none) focus on the positives; focus on the good morals you can receive from ENJOYING the film. Don’t take what isn’t yours; being one major good moral you can take from this movie. Also, I think it is sad that a talented person cannot produce or perform without being depicted and criticized every step of the way. Especially by people who, perhaps, may be jealous?
Sunday, January 17, 2010 11:50AM
The film demonstrates the crisis, or rather the collapse of existing in the modern world system of values. Competently carried out monetary policy is a key factor for economic development. In recent decades there have been radical changes in Sayama essence of money – money today no longer provide the "gold standard". Meanwhile, the principles of movement and distribution of cash flows had remained unchanged. In accordance with the laws of monetarism, to sustain the cash flow, increase the money supply must match growth in gross domestic product (GDP). Practically, this means that the modern banking and credit system, providing loans (investing) the cash equivalent of the GDP, traded by the GDP. That is, in fact banks are selling because they do not belong. This financial system is contrary to moral and ethical principles and the very spirit of the laws of the human community.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 11:42AM
How can it be racist?
It even points out what "white" people did to the Africans when they invaded!
The movie is not racist at all. It might have similarities to some ethnic group, but heck not to a specific one. If anything it is a good movie.
If this movie is racist, so is the movie Disney's Pocahontas. (WHICH IT IS NOT)
Thursday, January 21, 2010 11:57PM
In her review Mali Elfman says: 'uses their own ignorance and belief system to make himself a hero'
Really? Was that his motivation? Don't you think there just might be something more in this story than self-agrandizing heroes exploiting the natives Mali?
Cameron, along with Weta Digital and ILM have put together a film that is great entertainment and that also happens to propagandize against American Adventure Capitalism in all its glory. I'm all for it, I've seen it twice, at Hoyts and the Imax in 3D and will probably see it again.
Racism doesn't come into it unless you count the corporate racism driving the destruction of Pandora, mostly corporations are ignorant of their bloody activities as being racist.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:57AM
ya u fuckin idiot ther wer blacks/hispanics/asians…watch the movie first and pay attention if its such an issue to u
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 4:08AM
Funny that I landed on the link to this question. My friends and I always entertain one another with the undertone review and the overall viewing review for movies. Yes, there were racial undertones in Avatar. I had to laugh at "it was Thanksgiving all over again" because I had not thought of that comment myself. I enjoy looking at even commercials for undertones. My family shakes their heads at me BUT they note it's always a point well taken. Myself, the systems engineer and computer graphics art lover that I am—I loved Avatar! BUT yes, I saw the white-man-comes-in-and-befriends- the-minority-and-then-stabs-the-minority-in-the-back etc theme. I have a bigger problem with the undertones in "Happy Feet" more than I did this movie. (yes, lil' old cartoon-Happy Feet–I didn't like it at all). Avatar was great! I am planning to add another viewing to the already 1 billion dollars this weekend.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 7:20AM
If this film was NOT racist then why did the White guy (as a Na'vi) have to save the Na'vi people. Couldn't they have done it themselves without the white man's help. I guess not because what male is still the dominant ideology in films. If you don't like this portrayal than make your own films. I would love to watch a film where the main character is a female Arab-American transgendered paraplegic. I'd pay and see it!
Saturday, February 13, 2010 3:17PM
I would have to agree…While watching it I felt a little sick to my stomach with the very clear connection they attempted to make with aboriginal cultures. Simply look at the clothing of the indigenous population, and it becomes obvious that Cameron conceived of them based on a national geographic article on central African indigenous populations. While the associations we are to make with these creatures are generally positive, the issue of mystifying non-western cultures continues to be debasing, promoting patronizing attitudes…All of you who think it's just a movie are victims of poor information. This is a cultural phenomenon, seeing as over 1 billion people have seen it. Language and images are very powerful.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 5:26PM
From the view point from a native American, I am worried when I get old and see these children mix avatar and actual history since they are very similar . Google battle of little bighorn ( where I live very near to), the Sioux and their black hills. I want to see part 2 of this movie. Will this man put them in reserved land of the federal government too, our will they keep their culture intacted. And just for a reality check, google kit Carson. I can hardly wait for your comments.
Saturday, March 6, 2010 11:52PM
I think it is racist. Or at least has deep racial undertones.
They're meant to be patterned after Native American culture, but they more closely resemble the Masai and similar African tribes.
All the main human characters are Caucasian. In the future are all visible ethnicities killed (barring Michelle Rodriguez's character, there are no other non-white characters including extras).
It is odd that the Na'vi weren't able to save themselves, and when they fired arrows at the helicopter the evil general just laughs at their idiocy and proceeds to kill them. I don't think it was meant to come across as a 'white mans burden' but it certainly felt that way.
THE MAIN POINT:
I don't take this movie seriously, and no one else should. The undertones of racism are muted by how bad the dialogue is. The movie should be praised for it's use of color and style, but in terms of plot/dialogue and just about everything else – it fails miserably. It's a movie worth watching just to see how the general consensus can be horribly wrong. It's not worthy of any award besides best graphics, the plot and the story are laughable – as is any sign of a sequel (which is already in the works).
Sunday, March 7, 2010 6:06AM
that's the whole point of the movie. the writers/directors were trying to make a statement that there is a possibility of racism in the future (not to mention the present). the film makers were very aware, and that is made clearly thru the name. Na'vi is a hebrew word for prophet, which is what the directors were trying to make the movie into. its a statement on our possible future.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 11:49AM
The movie clearly describes the intention of exploiting the 'ethnic' race of the Na'vi a cruel and immoral.
To see this a racist propaganda *for* such exploitation, one *has* to be a complete moron.
The movie doesn't clearly say that the Na'vi wouldn't have won without the help of the protagonist, but it tells a tale, where the (white) hero chooses to side with (and join) the natives.
In order to see this as 'racist', one *has* to be a moron too.
Anybody who regards 'Avatar' af 'racist' should stick to kids books. It is impropable that they will ever be able to cope with anything more complex.
(Not saying that 'Avatar' is very complex; on the contrary; it is so straightforward that you need your school money back if you can mistake it for 'racist' or other such nonsense).
Thursday, April 8, 2010 2:10PM
wow… people in general are really stupid. its a movie about people going to another planet and the natives there and everyone is acting like they killed your mom. chill out it aint real. pandora isnt a real planet and the navie arent real so how the hell didja get it in your head that this movie out of all in the world is racist. okay if it was a movie like taken or something like that but avatar?
Friday, April 9, 2010 10:41PM
if anything it is portraying the na'vi as the hero and the white man as the evil entity now blind side on the other hand bothers me
Friday, May 28, 2010 4:01AM
We are all going to die one day. Is this really the petty bull-shit you people want to spend your precious time here arguing over? Or for that matter, arguing at all! The world would be a happier place if people would keep this in mind and focus on the blessings they have as opposed to finding something to bitch about/ find fault with/ start wars over etc. If you could ask any of the people who are dead and gone what they cared about most at their time to go, I bet every answer would be similar to having more time to ENJOY LIFE! Love someone, hug your babies, dance , laugh, whatever. Go outside every morning and revel at the beauty of this world. Sure there is alot that's rotten about it, but the rotten parts aren't worthy of your time, thoughts or energy.