thanks so much for your intelligent comment. i agree with you that the black white binary exists, and i understand your criticism of the film – particularly in light of the experience you had watching the film with your son. as the mother of a growing Black boy, i am much more aware of the persistent problem of racism in world cultures, particularly the manifestation of white supremacy in film. while you and chris are correct that the earthling leads are mostly white in cameron’s movie, there were more than plenty people of color assisting in the massacre. i also think the casting of michelle rodriguez as an earthling lead is significant.

the na’vi are most certainly people of color; i suggest, however, that they are not us. as westernized people of African descent, we form the earthling invader force in pandora. after all, we are responsible for the assault on our own planet: we benefit from this plundering of our natural resources, and war, and the subjugation of others – even if we only benefit passively.

our ancestors are the na’vi; and, i assert, we need to come correct, recognize what we have become, and (perhaps like jake sully) change.

thanks again for keeping such a sharp discourse going, aj. i really respect your comments.

eisa

Unfortunately the Black-White binary is still in existence. It’s due to the the ability, or lack of ability, to assimilate. The darker your skin, the harder it is to do so. How many women of chocolate skin land leading roles in movies? Men fair better than women but not by much. Things are changing for the better, but Avatar is a BIG step back as far a movies go. Like Chris said, the major roles held by African Americans were Na’vi. The men were effectively emasculated and while the princess disregarded her fiance for the “hero”. My fifteen year old asked why all the blue guys died and the princess married the white guy so I had to remind him that it’s just made up by someone. The Na’ vi are so similar to Native Americans that it is apparent that the plot is very Pocahontas. So yes the plot says people with power shouldn’t trod on the weak but it also says that the weak are African American actors that look like Native Americans with impotent men and need a white savior. It’s been done many times before.

Thanks for your thoughtful comment! I, of course, have no idea what way Cameron’s mind is oriented, but I do think it’s interesting that he gave so many actors of color work – as Na’vi and as human characters who invade Pandora. My point is still this: None of us is Pocahantas. Not any more. It breaks my heart to have to admit it, but still is so so true. No matter that, as I write this comment, I just happen to have my hair in two braids AND I actually do have some Indian blood in me. My bottom line is, as a movie (almost art Avatar’s message is that all Westerners, including African Americans, Latinos, and other folk of color, have to make some changes. Now. The Black-White binary no longer applies, does it? New, and more challenging dynamics have emerged.

I wonder what readers of http://www.NatTurnersRevenge would think…

Joy!

Eisa

The tipping point for me was that ALL of the Nav’i were played by black actors, from Laz Alonzo to CCH Pounder (okay there was also Native American Wes Studi reprising his Last of the Mohicans thing). Hmmm.

What do you think of my idea that the movie is not Pocahantas in Space – that it is, in fact, something quite different? Would love to know what you think!

Eisa