A fun piece — one of the more perceptive things I’ve read about the film.
Sign up for the Mockingbird Newsletter
COMMENTS
4 responses to “The Messiah Complex — David Brooks on AVATAR”
Leave a Reply
A fun piece — one of the more perceptive things I’ve read about the film.
I almost posted this! Glad you did John. Interesting perspective.
Another reason it is a successful formula is that it helps the masses assuage their collective guilt inculcated in them by the media concerning our "wanton destruction of the environment and oppression of any one not white."
Thanks for posting this – I was thinking the same thing after Avatar – it's the Dances With Wolves type. Which made me wonder – has any other culture had an equivalent of a "White Messiah fable"? I mean, when a member of one culture switches sides to fight against his own, to the enjoyment of the audience consisting largely of that culture? And I'm not just talking about stories which may find wisdom in other cultures or species (animal fables).
Sure, who wasn't rooting for Marine-turned-Navi friend in the end, especially with how Cameron paints the mil-industral complex? But seriously! Has any other culture glorified being a traitor, or satisfied us (America/Capitalism) in being called bad-guys, like our production of the "White Messiah fable?"
Pat, I think you're right on that this is borne out of collective guilt.
Interesting…
it's really helpfull your can post this one. Make me think again about what happen in this world….