// January 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Reels
For whatever reason, I am feeling strongly motivated to write about my initial impressions of James Cameron’s Latest Ultra-Budget-Badass, Avatar (3D). I am very thankful that I somehow managed to avoid all of the trailers and write-ups regarding this film, so that I could go into it without really knowing anything about it. I’ve spoken to many people who were turned off by the trailer, the excessive hype, and/or the all-too-familiar premise. Now, after seeing the film, I feel like it would be unfortunate to dismiss something that carries this much potential positive impact simply due to some pre-judged misinformation. Therefore I will share some of what I came away with, just in case it helps to offer a new perspective to those still on the fence.
Before I begin, let me just say that I believe Avatar to be a true sign of the times. There are so many subjects, symbols, underlying messages and themes throughout the movie, one could write countless essays about “what it all means.” Please understand I am not trying to do that. All I intend to do is share with you how I feel after recently watching this epic film.
I actually feel a lot like I did after seeing The Matrix for the first time. I feel strongly motivated and inspired. I also feel hopeful, empowered, and deeply connected.
The way a person feels coming out of a film usually has much more to do with what’s going on in that person’s life at the time than the film itself. However, sometimes a film can so accurately reflect what’s going on in a person’s life that it helps to clarify ideas or accentuate feelings in a way that makes newfound sense. For me, Avatar serves as a clear representation of the current societal “shift” that I believe we are all feeling in some way or another. Through messages in the story and intricate symbolism, this film illuminates many pertinent subjects of the collective consciousness. These subjects, such as Health (physical, mental, and spiritual), Environmental Responsibility, and Inner Understanding, have rapidly grown in importance for our society over the past few years. Now we are at last beginning to accept the truth: Our collective actions as a species have placed this entire planet in very grave danger.
All of the precious life that exists in this world relies upon an extremely delicate balance of factors, and we are now watching as that balance continues to unravel and surge out of our “control.” If we ignore the truth, and continue living the way we have, in a matter of decades (or to put it plainly, during the lives of our current and future grandchildren), “life” as we know it will cease to exist. We find ourselves on the brink of the ultimate choice: “Evolution or Extinction?” Just in case you’re behind the times, it’s the latest spin on: “Sink or Swim?” Our collective conscious choice will decide our fate. I believe Avatar gives us a positive collective vision of what that evolution could actually be. What it might look like and how it might feel. It’s like a wakeful splash of optimism in the face of the ominously dark cloud of doomsday advocacy that eerily resembles the forebodingly countless tons of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere these days. Avatar shows us that anything is possible if we truly believe it to be. This is one of its most recurring messages (and one of my favorite themes).
I also believe the conflict that transpires in the film between the “Sky People” and the “Navi” reflects the present struggle between the old paradigm (as it powers down) and the new paradigm (as it blossoms). Age old characteristics of the old paradigm are present: Forcefully taking what you want, even if it means theft, trickery, and/or murder, only to seize it irresponsibly, make it exclusionary, separate and often dominating, juice it for all it’s worth, and then ultimately destroy it and go look for something else to steal/take over. The film presents clear, well-constructed symbols of Greed, Military Aggression, Capitalistic Destruction, and Scientific Arrogance that demonstrate how such practices are counter-intuitive to living a truly satisfied life.
These contradictory elements of the old paradigm thankfully have no place in the new paradigm, which fundamentally adheres to a life of abundance and harmony with the surrounding environment. It is also characterized by a deep belief in, and respect for Spirit and Nature. The lush habitat abundantly provides everything the people need to live beautifully fulfilled, meaningful, purposeful, healthy lives. These beings constantly recognize and acknowledge the miracle of life in all that can be perceived. Many of these lifestyle characteristics can already be found throughout the cultures of many indigenous people across the world. For centuries these cultures have been called everything from “primitive,” to “savage,” to “pagan,” and yet we now see more and more indigenous, ancient practices being adopted by our “advanced civilization” as we make the collective conscious decision to live more worthwhile lives. Even the simple idea that “energy is borrowed, and you eventually have to give it back,” shows a keen recognition of how precious life is. This ever-present state of mind is shared with core principles that clearly reflect certain characteristics of the new paradigm, such as Balance, Faith, Love, Respect, and Unity.
Another major contrast of these two worlds can be found in how each culture approaches ultimate fulfillment. The Sky People are so dependent upon technology that it could technically be seen as their deity. The social “progress” of the Sky People is wholly linked to technological development. It is essentially needed to perform each and every task, and is intrinsic to each and every decision. This technological dependency substantiates the inherent idea of fulfillment from outside oneself, and results in an increasingly incessant feeling of emptiness that can never fully be quenched. Hence, the Sky People will always have the desperate need for “more,” even if it conflicts with the wellbeing of the greater good. For example, consider the following statement: “Just find out what they need – what would it take to buy them off their sacred land?” The Navi see this so-called “logic” of the Sky People as insane and utterly reprehensible. The Sky People discover there is nothing they can offer the Navi because the Navi approach their fulfillment from within. They believe in Eywa, a Spirit that fully interconnects all life. This belief inherently promotes a balanced state of mind, and instills the concept of having everything you need from start to finish. A constant recognition of this interconnected inner-divinity, whether through the complex, web-like roots of the trees in the forest, or their innate ability to transmit the voices of Navi ancestors, creates the peace of mind for everyone that they are alive for a specific purpose, and that the planet will provide for them as they understand, discover, and fulfill that purpose. The Navi also deeply believe in the idea of seeing each other beyond the surface, and fully embracing their spiritual connection. Through this inherent interconnectedness and righteous, prophesied leadership, they are able to unify extremely quickly, and formidably stand together against that which threatens to destroy their culture and their world.
Of course, everything Avatar must still be taken with a grain of salt because it’s still Hollywood, after all. For instance, right away you know the hero/savior is unquestionably going to end up being the white male, just as it is in The Matrix, The Last of the Mohicans, The Last Samurai, Dances With Wolves, and countless others.
Considering that at this point in time we are still shifting away from the old paradigm to the new, I suppose such a cliché is still necessary. Otherwise, the powers that be might strongly refute the entire film simply because they “don’t think people will get it…”
I’m pretty sure in every movie like this the hero is always depicted by a white male. As a matter of fact, if anyone knows of some epic film that involves a hero infiltrating a foreign (or in layman’s terms, “savage”) culture and becoming its figurative or, often literal “savior,” and that hero happens to be a person of color, please let me know!
I can say however, that at least in Avatar, after betraying those who opened their hearts to him, the white male hero finds his redemption by successfully unifying the Navi and instigating their collective resistance to exploitation, domination, displacement, and potential genocide. He also demonstrates through undeniable actions that he has a good heart, and presents a perfect example of looking beyond the surface to see what a person is really worth.
Despite all of the clichés and predictabilities of this film, I feel it is important to look past the played-out, Hollywood dogma and focus on the progressively tangible messages and symbols of truth that are undeniably present. I believe this film can reinforce the convictions of those who are already vibrating on the wavelength/frequency of the new paradigm, and again, like The Matrix, help them to spread this consciousness with a newfound frame of reference that is reaching billions of people across the globe.
The message is to “Wake Up!” and take responsibility for not only our individual lives, but our collective actions as a species. It’s not too late to set things right, but we must act now. If we stand by and wait for some dramatically decisive, denial-shattering proof, it will be too late. Become the Evolution. Let us welcome this new paradigm by re-working our living habits so we can function harmoniously with this beautiful planet that bountifully provides all that we need to be truly happy and free!
My Avatar experience has left me with a newfound inspiration to grow brighter and wiser, and to further embrace my humanity. I do not expect everyone to have the same experience, but I do believe everyone will have some sort of timely, necessary experience of inner exploration, even if they ultimately end up disliking the film. I also believe that some will affirmatively embrace this artistic expression of love, unity, courage, and faith as a salute to true earthlings everywhere, and come away from it feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to make a difference!
Peace
Rahad Coulter-Stevenson
Yes Folks, It’s All Happening…NOW! Thank you so much for all of your heartfelt encouragement and tremendous support. Please enjoy the following bulletin. I am so happy to be able to share this fantastic news! Hope to see you soon!
