AVATAR MOVIE ASSIGNMENT



Assignment

Animism

In looking back over the past 150,000 years of human existence on this planet, some believe that animism was probably the first religion. Animism begins with the idea that everything is alive, and therefore everything has a "soul" or "spirit."

Since human beings, like all living things, have a "soul" or "spirit," this means that they can communicate with all forms of the “living”. This would include in-animate objects such as rocks, trees, etc. This two-way form of communication meant that humans could talk to trees, animals, rocks, and so on, and all of these other living things could talk to humans.

In Avatar, communication with their environment is made by a direct link as illustrated by the Na’vi using their braids. Other indigenous people here on Earth also believe in this form of communication but for them this communication is done through other means (i.e. dreams, spiritual ceremonies).

Environment, Sustainability

Economic Sustainability

It means that development is economically efficient and that the benefits of such development are distributed between generations of people. Growth now will not place people living in the future in danger.

Social Sustainability

It requires that development does not cause social conflict. In practice this means that development should increase people’s control over their own lives—that all social groups should have the opportunity to participate in decision making.

Cultural Sustainability

It requires that any development should take into account the values and beliefs affected by it. In addition, the range of cultural groups should be maintained and encouraged and the value of their heritage, traditions, and points of view recognized.

Ecological Sustainability

It means that development should take into account the maintenance of ecological processes, biological diversity, and environmental resources. To achieve this, our society needs to recognize that the survival and well-being of other species are also important.

Nature and Us:

1. Both Aboriginal people and the Na’vi believe in the connection with their environment. Why is that connection so important? (Give at least four examples and explain why.)

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2. Give an example of how the Na’vi connected to each of the following: (Be sure to include an explanation as to why the connection was significant.)

a) animals

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b) eywa

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3. Do you believe that the majority of humans have lost that sense of communication with nature? Explain.

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Symbolism in the movie Avatar:

4. Explain what each of the following symbols represented in the movie and how it can be related to real life here on Earth using examples (3 marks each):

Ewya

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Unobtainium

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Tree of Souls

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Na’vi Braids

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RDA Corporation

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Colonel Quaritch

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Avatar Program (scientists)

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Pandora

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5. When it was decided that Jake would be taken in by the Na’vi and trained, Moat, the spiritual leader says, “Learn well, "Jakesully", and we will see if your insanity can be cured”. What is she referring to? What is the “insanity” she is speaking about and how can it be “cured”? (Remember, Jake was sent in to learn how to communicate with the Na’vi in order to convince them to leave their home. What was Moat really hoping would happen instead?)

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6. The planet, Pandora, is a Garden of Eden of sorts where aggression is unnecessary. What does this reveal about the way many “humans” view the created world and the resources of the planet? What must humans “unlearn” to live in harmony with nature?

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7. Which theme do you think Avatar made the most impactful commentary on – colonialism, corporate greed, environmental exploitation, or race relations? Why?

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