Blockbuster Breakthrough
7 Feb 2010
Avatar and District 9 were two of the year's biggest blockbuster films. Although both provided very unique storylines and cinema experiences, these two films share an interesting underlying message. Each story is told from the viewpoint of individuals who buy into the dominant, mainstream thoughts and attitudes of their cultures. These cultural mindsets involve an extreme dislike for those that are different from themselves.
It results in the 'alien'ation (literally in the case of these two films!) of an entire race. Pointing out how different these beings are allows the main characters to align themselves with the majority mindset which tells them that it is acceptable to degrade and destroy and the lives of these aliens. The main characters in Avatar and District 9 are simply doing what is appropriate and "necessary" for the benefit of their own kind until something goes terribly wrong...They are made to feel how the other side is being treated. In both movies we watch the main character's become the alien and begin to relate to how it feels to walk in footsteps of those oppressed by the dominant culture.
It may not be coincidence that directors have hit on similar themes in recent films. What might these movies be trying to tell us about our own society? Who are the aliens in our communities and how are we treating them? An alien by definition is simply a foreigner, stranger or someone different and unfamiliar.
Do you think we would reconsider our behavior towards those different from ourselves if we were to walk in their shoes? As Christians we are told not to mistreat the aliens among us and, rather, to treat them as we would a native citizen (Leviticus 19:33-34). We are also reminded numerous times to love, defend and provide for aliens (i.e. Deuteronomy 10:18-19). Is the dominant culture in your society living by these commandments? What should the Christian response be?
Comments
Re: Blockbuster Breakthrough
Very interesting Brenda...specially if I take some minutes to reflect on this setence...Who are the aliens in our communities and how are we treating them? x.
7 Feb 2010 by Greice Moura
Re: Blockbuster Breakthrough
Initially I thought District 9 was a documentary on the xenophobic attacks that took place in South Africa during May 2008.
It was so strange watching the teaser and hearing the exact same comments I had previously heard on the news; the word “aliens” not referring to extraterrestrial beings but fellow Africans.
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees 45 000 people were displaced and 62 killed.
Much of the tensions stemmed from locals blaming their unemployment on immigrants willing to work for lower wages, some being exploited and paid below minimum wage, employers knowing the chances of being taken to any labour tribunal were low.
Unfortunately November 2009 saw more attacks affecting 3000 people.
Amiss all the sadness it was encouraging seeing locals and the Church respond with aid. The South African Red Cross Society launched a R2-million aid appeal. I remember one of the ladies saying how even just visits made a difference.
Thanks for writing this, it has me thinking what or how we, as individuals and collectively, can help others that have been displaced settle in.
8 Feb 2010 by Grace Mononela // Australia
Re: Blockbuster Breakthrough
James Cameron had great intentions in his film, Avatar, highlighting obvious political and environmental issues.
The film illustrates the unrestrained spread of highly militarised imperial powers operating with a mindset of exploitation. There is a reference, early in the film, to a war in Venezuela, an explicit reference to the United States' antagonism to the Chavez Government that stands up to the destructive impact of neo-liberal globalisation in South America. By extension, the film is talking about all the other nations invaded, in recent decades by the States, the most famous include Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, Nicaragua, Afghanistan, Iraq and now Pakistan.
Is an Afghani or Vietnamese child worth as much as a white, English-speaking child?
9 Feb 2010 by Nathan McDonnell
Re: Blockbuster Breakthrough
Wow I've been thinking about this issue, and the intolerance of people for the past few weeks...what a coincedence that I came upon this.
It's great food for thought and good encouragement to change the situation! Thanks!!
10 Feb 2010 by Naomi E-M // Australia
