|
 |
2/3/2010
Haering: Avatar - I must be Evil
I am tired of high-tech capitalist movies telling me that high-tech capitalism is bad.
Now that I have seen history’s biggest box office smash, Avatar, and cheered in all the right places, and cried in all the right places and let it walk straight into my soul and hug me, I have had time to make some connections to comparable films that have done the same.
Avatar is not the first film to decry evil in the form of greedy capitalists and their drones. Maybe it was the unnecessary 3-D, which I cannot see. Either James Cameron didn’t trust his story or it was deliberate technological one-upsmanship. Free eye-candy to boost the box office.
I love Star Wars. I treasure E.T. I adore The Incredibles. Wall-E was less adorable for its painful obviousness [Buy n Large Corp.] and inadvertent pro-life message [Directive!], which obviously did not distract from the Golden Globe-winning love story. I could even metaphorically rope in Lord of the Rings.
But Avatar tossed them all into the marinade. All are high-tech capitalist movies whose evil villains are high-tech capitalists. Whether the quest is for social control, global hegemony, galactic empire or a mountain of unobtainium.
Unobtainium. As obvious a symbol as the planet’s name, Pandora -- also an ancient Greek myth who opened Hesoid’s jar of evils. With the 3D glasses on, you don’t feel the film’s Skin Bracer slap.
But the message is as plain as the nose off your Sphinx: High-tech capitalism is bad.
Which is an odd message since none of those great movies could have been produced without high-tech capitalism. In fact, even freedom to pitch such movies would be horizontal without high-tech capitalism.
Horizontal? Ever try to actually reach a horizon?
The movies all depict a grasping and gasping humanity desperately missing the spiritual connection with Nature, abetted by technology, in a blind materialist clamor to satisfy the spiritual vortex.
Material cannot satisfy spiritual need any more than J. Wellington Wimpy’s hamburger today, gladly paid for on Tuesday, can satisfy Thursday’s hunger.
Which is precisely why Avatar’s sequel will be another Death Star. Cameron, like Lucas, broke the world record for high-tech villainy on his first attempt. The sequel, being written now, surely features an even larger American armada [do not kid yourself that Avatar’s villains represent Mankind] will face off with tech-savvy Na’vi, led by reincarnated clone Na’vi, Jake Sully, who will have helped them upgrade their defense apparatus.
Because Cameron, like Lucas, is not a spiritual but a capitalist visionary.
But I have a challenge for Cameron. Hollywood is famous for symbols. Death Stars and Unobtainium. The Tree of Souls and The Force. But symbols don’t provide what we need to quench the spiritual vortex. Give us the real thing.
Here is what I heard from kids and adults alike as I left the theater: “Wow! .. .Cool! … If I found a planet like that, I wouldn’t blow them up and stuff. I’d ask them to teach me stuff. … Yeah, I wouldn’t be like those army guys, I’d be nice, I’d ask them if I could fly one of those dragons. .. They could have left the war part out. Those tree beds looked cozy.”
It was clear to me, viewers did not see that high-tech capitalism was what enabled “those army guys” to find Pandora in the first place. That the quest for unobtainium, like a Jimmy Neutron plot, created the problem it had to solve.
I propose that Cameron write a script and pitch the idea to the People. Open a campaign website, pitch the story and a film budget, take public donations, then make the movie on whatever he can raise.
Give us a movie that shows us how to be like the Na’vi on Earth. Show us what we have on Earth that equals their Tree of Souls. Show us our braid that links to Nature and its creatures.
And maybe high-tech capitalism could actually be the good guy for once.
Tim Haering, of Concord, California – and not an Avatar – was a policy adviser to Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson.
COMMENTS
The broader theme is not high tech capitalism run amuk it is an older and oft told story of greed. We are a society now eternally wed to high tech living with no visible end in sight. The other and perhaps more important theme is the suggestion that we are connected, one to another and to the larger universe of common energy. I wish I had an apendage that I could connect to other life forms that would give me the opportunity to become one with the universe. Maybe that connection would give me insights into how small I really am in the great scheme of things. We could all use a little humbling.
billie (Wed Feb 03 08:19:36 2010)
Hey, it's a "free market." Make (or underwrite)your own film consistent with the truth you perceive. Once you rake in your $1 billion plus in box office receipts you'll have the media spotlight in which to publicly articulate your beliefs.
Dennis (Wed Feb 03 08:32:43 2010)
Putting all the comparisons of the movie to our world aside... It was a magnificent piece of art. a captivating story-line with unbelievable and flawless eye-candy! But i will admit towards the end it was a little hard to stomach some of the futuristic tree-hugger lines. :)
Joe (Wed Feb 03 09:08:49 2010)
***I wish I had an apendage that I could connect to other life forms that would give me the opportunity to become one with the universe.***
Good luck with the appendage thing. If I found a plug-in in my head I'd be looking for a communist takeover of our country. I suggest a puppy.
***We are a society now eternally wed to high tech living with no visible end in sight***
I've read that those who wove cotton before the invention of automated looms said the same thing.
And Billie, you haven't noticed that our president is doing his best to make sure we have no more technological advances? You may get your wish yet.
C.R. Stevenson (Wed Feb 03 09:36:12 2010)
As long as we are talking about films, may I make a comment about TV shows and how several now have a current social problem as one of its themes.
Law and Order has been so bad that even TV pundents are now talking about it.
Anti-American, anti-big business, pro-life, all doctors and all business is greedy and corrupt, anti- Catholic/Christian. Every episode now promotes some social theme.
Hollywood is just as much a brain washer as the President and Liberals.
John Hyland (Wed Feb 03 10:01:16 2010)
The Government's role in all of this is something to think About. Human Genome project has already made this "sci Fi" a closer reality than the public realizes. Gov. continues it's unchecked high tech "science" in "secret" using human DNA, from newborns and the "Grandfathered HIPPA research patients of April 14, 2003 and all their genetic descendants.
The gov. interest in science historically gets twisted into how this "science" can be used to overpower others. Think Atomic weapons.
Avatar...science was "used" as a "pet project" to manipulate natives, when it failed, next typical gov intervention..to get what they want...Military. Take it.
Much of the genetic/ cloning stuff is already well underway. When "THE GOVERNMENT" PAYS AND CONTROLS THIS SCIENCE,,,,people should be thinking "why"??? and the historically abuse of science by the government.
DNA is the only thing each of us have that is unique to us. It is precious and not to be triviled with.
Worse, it should not be taken from infants at birth, nor collected from "those of interest" genetically by the government...without their consent or knowledge.
Beth Collins (Sat Feb 06 17:49:40 2010)
|
|
Blog Archives
| 2010 |
  December
|
November
|
October
|
September
|
August
|
July
|
June
|
May
|
April
|
March
|
February
|
January
• Solberg: Healing After an Abortion
• Basketball fans eyeing extension of Miller Park sales tax
• Nanny sex-ed bill goes to Doyle
• A first. Village limits pension contribution for employees
• Nanny State update: Toothbrushing mandated
• Obama pushes education inflation
• WI Investment Board votes to borrow to juice up returns
• So Republicans have brought nothing to the table?
• You have got to be kidding me
• Nygren: Governor Continues Terms of Failure in State of the State
• Sen. Fitzgerald: Governor down the wrong track at high speed
• Phosphorus is the new CO2. $Billions in Wisconsin
• More Obama giveaways
• A reprimand? Would you keep him on the job?
• Burri: Sarah Palin for Prez troubles me
• Quote of the Day – Obama after the pie-eating contest
• Populism, abused and trampled
• Fitzgerald: Senate Republicans Propose Real Job Creation Agenda
• Stripped down health insurance – it’s about time
• Ok GOP, scrap the Party of NO; time to lead
• No way Feingold is a Coakley. Is Wall a Brown?
• Burri: Conservatives off the chart for a RINO?
• Paltry quid pro quo?
• Doyle says ARRA has ‘created or retained’ 44,000 WI jobs
• Does most of the public fall for this stuff?
• When you get signatures, always get a couple extra
• Blame it on the outmoded computers
• Scott Brown victory does not scuttle health bill
• 8th Congressional Candidate Forum, Jan. 25
• Scott Walker Meet-and-greet, Monday, Jan. 18
• Aren’t consumers taxpayers too?
• MORE taxes on investment income - dreadful and wrong
• Join the blaze orange army and say ‘Enough is Enough’
• The future of government-run health care
• Tax on banks is a really bad idea
• Roth, Savard on the stump, grassroots style
• Savard speaking in Appleton, 8 PM, Wed., Jan. 13.
• Rahmlow: Savard, Bies frontrunners for State Senate
• Burri: Failing Political Correctness 101
• School contracts and Race to the Top
• Senator Feingold worrisome and big red flags
• Psephological?
• This is really important. Contact Rep. Kagen. Now. Please.
• This is exactly what we need from Governor Doyle
• This guy is my hero
• Why am I not surprised?
• Talk health reform with Feingold (Th), Petri (today)
• Give the Mayor power over MPS - if he can break contracts
• Burri: Yup, Dems really are going to bypass a conference
• The $2.7 billion Wisconsin deficit no one told you about
• Walker launches county accountability website
• Rahmlow: Why is Van Hollen dodging the Nebraska deal?
|
| 2009 |
December
|
November
|
October
• The Lawton-Bader files
• Yup, it’s the TAX LEVY, not the tax RATE
• Ellis: costly automobile insurance laws must be rolled back
• If not Barrett, who?
• The subsidy game
• Burri: Bailouts, Banks, Health Care, and the Mob
• Attend Appleton Schools budget meeting tonight
• A public option WON’T increase costs? That’s delusional!
• Appleton Schools budget meeting Monday
• Wisconsin should be screaming for accountability
• Burri: If anything, we need more obstructionism around here
• WI on the leading edge - in the wrong direction
• Rep. Montgomery: Utility Customers Join State’s Crime-Fighting Efforts
• Public Conservation and Recreation Lands Total 16.5% of State
• In the crow's nest of the Titanic, shouting 'Iceberg!'
• Is Rep. Nelson a political hack?
• Health care: The road ahead will be brutal
• Kagen's pandering again
• Birthers - good stuff for you
• How much do we bend over backward for seniors?
• The trouble with health care is paying for it
• Two-parent families: The Gold Standard
• Burri: Kids... the joys and blessings
• Very, very worried about health care
• Rep. Huebsch: Wisconsin is proof government health care isn’t the answer
• School district contracts push up tax levy
• What? Obama, the Peace Prize?
• TODAY - hearing on Campaign Finance Reform
• Appleton School District tax levy up way too much
• CBO report is out - and the bill isn't even written yet?
• So, how much do YOU budget for health care?
• Burri: Copenhagen trip was amateurish
• “Sotomayor, you have blood on your hands...”
• Cap and Trade. Always follow the money
• Rep. Kagen gets (almost) free health services
• I actually agree with Rep. Kagen
• Future Wisconsin Conference for Conservatives, October 10, Wauwatosa
|
September
|
August
|
July
|
June
|
May
|
April
|
March
|
February
|
January
|
| 2008 |
December
|
November
|
October
|
September
|
August
|
July
|
June
|
May
|
April
|
March
• Important votes Tuesday, including Appleton Common Council
• Democrats are becoming supply siders??
• Further debunking Hillary myths
• WEAC has created an unsustainable monopoly
• From Mark Gundrum: One of the greatest honors an American can experience
• 'Operation Chaos' working?
• Joe Martin the best candidate in Appleton's 8th
• State programs to cut? - Volume II
• Oh the naivete of youth
• Not just disingenuous - flat wrong
• Steve - you will be missed
• Make cuts only AFTER you're elected....
• Getting serious: What programs can we cut?
• Rep. Steve Kagen joining me on Jerry Bader Show today
• Rep. Van Roy: Dental Care Pilot Program
• Has Dave Obey turned the corner on earmarks?
• Speaker Huebsch: Governor turns down Federal Aid?
• Mark Rahmlow: "We're Broke."
• As taxpayers, how do we know if it's a Chevy or a Lexus?
• This is trash talk - about a veteran
• Frank Lasee: Take time to get the Compact right
• 'The Gableman Ad' - is it racist?
• Roth thankful, Kagen shaking money tree
• Gov. Doyle's office not enamored with Freedom of Information
• Governor Doyle will never do it
• Leadership on smoking ban? Not Hanna
• Rep. Van Roy speaks out about smear ads
• You're threatening me about potholes?
• Losing the Hastert seat is NOT a trend and NOT curtians for the GOP
• First suggestion for 'slashing' programs
• Big money-saver for municipalities
• More one time fixes. Nuts.
• Any chances???
• I'm doing the Jerry Bader Show, today, the 11th
• Representative Frank Lasee: Final Waltz of the Season
• Guest Blog: It's not the county's business to be in the nursing home business
• Yup, Hillary won Texas and Ohio
• Gableman/Butler race featured - and it isn't pretty
• Lies from Planned Parenthood and NARAL
• He who sacrifices liberty.....
• Duh.
• The Troha sentencing, Doyle and that $200K
• Guns, passion and "originality"
• How hard is it anyway, to shut down a government program?
• Voting is a PRIVILEGE. And so are property taxes....
• Guest Blog: Governor Doyle, cancel your Ireland trip
|
February
|
January
|
| 2007 |
December
|
November
|
October
|
September
|
August
|
July
|
June
|
May
|
April
|
March
|
February
|
January
• Lots of ideas. No money.
• The Cigarette Tax - "Poor Policy Instrument?"
• School budget Lite?
• Frankenstein - not in the library, but in the legislature
• A librarian, a legislator, a president
• $1.25/pack - NO, NO, NO, and NO
• Kagen and Reagan in the same breath?
• Menasha: behind the 8-ball, but not biting the dust
• Any way you slice it, Wisconsin government wants (further) in on health care
• The World is Flat...what about health care?
• The PAC - too precious to fail. Day 3
• News follow-ups: Appleton West, Kagen at the White House
• Fox Cities PAC - too precious to fail - Day 2
• Fox Cities PAC - too precious to fail
• New Transit Tax coming your way
• Rep. Petri has his finger in the dike - I guess
• AASD Retirement Costs Burdensome
• Health care, health care, health care, health care
• Water rate increase was no slam dunk
• Education for all is just a bad dream
• New Year's resolutions from a parade snob
|
| 2006 |
December
|
November
|
October
|
September
|
| 2000 |
May
|
|
