In general, an imperialistic country tends to intervene with other sovereign countries and focus on more worldly affairs, rather than of those within their own country. Imperialism can be defined as, according to Webster's Dictionary, "the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and domination of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas." The United States, being a world power, is a wonderful example of an imperialistic country.
The movie "Avatar" can be an example of imperialism as well. Although this film contains a supernatural world as well as Earth life, we are still able to see glimpses of imperialism occurring. Here, human scientists and soldiers enter this other world known as Pandora. Life is completely different in Pandora than life on Earth. There are no humans in Pandora, although the main species closely resembles them (Na'vi). A highly trained team of scientists and soldiers journey to Pandora to obtain a special material but end up learning the ways of the new world and survival skills as well. The main character and marine, Jake Sully, enters Pandora as a Na'vi and quickly bonds with the native woman, Neytiri. In this movie, the scientists and soldiers are kind of in a battle against each other. The scientists are concerned with preserving Pandora's culture and life while the soldiers just want the prized material that will make them rich. Imperialism can be seen through the eyes of the soldiers. They don't care about the native Na'vi people in Pandora, nor do they have any concern about the damage they are causing. The Na'vi scared tree stands at the center of Pandora, with parts of all their ancestors on it. This tree is the foundation of Pandora and all the connections the Na'vi have with their ancestors. The soldiers, with their ruthless determination, destroy the tree and most of the wildlife in Pandora.
This act is similar to what the United States has been doing since it became a world power. We have overthrown governments, intervened with sovereign countries, broken treaties and bombed countries for political or economical reasons. I chose "Avatar" as a representation of imperialism because it really did portray a strong nation (Earth) oppressing a weaker one (Pandora). I learned that sometimes it's best to not get involved in areas that don't specifically need our attention. Pandora didn't need anything from us. We just went in and tried to change their language, culture and way of life but wound up practically destroying their whole world. If we're not careful, America may one day be in that position as well.
http://www.colettebaronreid.com/blog/new-thought/avatar-messages-spirit-part-2/
June 2, 1908
Working on the Panama Canal today was even more dreadful than usual; it seems as if the job gets harder with each new day. More and more workers are coming down with malaria, yellow fever, dysentery, typhoid or dengue. Even more than disease, workers are dying from the construction itself. Hazzards such as being crushed under land, mudslides, suffication from gases, or dynamite have been increased with progression of the canal as well. It was about 98 degrees today. While taking a break from using dynamite all day, I wandered off into the jungle and got lost for 3 hours. I got bit by a huge bug too, so I wouldn't be surprised to develop some kid of foreign disease or infection within the next few days. All in all, today was pretty miserable. Lucky me, I get to do it all again until the canal is finally finshed - who knows when that'll be.
HawaiiLovesMe
Mmmh, enjoying some tea with extra sugar this morning. We've got so much!
1/14/87 8:18AM
HawaiiLovesMe
Oh hey, looks like we've got some visitors! Welcome, immigrants from China and Japan.
1/14/87 3:26PM
HawaiiLovesMe
Good work on the plantations today, guys. Time for some royal sleep :)
1/15/87 9:49PM
HawaiiLovesMe
GOOD NEWS EVERYONE! Our economy is doing great due to the wonderful immigrants growing our sugar.
1/16/87 11:11AM
HawaiiLovesMe
Well, something seems quite strange this morning. Maybe I need some more sleep?
1/17/87 7:22AM
HawaiiLovesMe
OH NO THEY DIDN'T! Bogus Americans want to overthow me. How dare they mess with the Queen!? -__-
1/17/87 9:34AM
HawaiiLovesMe
They're stealing our sugar!? And want to change my lovely government!? Mess with the Queen, & you will pay!
1/17/87 2:01PM
HawaiiLovesMe
Well, that didn't go too well. I have been officially overthrown!!! Don't worry fellow Hawaiians, I will try to compromise peacefully.
1/17/87 6:09PM
HawaiiLovesMe
Dear Hawaiians, I tried my best. America is too powerful, I'm sorry that I have failed you :'( Goodbye to our gvmt & sugar.
1/17/87 11:59PM
The "Communist Manifesto" explains the basic elements of Communism, including the bourgeoisie and proletariat. Marx's definition of the bourgeoisie is a social class that owns the means of production in a capitalist society. This was a wealthy middle class that could be compared to the Umpa Lumpas in the film "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Throughout the movie, the Umpa Lumpas work in Willy Wonka's factory making candy. They represent the bourgeoisie because they are hard workers and make up the majority of society (the factory). Since the proletariat class doesn't make much money and also works a lot, Charlie's father can represent this aspect. Charlie grows up poor but his life suddenly changes when he finds a golden ticked in one of Willy Wonka's chocolate bars. Winning a tour of the secret factory, Charlie is amazed by its complexity and.... perfection. Everything seems to be magical and perfect inside the factory. This is exactly what Marx's idea of Communism was supposed to be like. A perfect society. No bad could happen there but if something did, it would be removed forever. Its quite surprising when you realize the hidden meanings in simple movies such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
The School of the Americas, originally established in Panama, trains soldiers to violently overthrow foreign governments. Here, the soldiers receive training in the areas of: professional leadership, infantry weapons, technical support, counter-insurgency and specialized leadership skills. These titles, however, do not tell us of all the lives lost and damage caused by the SOA soldiers. I do not believe America should have such schools. I do not agree with the idea of training men to overthrow governments just because they're different from ours. Maybe if we could find a non-violent way to carry this action out I might change my opinion. Instead of being so concerned about other countries, we should focus more on ourselves and fix our own problems here in America first.
