Weekly 4

      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/