Avatar & Imperialism Essay

Your Task: You are to write an essay (3 Paragraphs) explaining the similarities between the movie Avatar and the Age of Imperialism. Be sure to explain the Age of Imperialism and cite specific examples from the movie that emulate similar actions. Consider motives, actions and outcomes.

Avatar Essay Checklist: Completed graphic organizer with name Rubric Attached A 3-Paragraph “essay” Size 12 pt. Font Times New Roman Double Spaced paragraphs at least 5 sentences long An intro with a thesis statement body paragraphs with supporting examples Each body paragraph with a topic sentence and clincher

Avatar Suggested Outline Intro: General Statement, transition statement(s), and thesis (although statement) Body Paragraph 1: Motives & Actions of the United States and humans in Avatar 2nd Body Paragraph: Outcomes of American actions post Spanish-American War and actions of humans in Avatar

Example of a Topic Sentence T.S.: Motives “One of the first noticeable parallels between the motion picture and imperialism is the invaders’ motive for attempting to colonize foreign lands.”

The 1st Body Paragraph: Motives & Actions Desire for Natural Resources: Humans want to obtain Unobtanium from moon of Pandora to save Earth from energy crisis The Resources Development Administration dominated Pandora and the Na’vi Cultural Superiority Parker and the military are completely dismissive of Na’vi culture Examples: there are millions of trees they can move – it’s a tree “These people have to learn we don’t stop”

The 1st Body Paragraph: Motives & Actions Actions/ process in Avatar Fear of the Unknown While exploring Na’vi territory, Jake/ outsiders 1st instinct is to shoot Use of Technology/ Weaponry The RDA and military used gunships, tanks, guns to kill and destroy Natives Hometree & Tree of Souls when negotiations failed Bows and Arrows vs. Advanced Weapons

2nd Body Paragraph: Outcomes Outcomes Avatar Conflict: Na’vi rebel and fight for homeland and sacred sites Jake unties warring tribes Na’vi are successfully able to overthrow colonizers Humans leave/ Na’vi are independent

Tips to Consider… Turn in essay on time- for every day late 2 points off A point will be taken off for every time “I, you, me, or my” is used in addition to “This is what I will cover in my essay” Must follow structure: Although statement, topic sentences, and clincher Back up all examples/ explain Connect ideas