Avatar & Imperialism Essay By Ms. Costa

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 & although 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 Europeans and humans in Avatar 2nd Body Paragraph: Outcomes of European actions and actions of humans in Avatar

A Topic Sentence and Clincher 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.” Clincher: Outcomes “The colonies of Europe following their independence movements are often still developing today, and the European nations stayed the developed superpowers they are today.

The 1st Body Paragraph: Motives & Actions Motives in Avatar European Motives: 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” Desire for Natural Resources: Europeans want oil, rubber, diamonds (Africa) and cotton (India) The British East India dominated India politically, economically and culturally (beneficial to large Empire and feed industrial markets) Cultural Superiority Eurocentricism -Belief that European culture is superior to others White Mans Burden by Rudyard Kipling Use religion as a mask for underlying motive – build religious schools convert natives to Christianity

The 1st Body Paragraph: Motives & Actions Actions/ process in Avatar Actions/ process in Imperialism 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 Fear of the Unknown Europeans called Africa “Dark Continent” and carved it up for themselves after exploring it and taking over “Scramble for Africa” Use of Technology/ Weaponry Europeans use canons, muskets, and heavy artillery to take over less technologically advanced natives Indigenous people no defense against their weaponry

2nd Body Paragraph: Outcomes Outcomes Age of Imperialism Outcomes Avatar Conflict: Natives in Asia, Americas, and Africa resent foreign rule Rebellion & war The Sepoy Mutiny in India Boxer Rebellion China Colonies take decades to gain independence -following WWII indep. movements 1950s last to gain indep. from European countries 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

Good Luck- Help Session Monday after school 3:05-3:30

Source: Google Images