Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Claiming Pandora


New Zealand’s Prime Minister is applauding the news that James Cameron will film not one, not two, but three sequels to his hit movie Avatar in this country. According to John Key, the deal with Cameron means that Pandora, the world of skyscraping trees and floating mountains which provides the setting for Avatar, will become associated closely with the landscapes of New Zealand. Avatarians wearing blue face paint will join pointy-eared Tolkien geeks in queues at New Zealand’s airports and gift shops.
But New Zealand is not the only place laying claim to the strange landscape of Pandora. Some of the people of ‘Eua, a Manhattan-sized island in the far south of the kingdom of Tonga, believe that James Cameron developed the setting for Avatar after visiting their forested highland.

‘Eua is made of limestone, a substance that has always appealed to artistic imaginations. In his poem ‘In Praise of Limestone’, WH Auden celebrated the way that the soft, porous rock encourages ‘secret systems of caves and conduits’ and springs that ‘spurt everywhere with a chuckle’.  Like the Derbyshire downs that Auden loved, ‘Eua’s highland is distinguished by gaping caves, apparently bottomless sinkholes, and streams that disappear and reappear mischievously.
The relatively few tourists who visit ‘Eua are often directed to the highland, and to the giant banyan trees that emerge from the region’s caves and sinkholes. Rearing out of the uncertain earth, in the dank shade of their own uplifted branches, which bulge and knot like strained muscles, the banyans can be an exotic and discomforting spectacle for visitors accustomed to the flat, firm, meticulously cultivated landscape of Tongatapu, the island where three-quarters of Tongans live. The bats that flutter out of the earth and perch by the dozen on the lower branches of the banyans only add to the trees’ eeriness.
During the seven visits I have made to ‘Eua since 2010 I have repeatedly heard suggestions that James Cameron journeyed to the island, toured its highland, and took away with him the setting for the world’s most popular movie.

Some ‘Euans see a similarity between the Hometree, which rises a mile or so above the surface of Pandora, and their banyans. They also note that in Cameron’s movie the goddess of life, who is identified with the forests of Pandora, is known as Eywa. Cameron famously employed a team of linguists to create the language spoken by the indigenes of Pandora, but every invented tongue must have some real-life inspiration, and his employees have admitted borrowing certain words from Polynesian languages. The ‘Euans I have talked with maintain that the name Eywa is meant as a coded acknowledgement of Cameron’s debt to their island.
And yet the ‘Euan claims to ownership of Avatar only go so far. The islanders I have talked with about the film have proudly claimed the landscape of Pandora as their own, but have resisted identifying themselves with its indigenous heroes, the slender, blue-skinned, half-naked Na’vi.

With its portrayal of a clash between the simple, sensuous Na’vi and a gang of avaricious, technophiliac human miners, Avatar is a retelling of a very old European fable. Since the eighteenth century, when Rousseau and his disciples hailed the inhabitants of newly ‘discovered’ societies like Tahiti and America as ‘noble savages’ with lifestyles and values inimical to the grubby commercial world of Europe, Western intellectuals and artists have been idealising and patronising indigenous peoples.
The myth of the noble savage reached its intellectual apogee in the 1940s, when Alan Moorehead published The Fatal Impact, a book that argued for the complete incompatibility of indigenous culture and modernity. Surveying the recent history of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific, Moorehead could see only cultural corruption, and could predict only assimilation and extinction.

Moorehead’s perspective has been discredited amongst most scholars of Pacific history and culture, who point out that Tahitian or New Guinean culture is no less compatible with modern technology and economic development than German or Chinese culture, but his ideas have a lingering influence amongst well-meaning members of the First World left.

When Avatar appeared in 2009, a number of leftist commentators tried to see it as an allegory for the situation of indigenous peoples in the Pacific. The Kiwi activist Omar Hamed, for example, decided that Cameron’s movie celebrated the guerrillas armed with homemade, one-shot rifles and unexploded World War Two bombs who defeated Western-trained Papua New Guinea troops and shut down a huge copper and gold mine on Bougainville in the 1990s.
But where James Cameron’s noble savages see the very act of digging up the earth in search of precious metals as an act of unforgivable sacrilege, and want only to be left alone to live as hunter gatherers in the forests of Pandora, the members of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army were upset that they had not received reasonable royalties and decent jobs from the multinational company mining their island. They wanted to exert control of the mine, not close it down. Many of the BRA’s fighters were recruited from a cargo cult whose leaders had for decades been promising Bougainvilleans an avalanche of Western goods and cash. It was a craving for technology and wealth, not an aversion to these things, that motivated the Bougainvillean rebels.
Like the Bougainvilleans, Tongans have little enthusiasm for the lifestyle and values of the noble savage. The same ‘Euans who lay claim to the landscape of Avatar talk excitedly about the booming market for the tobacco grown on their island. They enthuse about tonnes of tobacco being loaded onto the ferry that connects ‘Eua and Tongatapu, about new land being planted with the crop, and about the much-needed cash the plant is bringing into villages. For them, Avatar seems primarily to be a celebration of the natural beauty of ‘Eua, rather than any sort of treatise about the dangers of economic development or the charms of the noble savage.
The selective appropriation of Avatar by ‘Euans would probably not surprise Sarina Pearson, who has studied the habits and attitudes of Tongan movie and television audiences. In her essay 'Video Night in Nuku’alofa', Pearson describes how audiences in Tonga’s capital are inclined to reinterpret foreign-made entertainments to suit their own values and purposes. In Nuku’alofa’s living rooms Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo movies become celebrations of Tongan military prowess, as John Rambobo is made into a mere adjunct to Tongan soldiers fighting the Japanese during World War Two.
Like Rambo, Avatar is a movie that has been localised. James Cameron’s interstellar drama has become a homage to the beauty of a small Tongan island.
[Posted by Scott Hamilton]

50 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

well Cameron has been down the tongan trench
http://www.nature.com/news/james-cameron-shares-his-deep-desires-1.11384

12:26 pm  
Blogger Richard said...

I started watching Avatar but I didn't like the strange blue people in it. My son has it and likes it a lot so I might watch it. I didn't know he was the director. I didn't even know who he was!

But I see he made Terminator which I enjoyed, and I watched all three of Alien or The Aliens...(I didn't know he was the director I often have no idea)...

I see he also did The Titanic (another great movie) and was the first to get to the bottom of the Marianna's trench alone. I was always interested in such things as a teenager I read the book by the Picard brothers (twins) - one did the highest ascent in a balloon at the time and the other made the deepest deep sea dive. I also read a book by Cousteau of his life and how he more or less invented aqualung diving etc

I'm not sure you are right about Rousseau and Moorhead [I know you have talked about this before] I think in many ways it is a pity that they want to produce tobacco when we need to get rid of it. Both my parents died [lung cancer, stroke] from the effects of smoking for years. A case can be also made for ridding the world of illegal drugs and alcohol (legal only if needed for pain or nerve relief etc in special cases) the terrible effects of drugs such as alcohol were not so terrible in most countries outside Europe until these places were colonized and indeed 'Fatal Impact' has a sound ring to it. It was a terrible effect.

The destruction of forests by fire in Indonesia is quite a terrible tragedy and is not for the benefit of the people anywhere in the world. A few indigenous workers will get a pittance but in the long run these industries are destroying the peoples' environments.

Maori prior to the European invasion or incursion were relatively fit and certainly their culture had no room for drugs or alcohol. Or large scale industries. It is dubious anyone has benefited from this incursion or corruption.

Industrialisation has its place but it would be good if some places might resist. The diet of Polynesians influenced by Europeans is atrocious compared to what they consumed prior to the impact of European civilisation and its accompanying and rather dubious culture.

Added to that is the cancer of Christianity and other mumbo jumbo religions that have taken away the inherent culture of people throughtout the world who had their own gods etc as we had Wotan etc before, as Nietzsche rightly pointed out, we were weakened by Christianity.

10:43 pm  
Anonymous best essay writing service said...

The destruction of forests by fire in Indonesia is quite a terrible tragedy. we have to save forests. Quite meaningful article you have shared. You can also get such informative article in best essay writing service

6:01 pm  
Blogger Unknown said...

I also read a book by Cousteau of his life and how he more or less invented aqualung diving etc

Send Flowers to Norway

9:05 pm  
Blogger Unknown said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

9:05 pm  
Blogger Unknown said...

By the way thanks for sharing this informative post with us
Send Flowers To Colombia

9:06 pm  
Blogger Unknown said...

Excellent post.I like your concept very much. Especially the way you explain it, it’s impressive.Though I am very new to your post but really want to know more in future.Great work Keep it up…… Gifts To pakistan

9:30 pm  
Blogger Roger Jack said...

Super site with an awesome sharing and astounding stories is ur web I believe you respect that you have a gift with words, I have unimaginably regarded UK Assignment Writing Service the experience of an isolated your online diaries for these posts. At any rate, I'll be subscribing to your assistance and I believe you post again soon. such an unfathomably stunning information thank you given to us.

11:28 pm  
Anonymous history coursework help said...

Hah, I didn't know the island with such name exists somewhere. It's an obviously great article, there are lots things to explore! Avatar is the film I can watch million times and it won't be boring for me. I especially like watching at Christmas eve, just like now ;)

10:38 am  
Blogger Unknown said...

SBH provides many services to its official portal at sbh online

7:22 pm  
Blogger LassoART Designs said...

Nice Post

AR15 HANDGUARD

WEB DEVELOPMENT INDORE

ALL NATURAL HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS

ONLINE TOY STORE INDIA

6:29 pm  
Anonymous obat alami menurunkan tekanan darah tinggi said...


This information is very useful. thank you for sharing. and I will also share information about health through the website

Penyebab Benjolan dileher seperti jakun
Pengobatan penyakit Meningioma
Cara Mudah Menghilangkan Keloid
Pengobatan Alami Tuntaskan Keputihan
Obat Luka Bernanah bekas Caesar
Obat Penyakit kulit Eksim

7:28 pm  
Anonymous Take my online class said...

Thank u for sharing such a nice post.. Appreciate it..

take my online class

online class help

9:34 pm  
Anonymous Hamam Spa said...


The blog was very attractive to read. Thanks for sharing.


Thai spa in Bhubaneswarhttp://www.h2ohamam.com

7:28 pm  
Anonymous Hamam Spa said...


The blog was very attractive to read. Thanks for sharing.


Thai spa in Bhubaneswarhttp://www.h2ohamam.com

7:29 pm  
Anonymous Gangaspa said...

The article was superb and have a good point in this article. Thanks for sharing this blog with us.

hair dresser in Bhubaneswar

4:52 am  
Anonymous Gangaspa said...

The article was superb and have a good point in this article. Thanks for sharing this blog with us.



hair dresser in Bhubaneswar

4:53 am  
Anonymous situs poker terbaik said...

thank for make such a nice site like this i really appreciate for all u've done here. i love ur site and want to stay here long time. i'll come here often as i can

1:50 pm  
Blogger Ciana Langham said...

What a cool post! I found many interesting things in your post. Also, one website helped me a lot with my papers. It's buy-an-essay-online.html

10:17 pm  
Anonymous essay writer online said...

Thanks for this information, I think it will come in handy in the future.

5:41 am  
Blogger Pervez Joarder said...



Astonishing article writing. Bless you in the helpful advice at writing. Not alone should you give decent subject matter, one might also want to end up writing in the best web log stage. At present go here kitchen remodeling weschester county Bless you designed for attractive tips.

6:52 pm  
Anonymous do my homework said...

Very positive photos. Thank you for the article.

3:00 am  
Blogger dao said...

iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet
iphongthuynet

11:40 pm  
Blogger FaR said...

Send gifts Under $10 , Send gifts to Pakistan , Send Corporate gifts
If you are looking for gift delivery in Pakistan? We warmly welcome you to https://www.thewoodvalue.com/ Because we offer you one of the best wooden handmade art & craft decor items to send gifts Pakistan. A variety of Pakistan handicrafts, home decor, office decor, kitchen decor and wall decor are available at our online store. We offer online gift shopping in Pakistan with free delivery. The Wood Value is great way to send wooden handmade gifts as corporate gifts.

9:41 pm  
Blogger Isabell Kiral said...

Great work. Your shared an informative post. You did your best for this topic. This blog has beautiful images with authentic content. Thanks for sharing your personal experiences. Get help from coursework writing service a distinctive writing company UK.

4:24 pm  
Blogger skilled writing said...

Super webpage with a great sharing and dumbfounding stories is ur web I trust you regard that you have a blessing with words, I have impossibly regardedSkilled Writing
the experience of a secluded your online journals for these posts. At any rate, I'll be buying in to your help and I trust you post again soon. such an inconceivably dazzling data thank you given to us.

11:51 pm  
Anonymous career job network said...

Super website page with an incredible sharing and stunning stories is ur web I believe you respect that you have a gift with words, I have unthinkably respected career work network the experience of a detached your online diaries for these posts. At any rate, I'll be purchasing in to your assistance and I believe you post again soon. such an unfathomably stunning information thank you given to us.

12:48 am  
Anonymous spss help said...

spreading post I ought to thank you for the endeavors you have made recorded as a printed duplicate this intersting and made article.spss help

11:34 pm  
Anonymous Emma said...

Remarkable experience ensuing to examining your astounding on the web journal. I have adjusted some new and testing things from your substance. Like "Love your new customers, yet dependably try to view your old clients too". I comprehend it's inconceivably significant to help our business.dissertation helps

2:51 am  
Blogger dao said...


Class College Education training Beauty teaching university academy lesson  teacher master student  spa manager  skin care learn eyelash extensions tattoo spray

4:28 am  
Anonymous Spss Help said...

Your blog gave us gainful data to work with. Each and each tip of your post are stupendous. It happens that I truly regard exploring this kind of articles. I have no idea, regardless, I love it. Unfathomable post, and extraordinary site. Enthusiastic about the information!spss help

12:25 am  
Anonymous spss help said...

It's astoundingly hypnotizing article for me or each one considering the course that in this article you need to done different data that is the clarification it's in a general sense baffling for me..spss help

1:41 am  
Blogger Amanda said...

Shocking post. I was paying bewildering character to and on this post and I am mixed! Obliging information. math assignments

3:41 am  
Blogger Amanda said...

it is a general epic site I take in various things from the site you posted scattering articals so I what's determinedly expected to post a general confusing article my site math assignments

3:42 am  
Blogger Amanda said...

It's astoundingly confounding article for me or each one considering the course that bit of room starting at now need to done different data that is the clarification it's in a general sense scrambling for me.math assignments

3:43 am  
Blogger Amanda said...

I read your blog zone and this is surprising web journal a zone.. a responsibility of thankfulness is with or without together for putting the push to suit us. have a surprising day statistical analysis

12:14 am  
Blogger Amanda said...

it is a general epic site I take in different things from the site you posted dissipating articals so I what's genuinely expected to post a general shocking article my site statistical analysis

12:18 am  
Blogger Anna Stephen said...

This is lighting up post, superb work, I like this substance and wish to inspect more from you. a commitment of appreciation is all together for such an enlightening post. someone you loved lyrics

12:41 am  
Blogger Anna Stephen said...

Greatly not puzzling subtleties gave by you. I am certain it would stimulate changing English understudies. Thankful to you for setting aside some push to made such a post for us. Continue blogging. someone you loved lyrics

12:42 am  
Blogger Anna Stephen said...

This is illuminating post, magnificent work, I like this substance and wish to look into additional from you. a responsibility of gratefulness is all together for such an edifying post. killer queen lyrics

11:44 pm  
Blogger Anna Stephen said...

Altogether not baffling subtleties gave by you. I am certain it would strengthen changing English understudies. Thankful to you for setting aside some push to made such a post for us. Continue blogging. killer queen lyrics

11:45 pm  
Blogger Julio M. Holt said...

It's a comprehensive and exceptional finance assignment site where I gain insights from the articles you publish. Motivated by this, I'm enthusiastic about posting a top-notch Finance Assignment related article on my own site.





5:20 am  
Blogger Julio M. Holt said...

This is an illuminating post, outstanding work. I appreciate this content and look forward to delving further into Finance Assignment topics from you. Thanks for providing such an informative post.





2:38 am  
Blogger Accounting writing said...


Your accounting assignment blog offered us valuable information to work with. Every tip in your post is fantastic, especially when it comes to exploring articles related to accounting assignment. I can't explain why, but I love it. An exceptional post and an outstanding website dedicated to accounting assignments. Eagerly looking forward to more information.

2:08 am  
Blogger James Dawson said...

QuickBooks Desktop 2024 is the latest version of the popular accounting software application from Intuit. With over 30 years in the business, QuickBooks has become the #1 small business accounting software in many countries around the world.

Read More: QuickBooks Upgrade 2024 | QuickBooks Support Number

7:17 pm  
Blogger Julio M. Holt said...

With most tshirt lead magnet examples, you typically request only minimal information upfront. However, since a free tshirt quote is situated at the bottom of your sales funnel, these potential customers are more inclined to provide detailed tshirt information.








1:48 am  
Blogger RANCHES said...

Your ranch management blog offered us valuable information to work with. Every tip in your post is superb, particularly when it comes to exploring articles related to ranchesmanagement. I can't quite put into words why, but I appreciate it. It's an exceptional post and an outstanding website devoted to ranch-related assignments. Anticipating more information eagerly.






2:09 am  
Blogger Julio M. Holt said...

I appreciate your post; it's truly amazing. Collaborate with me on my dissertation, and what you see is exactly what you'll get. Honestly speaking, I still have a deep love for life. I am energetic, and for that, I make no pretenses of suppressed desire. I always strive to see the best in people, and when someone is sincere to my face, I tend to trust them. When it comes to my academic work, I ensure to use academic editing services to maintain the highest quality in my content.






3:57 am  
Blogger Julio M. Holt said...

While industrialization has its role, it would be advantageous for certain areas within bpg photo op to resist its influence. The diet of Polynesians, influenced by Europeans, is notably inferior compared to their pre-European civilization diet, which was far superior.






3:52 am  
Blogger mike gagne said...

In April 2016, a punitive nocturnal police raid on university residences resulted in several severe injuries and accusations of rape. Despite government denials, no investigation has been launched, despite the appeals of the APDH. This consistent recourse to repression and imprisonment as the primary reaction to student protests is likely to radicalize stances and escalate violence within the bpg photo op community.


5:06 am  

Post a Comment

<< Home