Reassurance

I just watched Avatar. Not on a big screen in a theatre with 3-D glasses on, but in the teen centre on a normal TV here on Haida Gwaii. I was hesitant to see this film the first few weeks it came out because of its following. Everyone who had seen it thought the world of it, and anyone who hadnt seen it, wanted to. I assumed it was because of the sci-fi and special effects. Aside from all that, this film stirred up emotions in me. Emotions that haven't been lit up like this in a few weeks, but now, there is this pain I feel within my soul. Apart from the cartoons, special effects, love story and action packed adventure, this film has a story line that I understand. This is what I've been studying this semester, and its so real. It hits home for me because this is what ACTUALLY HAPPENED. Here on Haida Gwaii, and in many other places across Canada and in the world. Colonization into "empty" spaces to conquer the unfamiliar and indigenous ppl and things on the new found land. Classify and dominate what is unknown and make the surroundings "civilized". Dig up resources from underground, cut down trees, overharvest fish and contaminate waterways. Do whatever it takes to make a buck, no matter whose home you are affecting and whose history and culture you're ruining.

I do not consider myself a cynissist, just a realist. This movie has reassured the drive in me to contribute to a just world-socially and environmentally.