1. Avatar & Imperialism Essay
By Ms. Costa

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. Source:
Google Images