The White Messiah I.

This is coolbert:

Thanks here to Steve for the lead-in and angle to this particular blog entry!

"Avatar", the latest blockbuster science-fiction [sci-fi] cinematic hit by the famous movie director James Cameron, has generated some mild controversy, allegedly for the use of a racial stereotype. A stereotype found from time to time in Hollywood productions.

The stereotype of "The White Messiah fable."

"This is the oft-repeated story about a manly young adventurer who goes into the wilderness in search of thrills and profit. But, once there, he meets the native people and finds that they are noble and spiritual and pure. And so he emerges as their Messiah, leading them on a righteous crusade against his own rotten civilization."

The "natives", the indigenous people of a locale, so-called "primitives", at the mercy of and under attack by a covetous and brutal group of "outsiders" [usually "white" western civilization], finding a champion who is himself a "white man". A man too possessing a military background and an extraordinary set of skills, and a profound charisma and leadership ability. The "white messiah" organizing and leading the indigenous and oppressed people to victory in mortal combat against the oppressors [whitey gets his just due!].

With regard to "Avatar", a sci-fi thriller:

"Avatar is a racial fantasy par excellence. The hero is a white former Marine who is adrift in his civilization. He ends up working with a giant corporation and flies through space to help plunder the environment of a pristine planet and displace its natives."

This Hollywood genre of the "White Messiah" has made for some popular movies:

* "The Mission." [Robert De Niro]
* "A Man Called Horse." [Richard Harris]
* "Dances With Wolves." [Kevin Kostner]
* "The Man Who Would be King." [Sean Connery]

Indeed, amazingly so, there have actually been such persons as the "White Messiah"!

Such individuals as Brookes Raja of Sarawak, T.E. Lawrence, Orde Wingate.

Wingate, a Captain in the British Army serving in British Mandated Palestine, preaching Zionism to the Zionists, quoting the Bible to rabbis, a man of zealousness and BELIEVING THAT HE WAS DIVINELY ORDAINED TO LEAD THE JEWS OF PALESTINE INTO BATTLE [in the book Exodus by Leon Uris, Wingate is referred to as P.P. Malcolm]!! Wingate impressed the Palestinian Jews to such an extent that Ben Gurion had made the decision to offer the command of the Israeli army to Wingate if the man had survived World War Two [Wingate tragically did not survive!].

The fable of the "White Messiah" is not necessarily then such a fable. Has a basis in fact, is not a racial or racist stereotype as generally perceived, but has an element of truth, and can and does make for some good movies!!

coolbert.