Surely racism in film isn't that prevalent in 2009, is it? Despite being the highest-grossing film of all time, Avatar is no exception to bumbling race depictions. The movie's famous Na'vi are a primitive race; non-white actors Zoe Saldana and Laz Alonso play two of the main tribespeople of the race, while all humans are the film are depicted as white. US marine Jake Sully becomes the hero of the tribe, who are according to some critics, seem incapable of fighting the humans before he arrives; they wear East African jewellry to reinforce the stereotypes, and are an often childlike species. Director James Cameron claimed though that Avatar, "asks us to open our eyes and truly see others, respecting them even though they are different, in the hope that we may find a way to prevent conflict and live more harmoniously on this world. I hardly think that is a racist message." Which films do you think have racist subtexts? Do you think these are intentionally racist or unfortunate? Comment below!
