Hindu Leaders Concerned By Cameron's 'Avatar'

Thanks to Awards Daily for Tweeting this article earlier this weekend: Hindus have begun to speak out against James Cameron's Avatar, citing the term's meaning to their religion, the oldest and one of the largest on Earth. The worry is that Cameron could be using the word Sasnkrit word "Avatar" in a way that would be deemed insensitive by those to whom it has a lot of meaning. There's no accusation, just an insistence that it would be preferable if Cameron handled the word carefully. I don't think this will be any problem in the long run; an avatar in Hindu terminology is one of the ten incarnations of Vishnu. James Cameron's new movie is an interplanetary piece of science fiction. However, let's not underestimate the possible impact of the title of this film in India, one of the world's most populous countries and one of its biggest movie markets, as well as some of the other nations where Hinduism is practiced in great numbers. For a film with so much at stake, the international markets will play a huge role in whether or not the expensive gamble will pay off. There are two ways to look at, though. One is what I described above, that Cameron's use of the word is so far removed from its original meaning that it can't possibly be offensive. The other is just the opposite, that Cameron's use of "Avatar" is demeaning to Hindus exactly because it is so far removed from its initial definition. That said, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed released a statement underscoring the issue at stake but acknowledged with a filmmaker of Cameron's caliber at the helm, he didn't expect a problem.

Comments

[Silence:)]

This is really a non issue. I mean, the word itself has long since gone far from it's Sanskrit roots. It has been a casual internet word for years, sci-fi and fantasy writers have been using it for longer. It has multiple meanings, although all definitions carry a similar root of concept, it's used for much more than just a Hindu god in a physical form.

I have respect for individual and group beliefs...well, for some. But I don't think that this was even worth mentioning, especially by any influential members of the Hindi faith.

I am however, very happy that no one is really trying to make a fuss about it. That's pretty refreshing.

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[judd kolo]

I don't think james Cameron will get too excited by the musings of some lazy ( and most likely dishonest) "Hindu scholar". I think Mr. Raja Zed should address more important issues in his home country such as the 20 million " untouchables" who, to this day, are treated as subhuman by the Brahnma ( upper caste- fat slobs)caste.
A culture which treats its own in this way has a lot to answer for and only when these" scholars" start treating their less fortunate countrymen with compassion should we pay any attention to their moral indignations.

[ifyoubelieve]

I agree with both previous comments.
It's a movie, and I think they're maybe taking it a little too serious. The word has been used in many ways that has nothing to do with their religion, and they seem to have no problem with that. "Concerned", lol. Being concerned that a word is used in the "wrong" way, when it's not up to them to decide what's wrong and not since the word have other meanings than the hindu meaning, is just a waste of time.

[ifyoubelieve]

I mean, since the word has been used in other ways for a long time, it is a little unfair to suddenly think that this movie is wrong if it's not done the right way.

[Visu]

I live in India and I can tell you that people here are looking forward to seeing this movie - they were all wowed when the trailer was shown. Most of the Hindus consider "Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed" as nothing more than an empty vessel making noise - he doesn't seem to have anything better to do - read the blogs by indians and you will know what a clown this Rajan Zed is.

[Chad]

I understand the comments and I would comment but Hinduism and all that is a subject a little too advanced for me so I'll just ask a quiestion about that picutre, Is that supposed to be Hugo Weaving or something, I don't think i saw his name in the credits on imdb?

[Nicu]

It's not only the name, "Avatar", but also their blue color. Krishna and Rama, the most important avatars of god Vishnu, are often portrayed with a blueish complexion. I don't know why.

There are many movies that misrepresent or make fun of or even insult Hinduism. And to a larger extent than "Avatar". Still, the Hindu protest was in all cases rather mild. This one makes no difference. Rajan Zed merely expressed some concern. He didn't ask that the movie is banned and the the author be punished. Mr. Zed is a very well mannered person. Two years ago he was invited to say a Hindu prayer in the US senate. His prayer was interrupted by some Christian fanatics who started yelling bad words at him. Still, he stayed very calm throughout the whole incident.

[Nicu]

A few words for judd kolo, who said above that:

I think Mr. Raja Zed should address more important issues in his home country such as the 20 million " untouchables" who, to this day, are treated as subhuman by the Brahnma ( upper caste- fat slobs)caste.

Many Hindu leaders do address the problem of untouchability, but this is not the issue here.
Not all Brahmins are rich. Some of them are actually very poor.
Brahmins are not "fat slobs", as you called them. Many of them are very intelligent, educated and resourceful people. Many people working in the IT industry and many scientists are Brahmins. (Disproportionately many.) The current World Chess Champion, Anand Viswanathan, is a Brahmin. He's not fat or slob. (And he's vegetarian, too.)