The Avatar Ethical Question

[Minor Axis]

As pointed out frequently the Avatar movie has a theme that we've seen before in movies and has occurred multiple times in Human history- technically advanced societies taking advantage of the natives.

The question is has the Human Race for the most part advanced beyond this tendency? I say no it has not. If the opportunity presents itself, and the lesser group (lesser technology or lesser power) has something the more advanced group wants, they are going to take it one way or another. Likely?

 

[Accountable]

We've only progressed so far as to not make sausage in the open. We still exploit the less technologically advanced, we just have the good taste to hire someone else to do the dirty work.

 

[Dana]

We as human's are still progressing technologically so I'd say no. If we saw something that was far more advanced than what we have now, I'm sure as hell we'd try to steal or adapt it.

 

[Zorak]

As pointed out frequently the Avatar movie has a theme that we've seen before in movies and has occurred multiple times in Human history- technically advanced societies taking advantage of the natives.

The question is has the Human Race for the most part advanced beyond this tendency? I say no it has not. If the opportunity presents itself, and the lesser group (lesser technology or lesser power) has something the more advanced group wants, they are going to take it one way or another. Likely?

Sometimes the relationship is mutually beneficial.

Indigenous Forces trained around the world that have succeeded in establishing a fair system of government after tyranny. The US's involvement in Iraq and during the Mexican Revolution are examples of this.

The Iroqious Nation, Sioux and Seminole, to name a few, blossomed under European treaty for a while.

 

[Thornless]

The human race is far from taking advantage of other species and humans alike... It's not something I foresee ever stopping either.

 

[Minor Axis]

Sometimes the relationship is mutually beneficial.

Indigenous Forces trained around the world that have succeeded in establishing a fair system of government after tyranny. The US's involvement in Iraq and during the Mexican Revolution are examples of this.

I'm not familiar with the merits of the Mexican Revolution. Regarding Iraq, it can be easily argued that all the U.S. wanted in Iraq was opening up an area for profits and oil or possibly revenge. Although Hussein was a tyrant, for the Iraqi people, if you balance what was lost as compared to what was gained, it's debatable. I wonder how the average Iraqi feels, did the U.S. save them or just stir up a lot of shit?

The Iroqious Nation, Sioux and Seminole, to name a few, blossomed under European treaty for a while.

What time frame? What European power? I'd apropose your premise may not apply when something is possessed by the technically lesser group that is wanted by the technically advanced group. My impression is that most Indian treaties were broken. The most flagrant I am aware of was the Black Hills, South Dakota when gold was discovered in the 1800s.

 

[Zorak]

I'm not familiar with the merits of the Mexican Revolution. Regarding Iraq, it can be easily argued that all the U.S. wanted in Iraq was opening up an area for profits and oil or possibly revenge. Although Hussein was a tyrant, for the Iraqi people, if you balance what was lost as compared to what was gained, it's debatable. I wonder how the average Iraqi feels, did the U.S. save them or just stir up a lot of shit?

That's a whole different kettle of fish. But at the time, both sides would feel the ousting was mutually beneficial. I never claimed that things can remain in such a fashion for ever. It's an old cliche, but if someone gets a good deal, eventually the other will get a bad deal.

What time frame? What European power? I'd apropose your premise may not apply when something is possessed by the technically lesser group that is wanted by the technically advanced group. My impression is that most Indian treaties were broken. The most flagrant I am aware of was the Black Hills, South Dakota when gold was discovered in the 1800s.

Well I'm not aware of any European military being present around South Dakota during the 1800's. If you're arguing that the United States broke Indian treaties, then I completely agree. You could also cite the work of the Spanish throughout Central and South America as evidence for your case, and I would be forced to agree, again.
However, that is not the case I am arguing, just simply that sometimes relationships between an indigineous people and a colonosing one can be beneficial to both sides.

I would cite the Iroquois again as a perfect example, under allegiance with the French they were trained and given guns and ammo like many other tribes had been - but also the use of Artillery. Something which transformed the way the British viewed the Iroquios as a foe (and led to the constant side switching that the Iroquios nation would later do, each time promised with greater technology)

 

[itsmeJonB]

i thought it was a live action smurfs movie