X-Message-Number: 32283
From: Mathew Sullivan <>
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2010 01:10:06 -0500
Subject: Re: Avatar better than Lord of the Rings

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David Stodolsky,


Interesting interpretation on how people see things differently when looking
at a piece of artwork.  I looked at the movie from the perspective of
American History as one example.  Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be an
American, but there are some facts in our history that are not pleasant.  I
looked at the movie from the perspective of Native American oppression and
extermination, and even the Vietnamese who used nature against superior
Western technology.  In fact, Native American culture came through from my
observation and others who watched the movie.


Most cryonicists are religious and fall into the camp of Atheist or
Theist. What's
unfortunate is that some cryonicists who are Atheist are judgmental against
Theists, but that is also true for some of those who are religious
throughout various societies.  I'm in the minority position of Agnostic.  I'm
also a Transhumanist and a die-hard cryonicist, but I don't see any
disconnect, at least not for me.  Through science and technology, I can
envision having many bodies and a virtual extension of myself, which are all
interconnected.


As far as machines are concerned, both sides were composed of machines.  One
camp was highly reliant on machines forged from metal in conjunction with
wetware, and the other camp was mostly wetware.  This reminds me of what
happened in Vietnam where pits were filled with sharpened sticks and used
against those with superior technological power.  Again, the Native American
culture came through in view of living with nature as compared to Western
culture which has been about dominance and control over nature.


I'm not aware of any scientific evidence to support that cryonics patients
dream.  Unless I missed some detail here, it sounds a bit metaphysical if
you ask me.  And the propagation of fear that this movie could develop into
a cult and become a breeding ground for terrorists reminds me of those who
like to burn books.


If there is any lesson I pulled out of the movie is that societies who think
they are superior should not judge other cultures too hastily, nor view them
as inferior life forms without rights.  If aliens came from another planet
with superior technology and told you that you had to move from your home
today or suffer the consequences, would you not consider that an act of
evil?


James Cameron's interpretation appears to be much simpler than mine.  I've
tried to post a functional link here a number of times for his interview,
but cryonet doesn't like it, so google: "james cameron don't pigeonhole
avatar"


Also, I wish to note, based on your post in regards to the treatment of
animals, that we homosapiens are animals too and we should respect other
lifeforms in the animal kingdom.  Those "lower” lifeforms may not be able to
express their feelings as readily as we can with each other, but that does
not mean they cannot think, experience pleasure, and even suffer in pain.  This
doesn't mean I'm going to run out and become a vegan, but there is something
to be said for the humane treatment of our fellow animals.


Mathew Sullivan

When you stand upon the truth, you can defend against many things that are
false.

http://www.mathewsullivan.com/

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