Hindus Get Mad At Avatar For All The Wrong Reasons
With excitement over James Cameron's upcoming World of Warcraft Expansion Pack movie, Avatar, it was only a matter of time before a religious group took issue with its potential to confuse and disgrace their most cherished beliefs (was it only a matter of time?). From TMZ:
James Cameron's new film "Avatar" may have one of the biggest budgets of all time ... but it also has one big problem -- a group of Hindus are up in arms because they claim the title disgraces their religion.The Universal Society of Hinduism and its president Rajan Zed are demanding Cameron put a disclaimer before and after the new 3-D flick saying it has diddly squat to do with the Hindu religion and its concepts ... and the title is just a coincidence.
The concept of "avatar" -- commonly known as incarnation -- is a central theme in Hinduism and prominent Hindus are worried the movie will completely botch it if Cameron doesn't bother to explain himself.
Oh, the Universal Society of Hinduism. Also, huh?
I mean, I'm not a Comparative Religions Scientist, so I don't know all the details of Hinduism, but does anyone really think that a 3-D action movie in which a CGI Nintendo Wii character flies on a magical butterfly-dragon into battle with human warriors in mecha-suits in a war over hover space-rocks is really going to confuse anyone about any kind of religion? If it was even possible for anyone to draw the connection between this fantastic adventure and Hinduism, they might see a huge influx of TRUE BELIEVERS. "I want to go to Action Church!"
Also, why is it that every well-intentioned but outraged group always wants movies to be proceeded by a completely insane disclaimer that is never going to happen? And a disclaimer at the beginning AND the end of the movie? Relax, technouniversalsocietyofhinduism.
Extra Credit to TMZ, though, for their headline "Hindus Call Avatar a Big Hin-Don't!" I'm on hold with the Pulitzer committee right now waiting to speak to someone from the Melting All the Awards Into One Giant Award Department.
Posted by Gabe at 2:45 PM in Backlashes
Tags: Aliens | Avatar | Hindu | James Cameron | Religion | Sam Worthington
The only disclaimer that should be after the movie is, "Thank you, come again!"
-Apu Nahasapeemapetilon
Score = 9
Are they also up in arms about that Nickelodeon show? and the movie coming out based on that Nickelodeon show? ...or is it mostly james cameron that they hate?
"James Cameron is the reincarnation of the worst"
-Upanishads Ch. 17
Score = 14
Do you lack an avatar out of respect for Hindu beliefs?
Score = 66
UPVOTE!
If it was just called and icon i would totally have one...
Score = 8
Not to be Dr. Avatar: The Last Airbender over here, but in that show the titular protagonist Aang is called the Avatar because he is a reincarnated figure, reborn in new forms like the Dalai Lama.
Score = 10
Very well, but now where do I draw the line? I must also suppose that Hindus believe they can bend elements of the earth with their minds and ride from city to city on a giant airborne water buffalo...
Score = 9
Wow. It's pretty sweet that Hinduism has conquered the stars. Those cats have gone universal. Of all of earths religions i never had those guys down as being interstellar oppressors.
Score = 8
Well, to have Kelly explain it, ‘It’s blah, blah, blah, blah. It’s so super fun, and it’s gonna be great!’ Lot of gods with unpronounceable names. Twenty minutes later, you find out that it is essentially a Hindu Halloween.
Score = 10
I thought they would have been pissed about the blue people, mockin vishnu and all that.
Score = 13
Score = 12
WOW, is that Heidi Klum dressed as Kali? That is one fucking impressive costume!
Score = 4
Heidi's costumes are always amazing, and often unflattering to her supermodel looks. Which is why she is the best.
Score = 11
"So I figured Avatar had nothing to do with Hinduism because of the disclaimer at the beginning. But they never reinforced that idea before the credits rolled so now I'm having second thoughts."
Score = 27
If you think the Hindus are pissed now, wait until they see the scene where Sam Worthington doesn't want to switch bodies and Sigourney Weaver's character asks, "Are you a Hindu or a Hin-don't?"
Score = 1
Oh yeah, and this:
CALF-ATAR
Score = 10
Well-played, sir.
Score = 1
I'd be more concerned about all of the furries who are now going to become experts in Hinduism because of this movie.
They're all gonna be like, "My fursona is the reincarnation of the lion god." It also wears a diaper and has a huge penis.
Score = 6
What is your avatar? I LOL errrytime I see it
Score = 1
Some gif that's gotten a lot of mileage in a music forum I post in. It's just a group of super xxXXxxhardcorexXXxxXXxxX scene kids showing off their AWZUM KARATE MOVES.
Score = 2
"Extra Credit to TMZ, though, for their headline 'Hindus Call Avatar a Big Hin-Don't!'"
I lifted my head off of my hand and gasped at that one. Bravo.
Score = 0
Hin-Don't? Bhagavad Git out of here with that nonsense, TMZ!
Score = 7
You mean this movie isn't about the Hindu religion?! Colour me surprised!
Score = -1
This reminds me of when Shark Tale came out, featuring a wacky fish with big lips voiced by Will Smith who loved to sing, and Italians got mad because they referenced the Mafia. Whoops.
Score = -1
I'm glad I wasn't the only one who saw the movie trailer and initially thought that it really was World of Warcraft: The Movie.
Score = 1
Is that Diane in your avatar (The having nothing to do with Hinduism Avatar)?? Upvotes for even making me think of Diane.
Score = -1
Who else would shy away from physical exercise like that?
Score = -1
"...does anyone really think that a 3-D action movie in which a CGI Nintendo Wii character flies on a magical butterfly-dragon into battle with human warriors in mecha-suits in a war over hover space-rocks is really going to confuse anyone about any kind of religion?"
Scientology. Defined.
Score = 0