Postcolonial Ecocriticism in Avatar: The Way of Water: Unveiling Environmental and Cultural Struggles

Authors

  • Dominic Thomas Martin MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Maria Gabyriel Bernadetta Nainggolan MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Filmorevo Jesse Lincoln Tatemba MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Brandon Ezra Maukary MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Catherine Patricia MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Keywords:

Postcolonial Ecocriticism, Slow Violence, Environmental Exploitation, Cultural Resilience, Imperial Dominance

Abstract

This study investigates the postcolonial ecocritical dimensions of James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), focusing on the tension between the Na’vi (colonized) and the Resources Development Administration (RDA) (colonizer). Drawing on Nixon’s (2011) concept of slow violence and Ashcroft, Griffiths, and Tiffin’s (2002) analysis of imperial dominance, using a qualitative method, the study explores how the film portrays cultural erasure, environmental harm, and resilience. The Na’vi exemplify spiritual connection and ecological respect, while the RDA’s militarized extractive practices reflect unchecked capitalist exploitation. Through a synthesis of film analysis and theoretical insights, this article reveals the broader implications of postcolonial ecocriticism for understanding cultural survival and environmental justice. As the results: 1) The Na’vi endure cultural erasure and ecological harm yet demonstrate resilience through a deep spiritual bond with their environment. 2) The RDA embodies destructive imperialism, deploying militarized technology to extract resources without regard for cultural or ecological welfare. 3) The film’s portrayal of conflict fosters critical reflection on postcolonial ecocriticism, underscoring the need to address the interlinked crises of environmental exploitation and cultural marginalization. By examining Avatar: The Way of Water through a postcolonial ecocritical lens, this study highlights the urgency of integrating cultural and environmental advocacy. It is anticipated that these findings will encourage further scholarly discourse on how literary and cinematic narratives can galvanize both academic and public engagement in dismantling exploitative power structures and championing ecological stewardship.

References

Ashcroft, B., Griffiths, G., & Tiffin, H. (2002). The empire writes back: Theory and practice in post‐colonial literatures (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203426081

Bhabha, H. K. (1994). The location of culture. Routledge.

Cameron, J. (Director). (2022). Avatar: The Way of Water. 20th Century Studios.

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Foucault, M. (1977). Discipline and punish: The birth of the prison. Pantheon Books.

Huggan, G., & Tiffin, H. (2006). Postcolonial ecocriticism: Literature, animals, environment. Palgrave Macmillan.

IMDb. (2022). Avatar: The Way of Water. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1630029/

Nixon, R. (2011). Slow violence and the environmentalism of the poor. Harvard University Press.

O’Lear, S. (2016). Climate science and slow violence: Mobilizing technoscientific ontologies of climate change. Political Geography.

Plumwood, V. (1993). Feminism and the mastery of nature. Routledge.

Said, E. W. (1993). Culture and imperialism. Knopf.

Spivak, G. C. (1988). Can the subaltern speak? In C. Nelson & L. Grossberg (Eds.), Marxism and the interpretation of culture (pp. 271–313). University of Illinois Press.

Huggan, G., & Tiffin, H. (2006). Postcolonial ecocriticism: Literature, animals, environment. Palgrave Macmillan.

Nixon, R. (2011). Slow violence and the environmentalism of the poor. Harvard University Press.

Plumwood, V. (1993). Feminism and the mastery of nature. Routledge.

Said, E. W. (1993). Culture and imperialism. Knopf.

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Published

2025-02-28

How to Cite

Martin, D. T., Nainggolan, M. G. B., Tatemba, F. J. L., Maukary, B. E., & Patricia, C. (2025). Postcolonial Ecocriticism in Avatar: The Way of Water: Unveiling Environmental and Cultural Struggles. Boanerges: Makarios Education Journal, 2(2), 130–139. Retrieved from https://streamfly.tech/index.php/boanerges/article/view/30

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): BOANERGES

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