Blink

I went to see Avatar with my partner the other day and I was reminded why seeing movies in American theaters is becoming an increasing challenge.

Oh certainly the rudeness, the noise, the entitlement, the lack of empathy - and yanno the rudeness - before the curtains open. Obviously not everywhere, but lots of places. Enough places.

Avatar is subtle as a mallet to the skull. That doesn't mean it's not an effective little piece of political theater. It is. I have proof.

Behind me, directly behind me, sat two African American couples in their early 30's. Only one of the four spoke for any length of time at all, but he more than made up for the other three's silence.

"This film has an environmentalist agenda," he announced, evenly. "It's just bleeding heart liberalism covertly apologizing for American and British colonialism. It's also an unasked for apologia to native Americans. It posits the idea what if the natives had driven the Americans out. James Cameron wants the natives to drive out the invaders and win."

I was abashed. Me and my cosy assumptions about the lessons of history are always challenged in America. But before I could even process this I witnessed a further perplexing exchange.

A young woman, also of color, leaned over the chair next to me and asked the two couples if they could move in just one seat, permitting her to sit next to her boyfriend. It would be so nice of you, oh please. The four were in the middle of the aisle, this wouldn't make a massive difference, she suggested, quite reasonably. After all the theatre was completely packed. It would be much appreciated.

The talkative one spoke for the group. "I'm quite comfortable where I am," he said. Then he looked away.

"Sorry, what?" said the young woman.

"I'm quite comfortable."

"You're comfortable? Well, that's nice. Would you like to help me too?"

"No," he said. The woman beside him spoke. "We're not moving," she said.

The young woman looked startled that she shared the planet with people this selfish and unapologetic about it too. She shook her head in wonder. They blinked back at her. Stalemate. Five minutes later, wouldn't you know, they were talking about the church they attend on Sunday's. They don't like that new pastor one little bit. He's always bringing in singers. There's no need for singers if the message is strong.