RDA/Human culture speculation

Kaltxì Palulukan! · February 19, 2010, 12:08:12 AM

Okay, so we have discussed a lot on Na'vi philosophy, culture, jewelry, and fashion. But for anyone who has read the ASG, we know the Earth is in serious trouble. If you have been following the "A human return to Pandora" thread, what follows here will be similar, but instead of asking from the Na'vi/Pandora point of view, I want to discuss the possibilities of OUR FUTURE (humans--staying within the framework of the Avatar storyline). I am interested in what life is like on Earth, what competitors the RDA faces (QGAEs--or Quasi-Governmental Administrative Entities), and generally who and what "the Consortium" is.

We have seen the images in the ASG. It looks like Earth will either be seen in the DVD, or in A2--probably a LOT in A2. I want to talk about life on Earth, and unrestrained capitalism. I was going to start us out with a battle hymn, but the last line is so evil, so corporate RDA that even I had to stop and question its usage. I need to know if anyone else sees the (what I consider) "blatant" message form JC that our future includes indentured servitude (legal quasi-voluntary slavery to our corporate overlords), along the road to ruination. Such mass complicity and mindless consumerism of a completely asocial philosophy must be accompanied by solid propaganda. "Loyalty to Country" is an ancient and outdated notion as brand-loyalty (e.g. Walmart versus Target, Mac vs. PC, Checy vs. Ford, etc.) replaces patriotism. The "us vs. them" dichotomy remains, as it "sells product," but it is all about the money now, and capitalism is presented (marketed) as "the ultimate democracy."

On second thought, here is the opening song, with the last line removed. Anyone with a knowledge of 20th century history will probably be able to figure it out. But I don't want this thread to center around a song. I want to talk about the RDA and its allies and competitors, the weapons manufacturers and the human perspective. This may be a very dark thread psychologically. Viewer discretion is advised. So now with our opening song:

I will start us out with an opening hymn. If we may all bow our heads in reverence:

(To the tune of the timeless classic, "God Bless America," before "country loyalty" and land-based territorial boundaries were rendered all-but obsolete by the rise of multi-national corporations)

God Bless the RDA!
BRAND that I love!
Stand beside her,
and guide her--
with the strength
that comes from above!*

From Io,
to Pandora,
We're the conquerors of space!
God Bless the RDA!
--------------

(* double entendre: this line refers to rulership from above, or "in space")

Kaltxì Palulukan! · February 20, 2010, 01:21:20 AM

This "motivational poster" was spotted on the RDA cafeteria wall in the maintenance-worker dining section (the "non-executive and scientist" area, or "slums")

You gotta love RDA corporate motivational posters. Who needs "Successories posters" when you have these?

This has so many layers of humor I am afraid the maintenance workers may fail to realize how many ways they are being insulted at once by the HR dept.

kintìomum · February 20, 2010, 02:28:09 AM

This is so damn funny it almost hurts

I knew you've been working on it, but this is more than good, it's gr-r-r-reat!

Tsawke'ong · February 20, 2010, 11:42:44 AM

Oh Kellogs will never have the same meaning... Welcome to the RDA (also known as corporate America) land of the ridiculous

Tsamsiyu Atsteu · February 20, 2010, 06:38:11 PM

Laughing so hard right now I'm almost teary eyed.

Tefpakyu · February 20, 2010, 07:09:09 PM

That is SO Brilliant! I just love the smiling Palulukan, so sinister, yet so inviting at the same time

Nìwotxkrr Tìyawn · February 20, 2010, 07:21:24 PM

ma Kaltxì, you are so lucky that you get to be on a cereal box.

Kaltxì Palulukan! · February 20, 2010, 07:53:35 PM

Quote from: Nìwotxkrr Tìyawntsaheylu on February 20, 2010, 07:21:24 PM
ma Kaltxì, you are so lucky that you get to be on a cereal box.

OMG! I know! Isn't it great? I look so buff! (And so sophisticated in a scarf!) Tony the Palulukan says "Support your local corporation! Report small-business to the police!"

'Awve Tìkameie · February 20, 2010, 08:26:53 PM

Quote from: Kaltxì Palulukan! on February 20, 2010, 01:21:20 AM
This "motivational poster" was spotted on the RDA cafeteria wall in the maintenance-worker dining section (the "non-executive and scientist" area, or "slums")

You gotta love RDA corporate motivational posters. Who needs "Successories posters" when you have these?

Spoiler

This has so many layers of humor I am afraid the maintenance workers may fail to realize how many ways they are being insulted at once by the HR dept.

That's hilarious! It's great how well the Palulukan matches the [real] box. And it even has a prize inside!

'Awve Tìkameie · February 20, 2010, 08:27:58 PM

Quote from: Nìwotxkrr Tìyawntsaheylu on February 20, 2010, 07:21:24 PM
ma Kaltxì, you are so lucky that you get to be on a cereal box.

Yeah! Lucky!

Rain · February 20, 2010, 11:18:37 PM

Quote from: Kaltxì Palulukan! on February 20, 2010, 01:21:20 AM
This "motivational poster" was spotted on the RDA cafeteria wall in the maintenance-worker dining section (the "non-executive and scientist" area, or "slums")

You gotta love RDA corporate motivational posters. Who needs "Successories posters" when you have these?

This has so many layers of humor I am afraid the maintenance workers may fail to realize how many ways they are being insulted at once by the HR dept.

LMAO!!
But, for it to be really hard-hitting and truthful, Palulukan's extra hand should be holding a wad of money.

'Itan Atxur · February 20, 2010, 11:38:56 PM

Or some Unobtainium.

Meuia te Stxeli Tstew'itan · February 20, 2010, 11:46:31 PM

Quote from: Kaltxì Palulukan! on February 20, 2010, 01:21:20 AM
This "motivational poster" was spotted on the RDA cafeteria wall in the maintenance-worker dining section (the "non-executive and scientist" area, or "slums")

You gotta love RDA corporate motivational posters. Who needs "Successories posters" when you have these?

http://www.dustywhite.net/Navi/RDA_motivation_poster.jpg

This has so many layers of humor I am afraid the maintenance workers may fail to realize how many ways they are being insulted at once by the HR dept.

We should suggest those to Kellogg's. It would be very catchy!

Ftiafpi · February 21, 2010, 12:06:44 PM

UBER ROFL!!!!

Robert Nantangä Tirea · February 22, 2010, 11:29:25 AM

wow that poster is epic win haha.

But I have to say, it annoys me how everyone finds it easy to bandwagon the USA as a being owned by oppressive corporatism when really it is people like you and me buying into it every day that helps it to thive, and yet at the same time elect officials who are AGAINST an increase in corporatism (in word at least). How does THAT work? As well, cheap overseas labor feeds the situation all the more and at the end of the day people just want a job so they can pay for the roof over their head.

Once we've successfully banned all imports and handed over all production to an elected government, we'll be able to live our eutopian lives at an extravegant cost of living under a communistic regime. Sounds like Pandora to me!