Becoming One with the Ikran

I chose to analyze the scene where Neytiri first rides her big bird/dragon, or what I believe the Na'vi call Ikran. Not only in this scene, but throughout the entire movie, Jake acts like a little toddler learning how to walk, talk, and move to "fit in" to society. Sometimes his reactions to things make me laugh with how scared and unaware he is. If I were in Jake's position, I would most likely have the same reaction as well, but it is just funny seeing a big, blue guy trying to adapt to this whole new culture and way of life. He also follows every demand he is given by Neytiri just like a little kid is told what to do by his or her mom or dad.

When Neytiri's Ikran (bird) first flies down from the tree, I immediately was in the same position as Jake; I was a little scared and intimidated. I think partly because in our society, men are supposed to be the brave, protective, and powerful ones (gendered-bodies). I feel like I have been taught to look to men for protection and safety so when Jake is scared, I ultimately feel the same way.

Throughout this entire scene, Neytiri is in control of every movement of her own as well as her Ikran. Neytiri almost seems to look, act, and sound like her bird in many ways. She first "calls" to her Ikran with a funny squawk noise. The bird immediately hears this and comes right down to her side. Even with the birds huge teeth and mouth wide open, she is completely calm hoping that the bird will pick up her positive energy as well. Once she attaches her hair to Ikran's, the bird seems to calm down. I also noticed she begins to speak in a soft voice to calm Jake down as well as Ikran. At this point, she almost seems to become one with the bird; after she attaches her hair, she grips the saddle with her toes. Neytiri has many similar physical features as her Ikran, almost as if they came from the same family. I noticed that the eyes of the Ikran match Neytiri. Once she is ready to fly, she puts her mask on creating a similar identity as the Ikran. As the bird begins to fly, she howls like the Ikran and soars through the sky.

With Neytiri looking and acting like her Ikran, it seems very similar to how people change and adapt to become similar to a certain group in our society. Especially within the 14-17 age group, individuals are always trying to look and act like their friends in order to fit in and be liked. In order for Neytiri to be accepted and in full control of her Ikran, she takes on very similar qualities.

Oh, and in the end, this scene definitely makes me want my own Ikran to fly around on! Who wouldn't want to be in control of a big mountain banshee who would always have your back?!