On page 9 of Native Women's History in Eastern North America, Rayna Green introduces her essay The Pocahontas Perplex, writing "I have to believe that somehow, all those college course lists and reprints will eventually vaccinate enough Americans against the Perplex and they'll just laugh the next resurgence right out of the box office. That's why I keep writing."
The success of Avatar must have disheartened Green. Neytiri, the heroine, is Pocahontas reincarnated. Literalistically, the two have a lot in common--both rescue their white lovers, and both are Indian princesses. Neytiri also offers Jake, the hero, a mystical connection to nature. Pocahontas offers this in Christy's painting and the Jamestown statue. Green discusses this in terms of healing powers and use in advertisements. Neytiri is exotic, powerful, dangerous and beautiful--Green's description of Pocahontas. The Pocahontas Perplex has not innoculated the Americans. The public welcomed the next resurgence intop the box office with praise and ticket sales.
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