James Cameron Questions Podcaster’s View of US as ‘Fantastic Place’
Director James Cameron has openly expressed his reasons for relocating to New Zealand, criticizing the United States for its perceived rejection of science. In a recent episode of the In Depth With Graham Bensinger podcast, he praised New Zealand’s effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the country’s impressive vaccination rates.
James Cameron’s Perspective on Science and Society
Cameron, known for his work on the Avatar franchise, stated that New Zealand successfully “eliminated the virus completely” twice. This achievement was supported by a vaccination rate of approximately 98% during the emergence of variants. He contrasted this with the significantly lower vaccination rates in the United States, which he described as “going [in] the wrong direction.”
His admiration for New Zealand goes beyond public health. Cameron emphasized the importance of living in a community that values scientific beliefs. He noted, “People there are, for the most part, sane, as opposed to the United States.” The film director’s commitment to his new home is evident; he and his wife have resided in New Zealand permanently since purchasing a farm there in 2011.
Life in New Zealand vs. the United States
During the podcast, Bensinger mentioned that the United States is still viewed by many as “a fantastic place to live.” Cameron’s retort, “Is it?” reflects his skepticism and concern regarding the political climate in the U.S. He characterized the situation in America as “extremely polarized” and at risk due to a decline in scientific credibility.
- New Zealand vaccination rate: approximately 98%
- James Cameron relocated to New Zealand in 2011
- Age of Cameron: 71
When discussing the picturesque New Zealand landscape, Cameron clarified, “I’m not there for scenery, I’m there for the sanity.” These sentiments echo previous comments he made about the political environment under Donald Trump. In a prior appearance on The F—ing News podcast, he critiqued the negative trends in American society and noted the potential dangers of political agendas undermining core values.
Cameron expressed a desire for his children to experience a more equitable society. He feels a profound sense of safety in New Zealand, contrasting it with the constant media focus on Trump in the U.S. He described this coverage as akin to witnessing “a car crash over and over and over,” indicating his discontent with the political narrative in America.
Ultimately, Cameron’s relocation underscores a belief in the need for a society that prioritizes science and unity, shaping a future he views as brighter for his family in New Zealand than in a politically tumultuous United States.
