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‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Star Chris Hemsworth Shares Support For Standing Rock

By Clare Mulligan
Published on: 00:15 PST, Oct 28, 2016

Just as Thor: Ragnarok finished filming, cast member Chris Hemsworth took the opportunity to show his support for a very important issue. Hemsworth posted a picture to his Instagram of himself and Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi holding a sign that reads “We stand with Standing Rock #waterislife #NoDAFL #Miniwiconi.”

The Thor: Ragnarok star’s sign refers to the ongoing protests taking place at the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. Standing Rock became a site of violent conflict Thursday as armed United States law enforcement officers clashed with protesters. The Standing Rock residents are protesting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which could have disastrous effects on their access to clean drinking water.

While Chris Hemsworth was able to share his support via his iPhone while on the Thor: Ragnarok set, the Standing Rock protesters do not have access to their mobile networks. WIRED published an article about the Standing Rock protests that highlights the difficulties faced by Standing Rock residents trying to access any form of mobile communication. WIRED interviewed Chief Looking Horse of the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Nations, who explained the barriers to access.

“It’s a blackout, from when it first started, because there is no communication. We used to have our cell phones, but as soon as we took a stand there, they just shut us out. You can’t even make calls from the cell phone from that camp. You have to go probably about 20 miles south to get service.”

Thor: Ragnarok star Chris Hemsworth’s support comes after the actor previously posed for pictures while dressed as a Native American at a wild West-themed party. Hemworth and his wife Elsa Pataky, who posted a picture of the event on her Instagram page, were criticized for cultural appropriation and reducing a vast, complex culture into a stereotype Halloween costume. The picture depicting Hemsworth and Pataky has since been deleted from her Instagram, but the image can be seen in the tweet below.

Chris Hemworth apologized for the photo in the same Instagram post. Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi has Maori heritage, and has previously been an advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples. It is heartening to see that the Thor: Ragnarok star was willing to take responsibility for his actions and acknowledge the harmful repercussions of his previous behavior.

In the caption, the Thor actor shared a full apology for the offensive photo.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to raise something that has been bothering me for sometime. Last New Year’s Eve I was at a ‘Lone Ranger’ themed party where some of us, myself included, wore the traditional dress of First Nations people. I was stupidly unaware of the offence this may have caused and the sensitivity around this issue. I sincerely and unreservedly apologise to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action. I now appreciate that there is a great need for a deeper understanding of the complex and extensive issues facing indigenous communities. I hope that in highlighting my own ignorance I can help in some small way.”

Fans and celebrities alike praised the Thor star for his well-thought-out apology and public support of the Standing Rock protesters. Chris Hemsworth’s Thor: Ragnarok co-star Mark Ruffalo, who plays the Hulk, also shared his support for Hemsworth’s statement.

Thor: Ragnarok star Ruffalo did more than Instagram about the issue, he actually went to Standing Rock to join the protesters in person, and was present on Thursday when the conflict took place.

In other Thor: Ragnarok news, the movie finished filming yesterday. Hemsworth, Waititi, and other cast and crew members celebrated the wrap of the shoot with a Facebook Live video, humorously suggesting that Thor: Ragnarok was headed straight to VHS, bypassing movie theaters altogether.

Hopefully Thor: Ragnarok stars Mark Ruffalo and Chris Hemsworth will continue to show their support for the Standing Rock protesters and keep using their celebrity for important causes.

[Featured Image by Marvel Studios]

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