"Avatar: The Last Avatar" was an animated show about a world where some people have the power of the elements- fire, water, earth, and air. There are four nations corresponding to the nations, but the Avatar has the power of all the elements to bring peace to all. I know it's an animated children's show, but I promise its worth the watch! It is surprisingly relevant to real life and shows relatable emotions and behaviors. ATLA ended in July 2008, and 10 years later it’s still my favorite show. It taught me so many things growing up, so I thought I’d reminisce.
1. Don’t grow up too quickly
Although Aang has the awesome responsibility of being the Avatar and bringing peace to the world, he always makes time to have fun. The Gaang proves that laughter makes almost everything better.
2. It’s okay to be afraid of your responsibilities, but know that you are not alone.
One of the themes of ATLA is friendship. Aang may have run away when he found out he was the Avatar and that his mentor was going to be taken from him, but that was because he was scared to face the world alone. Once he accepted his situation and that his new friends had his back, he was ready to be the Avatar.
3. Even if you’ve made mistakes, you’re not irredeemable
Anyone who has seen ATLA remembers Zuko’s character arch. As a child, seeing the “bad guy” change his ways for the better was so inspiring. He is my favorite character.
4. Don’t let your disabilities limit what you think you can achieve
Toph is blind. She doesn’t let that stop her from being the best earthbender and helping the Avatar. She uses her other senses and vibrations to “see” her surroundings. She becomes the first bender to bend metal with her determination and faith in herself.
5. Your future is always malleable
Another theme that pops up is destiny. Zuko felt that he had to capture the Avatar because it was his destiny because nothing else would restore his honor after his father banished him. It’s a bumpy ride, but he eventually found out he could shape his own destiny.
6. Always make time to help others
Even if you are not in a place of power, you can still positively impact others. Katara knew this when she dressed up as ‘The Painted Lady’ as an excuse to help an impoverished village.
7. Don't let gender roles restrict you
Suki is a girl and a leader of a small army of warriors. She puts Sokka’s sexist attitude to rest when she bested him in a duel.
8. Getting revenge is not better than being the bigger person
Katara had the opportunity to get revenge on the man who took her mother, but she realized that wouldn’t actually help her. Emotional healing is emphasized in this show.
9. Don't take the people who love you for granted
The greatest betrayal I’ve ever seen was when Zuko went back to his evil sister when all Uncle Iroh did was love and support Zuko. I cry every time Zuko asks Uncle Iroh for forgiveness in the end.
10. Always try to see the good in others
The moral dilemmas in this show run deep. Because of the Firelord, the whole fire nation is painted as evil, but surprisingly there were a lot of accepting and helpful people who were in the fire nation. Never assume or discriminate.
11. Life is not black or white
This show has stuck with me since childhood. I love the animation style, the humor, and the actual premise, but mostly the messages I took away from it. The themes of destiny, emotional healing, compassion, and morality are very important to "Avatar: The Last Airbender." We can all learn from these motifs here.
