I think we should start a Aang appreciation post because our boy gets so much hate so if you want pls reblog this and say something you love about Aang!
I love his compassion and his kindness.
I love that he brings out the inner child in people:
He taught Katara that she can enjoy herself and let loose while still being responsible, that she doesn’t have to be a mother all the time.
He taught Sokka that he can be goofy and crack jokes and be vulnerable, that he can still be a good leader, that he can still fight with a grin on his face.
He taught Toph that she doesn’t have to settle for a life that’s beneath her, that she doesn’t have to live two lives, that she can be strong and vulnerable at the same time.
He taught Zuko that it’s okay to be kind, that he can smile and let his guard down, that he won’t be hurt when he’s among true friends, that peace and compassion is a worthy way to fight and to lead.
He taught Suki to expect the unexpected, reinforced her belief that no one should be underestimated, that there’s hope even in the darkest times.
He taught the Fire Nation kids that they aren’t robots, that it’s okay to be different, that they don’t have to sacrifice their personality and passions to fit into a system that hates them.
He’s just such an inspiration AT TWELVE YEARS OLD
One of the main things I LOVE about Aang is the fact that he sticks to his beliefs. No matter what the world throws at him, he is able to stick to the air nomads beliefs. It’s also not because he’s forced to but because he truly believes in it and is proud of his culture. <3
One of my favorite things about Aang is that he has every reason in the world to be bitter and hateful but instead he chooses to spread happiness and love. I smile every time I hear that little laugh because I’m reminded that I have the choice to spread happiness around me, no matter what is going on in my life.
^^^^^ reading that made me tear up omg. Aang truly had every reason to turn into someone so consumed by anger and revenge but instead he found it in him to see the world in a positive and hopeful light 🥺
Aang is just so pure 🥺 He sees the best in everyone, and is so compassionate and kind. And that’s DESPITE having the weight of the world on his shoulders, a war to end, grief for his entire nation and the world as he knew it 100 years ago. We give Katara so much credit for never ever turning her back on people who need her, but sometimes we forget to appreciate Aang is like that, too. In less than 2 days, he’s willing to give himself up to save the South Pole village (who, I might add, had just banished him), he goes back to put out the fires on Kyoshi Island even if no one expects him to, he saves the fisherman even after his hurtful words, he throws Fire Nation kids a dance party to teach them how to be free—and that’s just off the top of my head.
This fun-loving, flower-crown wearing goofy guy who is great at dancing and braiding jewelry is a ray of sunshine and brings so much goodness and hope to their war-torn world not just because he’s the Avatar, but also because he’s Aang.
^^^^^ part two of this thread making me cry. Aang truly is the best and has a heart so pure.
I also wanted to add on Aang not turning his back on people, in season two during the serpents pass, they meet that family who’s pregnant and he’s willing to give his tickets just so they could travel safely to ba sing se. When that woman wouldn’t let him, he says how he’ll lead them through the serpents pass safely. And even though it’s been said 1,000 times, the amount of times Aang gives Zuko another chance always gets me emotional. Like Zuko was out there stalking and trying to capture him and he offers him friendship! Zuko just captured him when he was unconscious in the spirit world and Aang goes to get him so he doesn’t die. Those two were only from season one. Not to mention, Aang personally brings Mai’s brother back to his parents in the end.
Aang truly was out there for three seasons doing the most selfless things, he doesn’t deserve the hate he gets.
To add again(!!!) he went out of his way to help them in the serpent’s pass while he was emotionally broken inside because of Appa’s loss. He doesn’t let his own pain and suffering stop him from seeing the struggles other people go through, and he even does his best to help them through it 🥺
I’m legitimately crying over all of these responses. It makes my heart so happy that people love Aang as much as I do. And now it’s time to say my piece, considering Aang is, without a doubt, my favorite character of all time.
How wonderful is it that Aang is not only reverent of his culture but others’ as well? He is so respectful, kind, and open-minded about the world, travelling to all four corners and instantly making friends along the way. He never pushes his beliefs onto others. He understands why Sokka and Katara eat meat and wear furs even though it’s not something he personally observes and never asks them to change to accommodate him; instead he scrounges for lettuce in the trash or tries sea prunes, even when they’re not to his taste. He greets everyone with their customary handshake or bow, humbles himself before masters and the elderly, and immerses himself in traditions and practices.
As @shrinkthisviolet beautifully pointed out, the Gaang learns so much from him, but he is incredibly supportive of their individual interests and endeavors as well. Aang is the friend who is ridiculously enthusiastic about his friends’ passions, so much so that they become his as well. You want to go to the North Pole to study waterbending? Hop on my flying bison, I’ll take you there. You’re feeling left out and insignificant? Let’s find you a master to help boost your spirits. You’ve never had friends your own age before and grew up with an abusive family? I’m here, and I’m your family now. You’re having trouble firebending? Let’s go on a quest and figure out what’s hindering you, together.
Aang almost always knows exactly what his friends need at any given moment, and he’s consistently willing to sacrifice his own self interests and preservation to help them. He’s the bridge between all four nations, all four bending styles, and between benders and nonbenders. He brings peace to the world, not because he’s the Avatar and it’s his duty, but because he truly believes in balance and friendship spanning lifetimes and ethnicities.
Aang is also just… so unlike every other male protagonist I’ve ever seen. I know others have pointed this out before, but I cannot emphasize how amazing it is to have the hero of the story be the antithesis of toxic masculinity. Aang is so confident in his personality, in wearing flower crowns and dancing and making jewelry, in calling out the Pakkus of the world and placing equal value on all regardless of gender. His respect for life and his pacifism are deeply tied to his culture, but I don’t know that everything Aang feels or does can be chalked up to his Air Nomad roots.
He’s challenged by the people who are closest to him several times, but he’s steadfast and unwavering where lesser men would have caved, all at age TWELVE. The only time he ever gets upset over being emasculated is when The Ember Island Players portray him as a woman, and this only serves to point out how wrong the Fire Nation is for assuming that men aren’t allowed to exhibit the traits that Aang exhibits. When Toph calls him Twinkletoes, when Sokka berates him for not eating meat, when Zuko makes fun of him for being a goody-goody, when they all look at him and say “what’s wrong with you for not wanting to kill your enemy?” he never changes to fit their definition of what a hero should be. And not only does he shrug their biting comments off, but he celebrates himself and his culture. He embodies love in all of its forms. He shapes his own destiny.
^^^^ I’m crying now too. This thread is literally one of my favorites ever. It genuinely warms my heart that Aang is given so much love and appreciation here!!
I love how you pointed out how Aang is seriously like no other male protagonist shown in western media. That is another thing that makes Aang stand out so much. Like how amazing is it that we have a male asian protagonist who is the opposite of toxic masculinity, is in touch with his beliefs and culture and has a high level of emotional intelligence at age 12. It just blows my mind how unique he is as a character!!
Since you mentioned, how respectful Aang is with other cultures and him not forcing his into anyone... I wanted to point out that a lot of people say how Aang forced his beliefs on Katara during the Southern Raiders but anyone who watches that episode with a clear and open mind can see how Aang was merely giving her advice in the way he knew. Aang reverts back to the beliefs that he was taught and lives by whenever he feels stuck. So when Katara was out of it, he gave advice that he thought would have been helpful. He was just letting her know that she had a choice, another option than revenge. In the end, when Katara says that she didn’t forgive Yon Rha, he lets it be because all he wanted was for her to get the proper closure she deserved. When he saw she got it, he was proud of her. That was one of my favorite parts because we see how respectful Aang is with others even though they have a different way of dealing with things!