ANNE

Them | Being dorks.

People like Zuko because he makes them feel better about themselves but dislike Aang for making them consider having to actually be better people.

Aang taught me that if what I believe is good, it is important and worth keeping, and I don’t have to sacrifice them to do what is necessary. He makes me want to find joy despite the back to back to back setbacks and tragedies. And to embrace fun and gentleness. You are so spot on. Aang makes me want to do better and be better for myself and others.

i remember seeing ATLA meta some years back (that, unfortunately, seems gone now) suggesting that Aang is overlooked in favor of Zuko as a mixture of culture clash and people being intimidated by Aang’s character arc.

Zuko is, superficially, a more standard protagonist; he goes from being explicitly on the wrong side, going through much suffering and having it beaten into his head that his entire family are abusive monsters who have wrecked unspeakable pain and suffering on the world, and eventually choosing to turn against his father to side with the Avatar, and thus the world as a whole.

Aang, conversely, doesn’t get much credit for his character development. Possibly, this is because a lot of this is subtle; the series doesn’t loudly announce or spoon-feed Aang’s growth to the audience, though there is a great deal of difference between season 1 Aang (who comes off as far more timid, indecisive and trying to avoid things that upset him) to season 2 Aang (willing to consider abandoning all Earthly ties in be able to save the world) and finally season 3 Aang, who famously is willing to get himself killed to uphold the values and most held beliefs of his people.

But the thing about Aang is that a lot of people seem to have found him unapproachable, though he goes through just as much conflict and stress as Zuko; Zuko just happens to do it in the ‘hotblooded, reckless and loud’ way that tends to be more widely relatable.

Zuko is a straightforward warrior/rogue who wouldn’t be out of place in a shoenen series. Aang was created specifically as a trickster archetype, and he even proudly remarks on how he solves as many conflicts as he can by being clever. Zuko goes straight at things; Aang doesn’t mind straight up making up a story just to fool people into not fighting already.

Aang doesn’t explode like Zuko; he internalizes things or represses them. He shuts his feelings down and tries to do what he thinks helps others, ignoring his own feelings in the process. He denies things, or tries to ignore them in other ways.

And there’s the fact that Aang is wise in a way that a lot of fans don’t really seem to get, or even approve of. He gets a lot of flack for advising Katara not to seek vengeance against her mother’s killer, on the basis that it won’t actually make her feel better, though the episode itself all but points to ‘HE WAS RIGHT THE WHOLE TIME’ as its basic thesis. Aang has an old sort of wisdom that, I think, makes him come off as unapproachable compared to Zuko.

Zuko, after all, is defined by not really knowing what he wants and chasing after things he thinks will make him loved, only to realize that it doesn’t make him happy. Conversely, Aang more or less knows himself; its why he is the hero of this story. He wants to help others over his own self interest, and he’s at peace with the person he is; his main issue is coming to terms with the duties of being the Avatar, and reconciling those duties with his principles and values. And the way this is done, seems off-putting to people.

I freaking love reminding myself how terrifyingly powerful Aang is in the must unreal most amazing most howthefuck and like I dunno CRAZY WAY

LIKE NAH HES TWELVE BUT FUCK YOU OZAI HES GOT REFLEXES LIKE A FUCKING GOD AND HES NOT EVEN IN THE AVATAR STATE LOOK AT THAT SPIRAL-WIND-ACTION YOU GUYS HE DIDNT WANNA BURN THE ALMOST-CAUSE-OF-THE-DESTRUCTION-OF-THE-WORLD CAUSE HES ONE PURE WINDY BOI I LOVE HIM

He isn’t. Even. Looking.

HOW THE-

…………………and DONT even get me STARTED on this THE FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sparky sparky boom man ain’t got nothin on my KING

But most importantly

He had the power and strength to keep smiling, to keep having fun and to stay positive through it all

This boy deserves the world

stanning aang is literally just...watching the show the way it’s meant to be watched and seeing how all the characters are connected through their experiences with aang, which expounds on the larger theme of the avatar being a force/spirit/idea that connects all four elements and their nations, and thinking deeply on what it means to forgive ourselves and extend mercy and compassion to the world, but also how to have fun and not lose sight of our inner child. it’s literally like basking in a warm drop of sunlight, just pure good vibes. wish the haters would let go and let themselves feel the simple joy of being aang stans but alas...😪😪😪

I feel like maybe people don't relate to Aang (or even acknowledge his trauma) as much as the rest of the gaang because 9 times out of 10 he deals with his trauma like someone who has already been to therapy

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!

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.

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 🥺

i dont think we talk enough about that moment when pipsqueak looms over aang saying “you think my name is funny?” and without a second thought aang just goes “its hilarious!” and they both start laughing

like the way everyone is so easily charmed by aang, and knows that he never means anything but kindness. the way aang can make all these children of war laugh and break down the barriers the war has given them…

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

someone do a gifset of moments where aang praised/encouraged/validated his friends pls i need the serotonin! 

i did all i could do

i love him so much it’s unreal

additionally,

Why are people saying Aang’s inconsiderate for going into the Avatar State at some moments?

That’s literally something he cannot control, and is driven by his emotions. He can’t control whatever he was feeling, and every time he goes into the Avatar State unexpectedly, it’s always because he think he lost someone he loved. From Monk Gyatso, to Katara, to Appa. He goes into the Avatar State because of his emotions, he’s not a fully-realized Avatar yet.

I understand the sentiment that he puts their life in danger, but that’s not something Aang can control.

the way aang is so positive and uplifting!! even though he has every reason to be hateful and bitter!! the way he forgives and seeks peace and joy in his life!! despite having more reason than anyone to be driven by rage and revenge!! iconic behavior!!