As mentioned on an earlier post, Avatar: the Last Airbender is pure genius and amazing. But, it's not just a show to watch: there are some valuable life lessons that we as a society and as individuals can take away from this show. Every character, every action, every event- they all teach us something. Therefore, I will be writing about each of the main characters, and what we can learn from each of them.
Katara
Katara taught me to never stop fighting for those you love. She taught me to stand up for what's right, and challenge what's wrong. The waterbender also taught us to show compassion and protect your loved ones. Finally, Katara taught us that even though forgiveness isn't easy, it is always possible.
Toph
There is much to be said about this blind earthbender. She's sassy, independent, aggressive, assertive, stubborn, and comes with a smart mouth and plenty of attitude. She taught audiences to march to the beat of their own drum and that what may seem like a disability can actually be an advantage. She taught us that the path least taken is sometimes the best path to take.
Sokka
As the show's premier non-bender, Sokka certainly has to have something else to bring to the table, or he wouldn't have been such a central character. To make up for his 'normalness', Sokka is the "meat and sarcasm guy", but above that, he is the creative fuel behind Team Avatar. With a quick mind and boundless creative energy, Sokka taught me that there is more than one way to be 'special'. He also taught me that sometimes all you need in times of trouble is a good laugh, and that there is no wrong way to do something.
Iroh
What didn't Iroh teach us? As the most wise, philosophical, and reflective character, he certainly had a lot of memorable quotes and valuable lessons to teach. Above all else, Iroh taught us to never give up on somebody if they have lost their way: that a supportive, protective friend and guidance can save even the most helpless of souls.
He also taught us that everyone deserves a second chance, and that there is always something beautiful to be seen in life.
Zuko
Zuko is Avatar the Last Airbender's most complex character. You can expect a post just on him later, but for right now, Zuko also taught us many important lessons. For one, he taught us to never give up on your goal or accept failure- to just keep trying and moving forward no matter how slim the chances of success are. He also taught us to face life head-on, accept, and play with the hand you're dealt. Keep marching on and take whatever life throws at you and overcome it. Overcome the struggle, and you will be stronger. Zuko taught us that our struggles and mistakes don't define us, but, instead, it is how we change and react to such things that defines us. Our pasts don't define us, only our actions right now do.
Azula
It may seem that as the show's main antagonist, Azula can't really teach us anything good. However, we can learn from her mistakes: that cold hearted violence is never the right path, and that too much power will only lead to your demise.
Aang
Aang taught me that there is always a better solution and that life is the ultimate gift. Instead of violence and war, Aang taught us to embrace love, peace, and understanding. He also taught us to never give up on a friend and to always approach life with a positive attitude.
In conclusion, there is much to be learned from such well-developed and fleshed-out characters- lessons that everyone in society needs to learn.
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