As a final meditation on this course, I'd like to take a minute to consider my latest TV experience of watching The Legend of Korra for the first time. Let me just start by saying that as much as I loved watching Avatar, Legend of Korra is somehow MUCH BETTER. If there's anything this course has taught me about my own personal TV habits, it's that it is entirely fine to become too attached to television content because it's basically asking me to do that. So let me get into some of the reasons that I think Legend of Korra is incredible, especially as a response to a lot of the online discourse I've that puts it down in comparison to Avatar. (Spoilers, maybe??)
First off, Korra is lightyears more interesting as a protagonist than Aang ever was. She overcomes a complex range of issues while also challenging concepts of good and evil in a nuanced way. The show also does a tremendous job at illustrating the ways in which the themes in this show actively result in physical and psychological trauma for Korra, which is really important when you are catering shows to younger audiences. She is flawed, she is growing, and she is relatable to a wide range of audiences.
Secondly, Korra is bisexual! It is so difficult to find bisexual characters that aren't portrayed as manipulators or villains, but who are still complex and interesting to follow. To find a character like her on a platform like Nickelodeon in the 2000s is truly remarkable and pivotal in terms of representation. Especially in our understandings of post-feminist and intersectional representation, Korra is a case study for the books.
Thirdly, the show's intricate plot lines surrounding authoritarianism, genocide, poverty, class struggle, colonialism, and environmentalism are far better fleshed out and compelling than they are in many narrative projects aimed at adult audiences. Seriously, Legend of Korra is more politically nuanced than Game of Thrones ever was. This is also probably the reason that they are reviving the Avatar brand to produce more content soon.
Lastly, Pabu. That's it, that's the argument.
Ultimately, Korra rules. I am so happy I finally got to watch it this year. I also want to end this class by saying that I greatly enjoyed getting to dissect my understanding of one of my favorite forms of media with all of you. Thank you all for a great semester!!
Julia I am so glad you feel this way! It has been so frustrating trying to be a fan of the Avatar-verse online where so many people hate on Korra for no reason! I mean, sure people are entitled to their opinions but not when they are straight up WRONG (and sexist and homophobic). I wish we could have had a proper discussion about this in class.
ReplyDelete