[This is not about shipping or proving ship superiority. This is a deconstruction of a common shipping reasoning.]
Why do Zutara’s themes, parallels, and symbolisms matter so much in their relationship when characteristics, dynamics, and moments should matter more?
a.k.a. Other dynamics have those too! Who cares about storytelling mumbo-jumbos if zutara is simply not compatible, right?
Unlike other dynamics on the show, Zuko and Katara dynamics are very much defined by “themes, parallels, and symbolisms.” Those elements are not just there for gold-tier storytelling or for nerd analyses sake, but it is a tangible foundation and framework of their relationship, indisputably.
(1) They’re both brothers of more magically-talented younger sisters. — Did that define their dynamic in the show? Did they talk about the feelings and thoughts of being lesser than their sisters? Did they connect through that parallel? …NO.
(2) They’re both swordsmen who learned from Piandao. — Did that define their dynamic in the show? Did they ever use swords to fight side by side against an enemy? Were they sparring partners in the show? Did they talk about Piandao as their masters? …NO.
(3) Restoring honor — Did that define their dynamic? Did they go on a field trip because one needed to restore a personal honor and the other knew how it felt? …YES.
(1) They’re both the more magically talented younger sisters than their brothers. — Did that define their dynamics in the show? Did they exhibit younger-sisterliness when facing each other and react/connect through that? …NO.
(2) They’re both masters of their crafts, hardworking and exceptional. But Azula is driven by the perfection of self while Katara is driven by the need to help others. Katara is foil to Azula. — Did that define their dynamics? Did they have 1-2 showdowns where they foil each other thus solidifying this parallel? …YES.
(1) Their bendings and bendings’ natures are opposites. — Did that define their dynamic? Did they have a showdown every finale to emulate their bending opposites? Did they associate themselves with the opposite nature of their bendings ("you rise with the moon, i rise with the sun")? ...YES. Even further! Did they also have an arc on that, growing to use each other's bending techniques (eg. redirect lightning from waterbending move, water breath from fire-breathing move)? ...heck YES.
(2) They both took a vigilante mantle, disguising themselves as mythical figures to freely execute covert deeds outside the law for a personal agenda. — Did that define their dynamic? Did they use their covert vigilante skills in a mission together? Was that mission outside the law and for a personal agenda? ...YES.
(3) They're of different status and hierarchy. Even though they’re both children of rulers, the state of their countries and livelihoods are opposites, thus they’re royal vs peasant. — Did that define their dynamic? Did they use that status to taunt each other during confrontations ("you little peasant. you've found a master, haven't you?" "you're the Fire Lord's son. Spreading war and violence and hatred is in your blood!")? ...YES.
(4) They're both deuteragonists. Second in importance to Aang. One was his most desperate capturer and the other was his most ardent supporter. They both saw the avatar as a symbol of hope. — Did that define their dynamic? Was Aang often the focus of their interactions? Did they bond through the awareness of what Aang meant to the world ("I'm worried about Aang. What if he doesn't have the guts to take out my father? What if he loses?" "Aang won't lose. He's gonna come back. He has to.")? ...YES.
(5) Fire Nation x Water Tribe. — Did that define their dynamic? Did they have an arc representing the Fire Nation oppressors v. the Water Tribe survivors in regards to the genocide of Southern waterbenders? Did they resolve that conflict together? Did they represent era-of-peace resolutions between the two nations through reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity? ...YES.
(6) Omashu Lore. — Did that define their dynamic? Did that outline their relationship arc from the beginning, to the Crossroads of Destiny, to their finale? ...YES.
I think you get the point.
P.S. Storytelling mumbo-jumbos are sexy. Ship dynamics are severely overrated.
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