You Gotta Deal With It!

A place to share opinions on The Legend of Korra, good or bad, peacefully. All thoughts are welcome, and nobody will be judged for what they have to say as long as they do so respectfully. Questions/opinions on Avatar: The Last Airbender are also encouraged. No bashing, no hate, no wars. Because everyone has an opinion, and you gotta deal with it! If you have a question about the rules, please read the FAQ. If your question isn't answered, let us know, and we'll help you out. :3

[lokconfessional]

Sorry about the long absence guys. I've been "grounded" for the past few days, so I haven't really had much computer access. It's been harder to talk to Melissa, so keeping up with the blog was a challenge. I hope to update more often here and not leave everything to Melissa in the future. Thanks for being so patient. xoxo ~ <3 

[lokconfessional]

Topic of the Day: Parallels

Between LoK and ATLA, there have been many apparent parallels as far as characters and conflicts, as well as a few that have been harder to notice. We would like to hear what parallels you noticed as well as what you think of them. We will be accepting asks here, and we look forward to discussing this and any other topic you have in mind!

[lokconfessional]

Topic of the Day: Deus Ex Machina

It happened in Avatar: the Last Airbender and again in the Legend of Korra; God from the Machine.

Deus Ex Machina is a troubling plot device that contradicts all the previous plot development in favor of a sudden beam of light shining down from the skies, saving the protagonists from making hard decisions when they have no way out. The Lion Turtle for Aang and Aang for Korra both represent the problematic plot resolutions, and the usage of Deus Ex Machina should be discussed. 

Feel free to share your opinions on the conclusions of either show--this doesn't need to be necessarily about the usage of DEM; you may bring up any issues you have with the conclusions you'd like. 

Send us your opinions here. We’re always willing to discuss any other topics you have in mind.

[mibuchireo]

Finals and Discussion Blogs

So, for my history final, we didn’t really have any multiple choice questions, just five long essay questions. We had to answer all of these completely in about an hour and a half (each question had a few mini-questions in it that we had to answer in each essay, and we had to use certain vocabulary words as well), and each essay was about a page or so long. You guys seriously have no idea how much Melissa and our discussion blog saved my ass today.

Read More

[lokconfessional]

Topic of the Day: Lin Beifong ~ Identity and Sacrifice

Lin Beifong is one of the most, if not the most, loved characters in The Legend of Korra, based on her bravery, fighting skills, sassy personality, and selflessness. This is our chance to discuss what you think about not only her character, but her identity as a Beifong, which wasn't really addressed in the show.

All opinions and questions are welcome, and you are free to discuss any topics you find interesting. Send us your questions here!

[lokconfessional]

I would've loved to see if Asami had to deal with opression as a non-bender, or see Hiroshi's past in more detail. I think it would've helped to see both of the characters in a new light, and personally, it would've helped me understand Hiroshi's actions better.

Asami not being exposed to non-bender oppression was one of the biggest issues I had, mostly because people mistook her lack of exposure for simply being righteous. Asami was righteous, but in that situation, she just didn't know what she was doing, nor was she even making an effort to do so. She was heavily praised for what she did, and even though what she did wasn't wrong, it wasn't done for the reasons people thought. Characters like Korra and Amon were criticized for their lack of exposure and had standards set extremely high as far as their character compared to Asami (all the more reason why I think the majority of the fandom just feels bad for Asami and feels the need to glorify her at any given opportunity).

If you look at it from different angles, Asami's character was treated unfairly, in the sense that had any other character done what she did, they would have been treated as selfish or ignorant. Korra was heavily criticized for bullying the protester she met in the beginning. At this point, Korra had about as much exposure to the Equalist Revolution as Asami did when she electrocuted her own father. Neither of these events were necessarily their fault, and they served as an opportunity for both characters to gain the knowledge they needed. The narrative simply didn't act upon said opportunities.

The only reason Asami didn't face oppression as a non-bender was, ironically, because her father had built such a stable reputation for their family. Had she been able to comprehend the hardships that he must have faced while building said reputation and business, it might not have been as easy to turn on him. Likewise, had Korra known more about the Equalists' goal, she might not have been so violent toward the protester.

[lokconfessional]

I agree with your assessment of Hiroshi completely until he then tried to kill his daughter in the finale. That made him pretty much completely irredeemable, and was definitely when Hiroshi broke from whatever he could have been and went to a full on evil, abusive asshole.

I agree that his attempt to murder Asami made him irredeemable. However, it still doesn't change his mindset or his reasoning (I've been pretty sympathetic/understanding with Tarrlok and Noatak, so it wouldn't be fair to not give Hiroshi a hearing too). To me, the only truly evil, abusive asshole we have seen in either show is Fire Lord Ozai. And to be completely honest, he might have even had a past that compelled him to become who he was. We didn't really know much about Ozai, and had Hiroshi's past not been revealed at all, I might be inclined to consider him COMPLETELY evil too.

Hiroshi was obviously facing much emotional conflict within himself when we saw him again (something which we didn't see in Asami and therefore made me question her as a developed character). He visibly shows regret for what he has done, and he does not take any sadistic joy or satisfaction out of fighting Asami (something we might have seen from Ozai).

At this point, Hiroshi is forced to make a decision: his daughter or his goals. Asami's blatant refusal to consider his position is what triggers his mental deterioration and forces him into a state of blind rage. Even after he attacks Asami, he visibly shows longing for her to try to understand, and when he runs away, he realizes that because of what he has done, she never will. Hiroshi never gets to make a decision like Asami was able to in Episode 7.

Asami's refusal to join Hiroshi is not unjustified, and at that point, Hiroshi had lost sight of his true goals, as well as his love for his wife. As Asami said, he had become too full of hatred, something which she might have been able to prevent.

Hiroshi's attack on Asami was wrong, and it will never be justified or redeemable. However, his attempt on her life wasn't based on the idea that he was completely evil and abusive. From what we know, he had never been abusive to Asami before, and everything she had, she had because of him. Before it became known that he was an Equalist, Hiroshi had a good relationship with his daughter, and even when she found out, he confessed that he had tried to keep her out of it as long as he could. He was not heartless, nor was he really evil, and I think his story was a better way of showing the Equalists' true intentions, rather than Asami's. He proved that they were fighting for a worthy cause and fought the narrative's portrayal of them as evil terrorists.

[lokconfessional]

It still shocks me over the way Asami went from the most hated character (for simply dating Mako) to a fan favorite. I liked Asami from the very start and I'm happy she joined the team. She added that human element and showed that not all non benders were against the benders. It seemed every episode my heart broke for her as she lost everything. She was sweet, badass, and mature. All reasons why shes perfect for General Iroh. Team Irosami!! I hope that we see more of her overcoming her struggles

To be completely honest, Asami was not really a good example of a just non-bender as far as proving the point that not all non-benders were against benders. Asami had no reason to be against benders, since she basically regained stability after her father's betrayal by simply being acquainted with the Avatar.

Asami was a rich, upper class non-bender and most likely did not suffer the same oppression that many middle/lower class non-benders faced. She was the daughter of one of the most successful businessmen in Republic City. That being said, Hiroshi probably faced oppression sometime in his life, putting his reasons for betrayal into question.

I think it's safe to say that Hiroshi Sato has been condemned as LoK's token evil asshole. However, if we look more closely at his past and intentions, his actions really don't seem all that unreasonable. Being a "self-made man," Hiroshi has had to work his way to the top in order to gain everything that he and Asami had when introduced. On the way, he most likely faced oppression and lack of opportunities as a non-bender. On top of that, his wife was easily overpowered and killed by a bender. The point is, Hiroshi was AWARE of the inequality. While it wasn't necessarily her fault, Asami was completely oblivious.

Asami turning on her father really wasn't her trying to prove that not all benders were bad. It wasn't trying to prove anything. Asami had no idea what she was doing. As far as we know, her only friends so far have all been benders who have given her shelter and hospitality. She has yet to be faced with any oppressed non-benders or oppressive benders and therefore has a distorted view on the war, just like Korra, Amon, Team Avatar, and the audience.

Had Asami been exposed to non-bender oppression (or even had an idea of Hiroshi's position) and still made her decision, that might have changed things. Again, her lack of exposure isn't her fault, and many other characters in the show have the same issue. However, Asami's decision was really just one that she didn't think about and one that she made on impulse. It didn't accurately illustrate the view of the average non-bender faced with such a decision, since Asami isn't an average non-bender.

[lokconfessional]

Asami was one character that started off as such a throw away character. I didnt hate her, but there wasnt much to love. Then epi 7 came and she suddenly became my favorite character. I watched a character give up and lose everything. Giving up her father, home, money, social class, to fight in a war that didnt have to do with her, but still wanted to do what was right cause of her pure heart. And in the end she was sadly left with nothing. I hope S2 Asami finds the happiness she deserves

A lot of people felt that way, I think.

Asami defying her father was a turning point in her character development. Personally, I fell in love with Asami from the start (because I see her as this perfect homage to Jane Austen character, it's really complicated why, lol) and it was hard seeing so many people view her negatively before episode 7.

I really hope she gets more character development in season 2, too. I feel like she deserves that on top of happiness--She shouldn't have to face constant adversity to show growth.

[lokconfessional]

Topic of the Day: Asami, a Character Discussion

Asami is a character that many people adore. There are also many fans that are indifferent to her, but one thing always seems to be true--If someone blindly hates on Asami, the fandom comes after them.

Here, we are attempting to provide an open forum discussion of Asami. Feel free to praise or criticize her, just make sure to back your opinions up. 

Send us your opinions here. We’re always willing to discuss any other topics you have in mind.

[lokconfessional]

What if Mako was the brother that got kidnapped and it was up to Bolin/ Korra to save him? Even though in the end he was able to overcome Amon's bloodbending, I honestly think that had more to do with his desire to protect someone (i.e. Korra) than his abilities, and he'd probably lose his bending. How do you think that would have changed his relationship with Korra, Asami, and even Bolin?

It's definitely a possibility, and I think it would shine a lot of light on Bolin's character and how he would react in Mako's position. Mako has been the support system and the protector, in a sense, ever since they were little kids, so seeing Bolin in a situation where he must protect his brother would be a very important lesson for him and would add so much as far as development.

I think that when Mako and Korra are fighting Amon's bloodbending, the only thing on their minds is protecting each other. Mako actually overcoming Amon's bloodbending was very much in character and showed his extreme desire to protect the people he loved. This battle was also a lesson to Korra as far as who she is as a person and as an Avatar.

Mako almost getting his bending taken away taught Korra about her responsibility as the Avatar to use her power to protect others. Since Mako was one of Korra's first true friends, it was also a lesson as an individual to do whatever it took to protect her loved ones, something which Mako had been forced to do for most of his life. That in itself was a spiritual journey and self-realization for Korra, and unlike many people, I believe that it justifies her unlocking her airbending and regaining the other three elements.

I don't think Mako's relationship with Korra, Asami, and/or Bolin would change THAT much if he actually lost his bending. I think that he would still do whatever he could to protect all of them, and I think that he would feel more guilty about not being able to save Korra's bending before thinking about his own.

[lokconfessional]

In regards to Tarlokk and Amon. I'm still left wondering where exactly it was that Amon was hiding. I mean, Tarlokk basically says that Amon just disappeared and they never saw each other again until the climax of the series. But what if Tarlokk had actually run into him (or rumors of him) before the events of LOK? My other what if is more couple oriented. What if Korra hadn't confessed to/kissed Mako in episode 5. (Which is what I personally wish had happened.)

I think it would have been really interesting for Tarrlok and Noatak to unknowingly run into each other later in their lives. They both obviously became very powerful politically, so they must have met a lot of people on the way. It's a very intriguing theory, and it brings up a lot of new possibilities. It's apparent that while both of them tried to forget Yakone and, in a sense, forget each other, they never really did. If they somehow met before their conflict with Korra, it's possible that at least one of them knew who the other was and was too overcome with guilt or grief to bring it up. It would definitely bring back a lot of good and bad memories, and it would contribute to their eventual mental deterioration.

I don't think that it's in Korra's nature to just suppress her emotions and not say what she truly feels. Her character is known for being very blunt and forward, so the confession for me wasn't too out of character. I don't think the confession itself was a mistake, and I think since her feelings were now out in the open, Mako had a choice. The kiss was DEFINITELY a mistake, and I wished that they had just stopped at the confession. Mako needed some time to truly think about what had just happened and make his decision. Had both of them truly thought things through, nobody would have gotten hurt. I think the kiss was really when it became apparent that the love "square" wasn't being handled well.

[lokconfessional]

another Tahno one. What if Naga had brought Tahno with her to rescue Korra in episoded 8?

So much Tahorra! Hehe. Maybe because many feel that Tahno was a character with so much potential, hmm.

I'd have to agree with a lot of those opinions--Tahno could've been much more interesting, and could've been used to show/teach Korra how sympathize with someone who was initially an antagonist in more than just a "Ooh, look at him, he lost his bending and I'm sorry for him" kind of way.

I still feel as though Tahno would've been scared shitless of Naga. Considering that Tahno is also from a water tribe (A lot of people speculate Northern--but then there's the fun Foggy Swamp Tahno theory, too) he's probably familiar with Polarbear Dogs, but not in the same way Korra is.

Korra was the first to domesticate a Polarbear Dog. Up until she befriended Naga, Polarbear Dogs were seen as predatory menaces who probably ate a lot of the same animals the Tribes hunted, like penguins, fish, and seals. Not to mention, they're probably not friendly to people under normal circumstances. Korra is the exception to the rule when it comes to Polarbear Dogs.

I have a hard time seeing Tahno letting Naga get anywhere near him--which is a fun mental image, to tell the truth. 

[lokconfessional]

Lokconfessional has almost reached 50 followers!

Woot!

[lokconfessional]

I love ya darlin but if that were the case. They would of thought better of a murder suicide on prime time with no explanation. I think really they just have no concept of story they get climax just fine. But they have no idea of what builds up to that.

I wouldn't be surprised if there were a handful of parents outraged by how Tarrlok and Noatak were written out--of course, since I don't know many parents of 10 year-olds, I haven't heard much about it.

It was a single instance too, at the very end of the season. Having a religiously controversial undertone throughout the whole season might've been noticed by parents more quickly. 

Though I completely agree with you--There's lots of holes in the plot, especially regarding how to deal with the main antagonists. I think they could've kept Amon's family background and still have thought of something more insightful than "He's a bloodbender who takes away bending, we just don't really know how he does it". 

I found the Noatak/Tarrlok brotherhood relationship fascinating, and to me, that's the only redeeming part of how the main antagonists were handled. 

[lokconfessional]

I think a really well way would of Aang not go OOC. Telling Korra she needed to learn the aspects of bending. To not Assume she knows it. As well I really think making Amon chosen by the spirits a better concept as it's the one area Korra knows naught about. Kinda a dose of reality for her that she is suppose to represent both worlds not just what suits her.

Furthermore, it bothers me that Mike and Bryan admitted that they don't have an explanation for how bloodbending can take away someone's bending permanently. 

Having Amon as some form of a Messiah for the non-bender proletariat would've been intriguing--Korra would need to learn more about the spirit world, need to understand how the divine interacts with the mundane. 

They may have strayed away from this possibility (if they had considered it at all) simply because of the controversy that could be associated with it. 

Closed-minded and zealously conservative parents listening in to what their 12-year-old was watching on a Saturday morning could have thought that Amon was some sort of anti-Christ. 

[lokconfessional]

omg someone should write a fic on if Tahno got caught in the rally instead of Bolin

It's also completely plausible that Tahno could've been put in Bolin's place for the story. He probably hung out around the Arena for training too. 

It was really just fate that she met Bolin instead of Tahno.