That is why i love ATLA, it respected and provided interesting and coherent narative. The legend of Korra was just messy and incoherent with its narative. Such a weird change
Did you know that Netflix is making a live action series of Avatar? They are Bringing the Directors, music composer and others of the original series. And no white wash. I hope it comes out as good as the whitcher.
The amount of culture >>>> Water Tribe = “Eskimo” Inuit Fire Nation = Imperial Japan Earth Kingdom = China Air Nomads = Tibetan Monks Swamp Benders = Amazon/South East Asian Sun Warriors = Aztec/Incan/Mayan Guru = South Asian (India, Bangladesh Sri Lanka) Sand Rakers = Middle East Other things like fighting style, clothing, architecture, names were a mix of many different cultures; like Kiyoshi Island being Japanese inspired or Ember Island being Thai influenced, Avatar having Sanskrit roots. Anyone who belongs to a group of ppl that have been on the losing end of imperialism/colonialism will relate culturally.
the thing I don't understand is when people who are profiting off of their own culture get mad about someone else doing it, like one is just trying to justify exploiting their culture for profit and personal gain lmao
You four people are technically right. But you are wrong too. Wrong inside of many nuances, contexts, and other such situations and exigents. No offense. Just saying. Everyone needs to learn something new now and then.
Growing up as an asian american, Avatar TLA did make me feel a lot more normal. Characters who looked like me and had similar names to people I grew up with weren’t all “Jackie Chan’s” or “Bruce Lee’s”, but were just normal characters that came to be known and loved. For once, Asian characters were given cultural depth, emotional depth, and ACTUALLY LOOKED ASIAN. The representation from looking Asian to having Asian names to also just clothing and food helped normalize being Asian so much for not only myself but the kids I grew up with. Avatar TLA was truly revolutionary
Im a 4th generation Ukrainian-Canadian, because of that I always really connected with Katara. The traditions that my great grandma practiced have been passed down through all the generations but every generation it gets more and more diluted. I can barely call myself Ukrainian no matter how much I love the culture. By this point I'm just too far eemoved from it. Katara had the same problem: anyone who could teach her waterbending got taken away so she could never learn bout her own culture. She just had nobody to teach her. But she traveled around and reclaimed it. Luckily for me and katara, our culture still thrives even though we're removed from it. I want to travel and learn about my family's heritage too, kind of like her.
Avatar: The Last Airbender Is an absolute masterpiece. The emotional messages, the masterful writing, the life lessons, the character development, the _use_ of its magic system, the cultural themes, the worldbuilding, the philosophies explored, the _humor,_ the friendships, _all of it!_ It's just amazing.
Don’t have a drop of Asian blood, but I related to this show as a kid more than any other. I think it helped me without even realizing it look at other cultures and ideas more openly. As a young kid, the stuff you watch, read, consume, or participate in really do stick with you and the things you learn almost become a part of you. Thanks for the video!
“It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it become rigid and stale.” Uncle Iroh really got it, didn’t he?
Well, this show is a bit more inclusive in representation since; Water Tribe = “Eskimo” Inuit Fire Nation = Imperial Japan Earth Kingdom = China Air Nomads = Tibetan Monks Swamp Benders = Amazon/South East Asian Sun Warriors = Aztec/Incan/Mayan Guru = South Asian (India, Bangladesh Sri Lanka) Sand Rakers = Middle East Other things like fighting style, clothing, architecture, names were a mix of many different cultures; like Kiyoshi Island being Japanese inspired or Ember Island being Thai influenced, Avatar having Sanskrit roots. Anyone who belongs to a group of ppl that have been on the losing end of imperialism/colonialism will relate culturally.
I'm not East Asian or white but all of the media I consumed growing up was from Both of these cultures (various) and I never really noticed that they aren't like until it came to material things, and honestly I still don't give a shit about that, a good story is all I want and can relate to.
I like Avatar because there is a logical magic system (mostly) and there are limitations to individual power levels. Plus that Fire Nation steampunk tech is just awesome.
Yeah, I enjoy the way they handled bending. It's consistent, it makes sense, and just the concept of four fundamental elements bending to the whim of those versed well enough in martial arts is simply wonderful.
I think this is so beautiful. As a black American, it’s so hard to find your roots and where your culture truly lies because it’s been far removed and basically stolen from us. I may never know which part of Africa I come from and the culture that I originated from. I’ve always felt like a deeper more sacred part of me is missing, so I’m glad that you were able to find a connection to your heritage through Avatar. That’s truly an incredible thing. Love your videos!
Wow when he started talking about how he relates to how zuko felt as an Asian American feeling disconnected from his culture the same way zuko did I realized how much deeper that episode was for me because I never thought about it that way but it makes so much sense and I appreciate so much more especially Rewatching it now that I’m older
The mythology in the show is Indian in an East Asian setting. Its similar to how in real life Buddhism spread from India to all parts of Asia, especially east Asia. The word and concept of the avatar is from Sanskrit and comes from a hindu origin. Even the elements portyed in the show are from the Indian elements of fire, earth, air, water, and aether. The show uses a ton of Sanskrit words too for naming certain people or things like Bhumi which means earth (also the name of Ang's friend) and agni kai which uses agni from Sanskrit which means fire and combines it with kai a Japanese word for duel or fight. The last air bender and the legend of korra are almost entirely based on Indian mythology. The cultural influences of the show are entirely east Asian. It's important to note that the east Asian culture and Indian mythology intertwined together is a real life parallel to East Asian countries a few centuries ago
True. I find it interesting that people try to box each of the nations in Avatar into a country in existence today. To me all of them feel like a mix of many cultures , architectures and philosophies.
2:38 Momo is more like R2D2; he’s a chirping, sometimes helpful comic relief character. He’s a part of the main group because he is pleasant to watch and be around, and if you’re in a bind he’ll do whatever he can to help you even if that’s just momentarily distracting your attackers.
I have always been overly conscious of anything to do with cultures other than my own since, as an American with your basic European genes (a lot of german and a tiny bit of scottish) I always felt like it would be interpreted as offensive somehow. Even practicing spanish pronunciations in spanish _class_ made me nervous. If I go to a Mexican restaurant, I feel nervous having to say the name of a food because I'm a white girl surrounded by some workers and other patrons who are native speakers and the fear of pronouncing something even a little bit wrong makes me not even want to _go_ to Mexican restaurants. I hate that I feel this way, but I can't help it when somebody's first reaction to a mistake could be to interpret it as mockery! I know that not all people react like that, but I remember how I felt when somebody in elementary found out my german heritage and called me a Nazi since we had just learned about WWII for the first time. Granted this is an extreme example and we were like 7, but I would never want my own words to hurt someone like that hurt me. Yeesh. This got a bit long. Anyways, thank you for the upload, I always enjoy your content. Stay safe out there everybody.
Same girl! I don't even go to Starbucks anymore because they only hire English native speakers instead of people from my country and I have no idea how to pronounce 'grande' or 'caramel' for example in English and get a lot of anxiety. I think it's rather because of anxiety than because of being scared to offend someone because of their culture. I believe it's probably similar for you that it is not so much the cultural aspect but you are afraid to order because of anxiety
@@이달의소녀이브 Even native English speakers argue over how to say caramel XD. Some people say 'car-ah-mel' while others say 'care-uh-mel' so don't worry about that part. It probably is mostly anxiety that causes this, nobody wants to embarrass themselves on purpose. It's kind of weird that Starbucks would only hire native English speakers if you live in a place where English is not the common language. A bad business tactic if you ask me. Edit: forgot to put in grande. It's pronounced 'grahn-day' and is actually spanish in origin, meaning 'big', a tad ironic considering it isn't the biggest size.
@@thecatladytm7172 wow thank you so much for the pronouncing explanation! Like seriously I needed that hahaha And yeah I'm from the Netherlands and at least in very international cities they don't want to hire non native speakers. I tried applying but they didn't want me simply because I'm Dutch. I think it's fine since most know at least basic English and we have many international students so they can get jobs too but it's not working for people with anxiety 😂😂😭
Water Tribe = “Eskimo” Inuit Fire Nation = Imperial Japan Earth Kingdom = China Air Nomads = Tibetan Monks Swamp Benders = Amazon/South East Asian Sun Warriors = Aztec/Incan/Mayan Guru = South Asian (India, Bangladesh Sri Lanka) Sand Rakers = Middle East Other things like fighting style, clothing, architecture, names were a mix of many different cultures; like Kiyoshi Island being Japanese inspired or Ember Island being Thai influenced, Avatar having Sanskrit roots. Anyone who belongs to a group of ppl that have been on the losing end of imperialism/colonialism will relate culturally.
I just wish there were Astronesians (Malay, Philippines, Indonesians and all that). I initially thought Water Tribe were inspired by Malays because of their ethnically skin tone colour. Brown which are the Malays. Sadly it is not.
While the Fire Nation is based off Imperial Japan as well as China and Thailand, I'd say European colonial powers are the real-life equivalent of the Fire Nation when it comes to conquering other cultures and ethnic groups around the world, not just in Asia. Even if their cultures are obviously very different from each other, they still share similar ideologies when it comes to conquering other cultures. Plus, I see myself as Zuko's real-life counterpart.
@@njannah97 They're mostly Muslims and Christians, the show's Asian influences are targeted towards indigenous Eastern philosophical and religious concepts so they wouldn't have a place in the story.
I'm studying international studies, specializing in East Asia and this show has really helped my prior knowledge and it's mad how many times stuff I'm learning in uni is stuff that I either learned already through avatar or topics that the makers touched upon in the show. I grew up watching avatar and I am feeling blessed having seen it so early
I grew to respect more certain cultures that I thought were "weird", all because of this show. Things like Chakras and Chi always bugged me, but this show made me see why people would believe in it, I don't, but now I respect those who do. (just wanna say that I don't feel proud saying I thought these beliefs were "weird")
Avatar was my friend's guidebook for life. While mine was delicious tea and researching others myself and even speaking their languages Ich bin Sohn Auveau Pero Pulicitude
I am Jewish and live I in Israel and for us, Judaism is both culture and religion but my country is a western country and it tries to emulate America as much as possible and it pains me to see it, because we have a culture and it is an incredible culture, but we neglect it and I always felt it as a little girl, probably That's why I always saw Aang as a role model. He taught me what true freedom is. He might have been a kid who wanted to have fun and go around the world but it wasn't his true freedom. His true freedom was spirituality and peace of mind. Aang respected the changes that were happening around him but they did not change him. this spirituality and the message in the series about things beyond our comprehension is one of the things I love the most about the series and I always feel sad for the lack of spirituality in Korra's life That she is trying to fight for and ultimately only in the fourth season, against it.
We are orthodox crestians and aldough I don't belive in God I never called myself atheist, because the traditions that we have are based on our religion and I don't want to give it up
I don’t know Chinese Mythology that well but to my knowledge dragons are water spirits that reign over rivers, lakes, & oceans & some control the weather right? Found it interesting yet strange that AtLA kept the aesthetic of a Chinese dragon but use the western fire breath. (Though I guess they sort of needed to) Are there fire dragons in Chinese’s Mythology that I’m unaware of?
I believe there are. Dragons in Chinese mythology were basically Gods, not like Western Dragons that were just horrible monsters that had to be slain on sight.
There are different types of dragon in different myths. Dragons are actually associated with water in most cultures. In the popular myth of The Lambton Worm the protagonist fishes out a snake from a river that grows into a dragon. Seafarers have many stories of dragons which is how the phrase Here there be dragons came to denote unexplored waters.
PLEASSSEE do an episode on sokkas growth as a leader and finding his place in the group.like how he went from a relatively incompent leader and warrior,but compensated with confidence,and how that slowly balanced out through the whole show
even though i am not east asian i relate to the zuko and the sun warriors part you spoke of due to me being a child of immigrants and i think that its amazing how this show was able to give all types of coventional and nonconventional representation to so many people
I really enjoyed this video & it’s helped ease my concerns as I take inspiration from several cultures from around the world. Nervousness is good as it motivates you to do your research & hopefully grow to understand & appreciates the culture, religions & history of what you wish to write about.
Same I was really nervous and concerned since I'm now working on a webtoon with the culture that pretty much similar to my own but different enough. I had couple times where I have doubt in my story and planned to abandoned it although I already finish 1 chapter somehow. But, this video somehow is so reassuring that I finally have faith in my work
I felt this so much with the southern (and some of northern) water tribe, even though im first nations and they were based on the inuit, the heart and way of life of our two cultures hold so many similar attributes that it was easily one of my familys top favourite shows that we would consistently (and still do) watch on repeat. This along with the themes of the effects of colonization makes it so real that im sucked into the story and learn so many other aspects and themes the show.explores.
For me Avatar was a big visible representation that I needed as a kid. I'm not Asian, but I look exactly like Katara (minus the blue eyes) and equally as visibly ambiguous. I could never see myself in any character, but I could relate and literally see myself in Katara. I think that did a lot for me as a kid, because I used to hate how everything about me was so boring and brown
Same here. Also it is interesting and unique to have brown characters to have blue eyes. True they are waterbenders so it makes sense. But in our real world most blue eyed are Europeans or Whites so it is interesting to have this change in my opinion.
Still hard to believe that a show like avatar tells us a lot about culture compared to other shows that strive to share the same message. No wonder it's still amazing after all these years.
It's sad really that modernity has really sapped cultures of authenticity and vitality. I think the juxtaposition between the traditional nostalgia of the last air bender and the liberal modern legend of korra is a prime example. Korra could never spark the same magic as the last airbender because the modernist liberal sterile preconceptions of korra replaced the traditionalism of the last airbender. I am sad that tradition is attacked and subverted by modernity. So much has been lost in the name of progress and we ate not allowed to even articulate, let alone lament, what we have lost without being accused of being an apologist for the savagery and brigands of the past by the same people who evoke cultural appropriation. While most works of art are constantly deconstructing narratives of the past I've always found it interesting that anime still has a romantic approach to traditional cultures. In an age where, for example, intellectual play rights only deconstruct great works of art by loading them with cynical irony. I, a novice in the anime scene, can name multiple animes that portray a traditional culture, even traditional European culture, in a romantic light.
If it makes you feel any better people have felt like that since the dawn of man. Progress happens and there's nothing that can stop it, mostly for good but also for bad. Eventually people will look back at today's culture with the same romanticism and mourning. I myself am Irish and absolutely love my culture and mythology, but time moves on and eventually even the universe itself will fade into nothing.
@@lizardlegend42 true but nobody acts as if it is all meaningless in the end. In order to keep my response short, I'll just say that despite the technological transformations, modernity/capitalism, post modern skepticism for ideals and a retreat into atomized emancipatory narratives ect, there is no reason we can't look to the past for ways of providing people with an organic sense if meaning and purpose in their lives. The last airbender showed how every single character's identity was formed organically via community and the responsibility of their lot was actually provided security more so than it created oppression.
So basically you think korra is bad because of liberals? Do you people have to blame everything on liberals? In my opinion, the original series was a lot more liberal or leftist than korra was. And I know I'm simplifying you argument, it's just anyone when people equate political progress and political correctness with bad
@@OzCroc You seem to be confusing liberal messaging in the show's plot with my analysis of the settings in legend of korra and the last airbender and the relation this has to do with the very strong/organic identity of the charactersin the last airbender. Korra's setting took the form if the modern liberal state while last airbender was premodern and certainly not liberal in form. Also who is "you people"? Is it anyone with a take on the world as it is? Well at least where I am liberal beliefs are the underpinning of culture and it is best to understand the good and the bad. Freedom = good, a desert of meaning = bad.
Thank you sooooooooooooooooo much for making atla content!!! I can't believe that after 15 years atla shows up every now and then making me happy again and it is because of committed people like you! Much love!!
Omg i love you I’m so incredibly happy i found this by chance (through your comment on VG’s HQ!! react); i’ve been thinking so much about representation and culture, what’s considered appropriation and not, etc etc. as a fellow Asian American, i share a lot of your sentiments, so thank you for sharing yours.
Avatar changed my life, still to this day the greatest show I’ve ever seen (but I have other favorites too, R.I.P. the og teen titans) love finding others of my gen communing over great tv/storytelling
Being triracial sucks, 3 cultures you feel you are appropriating even though you are technically, by legacy, part of them, despite only identifying yourself as someone from my city. Yeah I'm Indian, yeah I'm Salvadorian, but you grow up round Mexicans and Vietnamese people, you start to adopt that culture. And you feel icky for doing it.
It’s channels like Kato that help me see cartoons, anime, etc, as so much more than what’s on the surface. There’s something to be gained from almost every story, no matter what the medium is, as long as the ones responsible for it are putting their heart into the product. Thanks Kato (as well as Aleczandxr, Digibro, GR and so many more) for broadening my horizons.
It was my pleasure to watch and enjoy this video! I may not be able to relate to everything you said as a white guy with families who've been in America since it was founded, but I really enjoyed what you had to say about this subject. I watched this show a lot and I didn't realize how much of an influence it was on me. I watched it recently again and it struck me how the issues of sexism, classism, and mercy/justice were all touched on. And in a way that shouldn't offend anyone. It makes me happy to hear your thoughts on this and I hope to see more analysis on avatar and its influences from you sir.
KATO💙KATO💙KATO💙 For the people that can't visualize, it's called APHANTASIA. For some, they have something called fleeding images. In which they can only access for like a second, of visualizations in rare situations. Today's spiritualist use their visual skills to do certain things. Like astral projection or other things, like accessing universal records. Although once we let go of concepts or lable's, one's visualization skills can do a lot more. As the mind can not tell the difference between visualization and the real thing. Ones will can manifest in all sorts of ways, as you realise your visualization can do so much . You can be a Jedi or witch or whatever, it all depends on your visualization skills and your intention of experience. Look into scientific benefits of visualization for pro athletes, you can see what visualization really does. But you see how alchemist and their religion, they got caught in a belief system that limited them . You see Spiritual people get caught into a system, that limits their potential. Even pro athletes limit their self, once people realise. 💚What visualization can do, where the will goes. Is where potential can go too and what you want to empower. 💚 Once we go beyond beliefs, we can do all sorts of things, in which one could surpass their limits. In which, their self or ego, they can go beyond the body and become the being they wish to be. Magic is real through visualization skills. 💙 Maybe Kato, 💙 You do a video on this visualization skills thing, what it really means to visualize ???
Hey it's nice to meet you Kato. I'm Sarai. I was wondering if you can do a review video about 2 animes called servamp and bungou stray dogs. And explain a little bit about what you think about them.
Nice to meet you, Sarai. I'm Zero. If we do make content about Bungou Stray Dogs or Servamp, you'll be among the first to know if you subscribe and click the notification bell.
Also I really enjoy watching avatar The Last Airbender. I suggest you take a look and watch on Netflix if you do have Netflix The Legend of Korra. And try to make a review about what you think of it.
It always makes me sad when people talk about their culture from their specific country because being a African American decadent of slaves there’s always a disconnect when we try to connect with our African culture. Many of us born in The US don’t know exactly where our ancestors originated from and that always leaves me with some holes that I can’t fill.
AnayaLator_221 being African American myself, I know the feeling. Then because aspects of our culture are really popular right now, everyone starts to claim it. Or feel like they understand all parts of it. It’s a really awkward position.
EresirThe1st yeah I’m trying to get in touch with the culture now that I’m older, but I kinda feel like a fraud with I do. I think this is the disconnect. It’s a weird line to walk but I’m trying😔
"Will you return to Africa? A prince among men?" "I cannot return to a place I have never been. I was born in Trinidad. A slave from my very first breath." "Ah. But wouldn't feel... I don't know... more welcome there?" "As you might feel more welcome in Paris?" "Fair point." "With this skin and this voice, where can I go in the world and feel at ease?" ~A conversation between Edward Kenway and his quartermaster, Adewale. This conversation goes on a bit longer, but it is from Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, a game I highly recommend. What the game does so well is explore slavery in a sensitive, but honest manner. It is mostly through cutscenes and conversations between the player character and Adewale. I love this interaction because I feel that it perfectly captures the dilemma I and other African Americans have living in America. There is a discomfort to living in America where my African heritage is not appreciated. But I couldn't go to Africa because, despite my skin and ancestry, I am still an American who grow up with American culture. I (personally) wouldn't feel totally comfortable there either. I'd still feel like a visitor, a foreigner. I know it is possible to experience a place so deeply that it becomes your home away from home, but I also know I and other like me shouldn't have to create a home away from home just feel at home at all. ruclips.net/video/ogwLhlFoFHA/видео.html This is a video with all the scenes. 1:25:10 is the time stamp of the scene i referenced above. Lastly, good luck and I hope you find your place in the world. =]
You should consider a DNA test, I knew where all of my grandparents came from except my grandfather because he was a product of slavery. Found out he’s mostly Nigerian/Egyptian with a mix of other countries within Africa.
Your intro piece, I can heavily relate. I was one who started watching ATLAB late, but better late than never. I’m so happy it’s the number one show on Netflix right now. We need this. It’s never just a show and this show could never be just a show. It is groundbreaking, still relevant, and will continue to stand the test of time. I way the creators respected the culture of their show that is formed by the culture of the world, they way they had experts work with them, and sought and took advice from those of different cultures, is admirable.
I like how you talk about cultural appropriation. I am the opposite of you I am a white American that grew up in a few Asian countries. When people get mad at me about appropriation, I feel like it's an attack on part of who I am. Asia is a part of me, just like it is apart of Asian Americans, I grew up there. When people ask me about wearing kimonos, I say most Japanese don't might they actually enjoy it. It you are wearing a kimono to experience Japanese culture, to learn more and have fun many Japanese love to see you enjoy their culture. But if you're disrespectful towards the culture or making fun of it or spoofing it then it's offensive and they don't like it. One thing that helps me really connect with Avatar is that is a blend of different Asian cultures, while being respectful. It's like my mixed cultural identity growing up as an American in Asia around people from all over the world my personal culture is a mix of everything, where Avatar is a mix.
You can't have a globalized and a multicultural society without sharing and having everyone take part even if they aren't from the same background, thats my view
I had a nepali buddhist monk friend that taught me a lot of stuff about it, a lot of culture and had little historical asides for just about everything in his shop. He sold asian antiques and had a real respect and appreciation for where every little piece came from. He had some new stuff too, things like prayer wheels, charms, talismans, jewelry, tourist crap you know, but it was still important to him, and through the lense of context I appreciated them too. It's all about the ability to see past your own little bubble of the world and appreciate the importance it has to other people.
I think you just never meet asian people who look like him.. asia is a big continent and we look very diverse. Me as an asian myself never once thought he looked like a white person.
Really need to do a rant here. For a little background I'm 23, white as white can be. But I grew up with martial arts being a really big part of who I am (Kung-Fu specifically) my dad and I have always had a passion for it and this show only helped me. The accuracy of forms, stances and moves they used for bending the elements is absolutely insane. Typically I would have my weekly class then right when I got home the new episode of Avatar would be on and we would always watch it. Most of the episodes I would see a move even if it was very basic that I just learned in class and that was really cool as a kid. Now looking back at everything this show taught me about courage, individuality, respect of culture and so much more it honestly makes me kind of sad that animated shows across the board(for kids and adults) have rarely been able to meet the standard this show set. I have 2 younger brothers and the shows I have to endure are terrible.
I just want to say that aang is 12 and Korra is 17 and that is why she’s more advanced in the avatar state because she’s more mature with her emotions cause aang as a kid so he has different emotions and thinks about things in a less mature way I want to bring it up because I saw some of your older videos and also the past avatars they were like in complete control because they were adults so they were more solid in their emotions and who they were so I was thinking maybe aang at her age they would be the same in the avatar state we don’t know because we never got to see him at that age
I used to be one of those people who would have that knee jerk reaction thinking that any accusation of cultural appropriation was bogus and just sensitive people complaining. Of course when I thought that, I had a pretty big disconnect from the idea of appropriation and the fear of turning something that is supposed to have reverence to a side show performance. I think De'Angelo Wallace was the first to make me reconsider this notion, and this has definitely solidified that for me. Not every kind of appropriation is bad, but it is important to understand the context of what you're borrowing and how to do so in a respectful way.
Rewatching Avatar the Last Airbender after laying in bed with a dislocated right knee motivated me to heal and be able to walk again. I had missed doing Martial Arts. Like the Series hints at; Fire is Shaolin Kung Fu, Water is Tai chi, Air is Baguazhaun and Earth is Hung gar, I think. I studied all those arts. The show motivated me to get back to martial Arts. I am still in pain but now I can practice kung fu and Qigong again watch my body position and adjusting my stance so I don't reinjure myself.
I don’t even take any pride or nationalism where I come from, not because I hate it but because I have seen the horrors in this world when it comes to pride. The learn Japanese culture with my brother.
Thanks for a nuanced take on a topic that is often over simplified. While culture and heritage are deeply interconnected, they're not the same, and regardless of heritage, a culture cannot be yours unless you approach it with respect, understanding and willingness to put your own assumptions aside.
I understand that disconnection, especially with my Czech side. I hardly know anything about it, despite that part of the family being the most recent to have crossed the Atlantic. And all the people I could ask about traditions and customs are already passed away. But goodness, I'm nervous when it comes to culture. I would listen to languages being spoken and the particular accents just to be sure I said different words correctly and not mess up. But I think that the line between offensive and appreciation is drawn at intent and practice. As long as there is a love being shown for that culture, I see nothing wrong in others partaking
I love all the points you made about appropriation as long as it's done with love and respect. There's even more on cultural appropriation and similar cultural mixing in the comics which I believe was very well done!
As a Brazilian, sometimes I feel the struggles of most americans go over my head. I mean, In Brazil, cultural appropriation isn't something to be ashamed of, maybe because Brazil is founded upon miscegenation and mixture of cultures. You can go to a place and find Maneki-Nekos,a Hookah and Dream Catchers and nobody would argue with you about how you aren't respecting the cultures which those objects came from. I think the best way to respect a culture, is to let be influenced by it, but not be ashamed of adapting it to your reality and needs. It's not about bastardizing it of dumbing it down, but actually fuse the new knowledge with your old knowledge and create something even better, like taking Croissants and adding Chicken and Cheddar Cheese with it, or Taking Dream Catchers and hanging a Fuurin bellow it to make it even more beautiful and capable of producing sound. I guess that's why Brazilian Culture is neither Portuguese, nor Tupi or Bantu, but a mix of every single culture which comes to our shores.
As a person from a country in which our traditions comes from a colonial period in our history, I can relate to the conflict you're speaking of. In Argentina, most of the people I know are descendants of European/European-Indigenous and our traditions are rooted in that continent's influence. I will never have the privilege to know who my ancestors were, how their life was, what culture do they carried... It's all just... Gone. And there's little to no people questioning this, because is as if they would prefer being Europeans, I'm an European descendent myself from my dad's side, but sometimes I feel like we don't have our own identity as a country. That's why seeing how ancestral culture is portrayed makes me excited, and also sad, because I know I will never know about my true History.
Just something to clarify the concepts are known as cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. I noticed that you said appropriation can be done right but that’s incorrect.
![Korra's Worldbuilding: How did technology advance so quickly? [ Avatar: The Last Airbender ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NZkEcbsGaC0/mqdefault.jpg)
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That is why i love ATLA, it respected and provided interesting and coherent narative. The legend of Korra was just messy and incoherent with its narative. Such a weird change
Did you know that Netflix is making a live action series of Avatar? They are Bringing the Directors, music composer and others of the original series. And no white wash. I hope it comes out as good as the whitcher.
I saw the flag and I was like yaaas, Cambodia represent
FIRE NATION-HAN CHINESE
WATER TRIBE-MONGOLIAN, INNER MONOLIAN AND TAIWANESE ABORIGINALS
EARTH KINGDOM-UYGHURISTANI
AIR NOMADS-TIBETAN
For most of us watching avatar was the beginning of becoming "a man of culture"
Orko D Ragneel ngl I really Thought you where going to say Weeb 😂
Well you're not wrong Orko
The amount of culture >>>>
Water Tribe = “Eskimo” Inuit
Fire Nation = Imperial Japan
Earth Kingdom = China
Air Nomads = Tibetan Monks
Swamp Benders = Amazon/South East Asian
Sun Warriors = Aztec/Incan/Mayan
Guru = South Asian (India, Bangladesh Sri Lanka)
Sand Rakers = Middle East
Other things like fighting style, clothing, architecture, names were a mix of many different cultures; like Kiyoshi Island being Japanese inspired or Ember Island being Thai influenced, Avatar having Sanskrit roots.
Anyone who belongs to a group of ppl that have been on the losing end of imperialism/colonialism will relate culturally.
The difference between appropriation and appreciation is respect and intent.
The maximillianmus guy said one of the wisest things Ive seen in a comment section. Well done
the thing I don't understand is when people who are profiting off of their own culture get mad about someone else doing it, like one is just trying to justify exploiting their culture for profit and personal gain lmao
THANK YOU!
You four people are technically right.
But you are wrong too. Wrong inside of many nuances, contexts, and other such situations and exigents.
No offense. Just saying. Everyone needs to learn something new now and then.
Growing up as an asian american, Avatar TLA did make me feel a lot more normal. Characters who looked like me and had similar names to people I grew up with weren’t all “Jackie Chan’s” or “Bruce Lee’s”, but were just normal characters that came to be known and loved. For once, Asian characters were given cultural depth, emotional depth, and ACTUALLY LOOKED ASIAN. The representation from looking Asian to having Asian names to also just clothing and food helped normalize being Asian so much for not only myself but the kids I grew up with. Avatar TLA was truly revolutionary
As a Indian Man This Animatied Show is a Excellent Representation on South and East Asia The Middle East, Aztecs and Eskimos
Im a 4th generation Ukrainian-Canadian, because of that I always really connected with Katara. The traditions that my great grandma practiced have been passed down through all the generations but every generation it gets more and more diluted. I can barely call myself Ukrainian no matter how much I love the culture. By this point I'm just too far eemoved from it.
Katara had the same problem: anyone who could teach her waterbending got taken away so she could never learn bout her own culture. She just had nobody to teach her. But she traveled around and reclaimed it.
Luckily for me and katara, our culture still thrives even though we're removed from it. I want to travel and learn about my family's heritage too, kind of like her.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Is an absolute masterpiece. The emotional messages, the masterful writing, the life lessons, the character development, the _use_ of its magic system, the cultural themes, the worldbuilding, the philosophies explored, the _humor,_ the friendships, _all of it!_
It's just amazing.
I’m pretty sure this is common knowledge.
Anyone else been binge-watching ATLA videos during quarantine and excited for new content?
Charlie I really want to but I’ve got 33 days left on my final university degree.
I have the complete series on DVD and I'm on my 3rd binge since July
Ryan Ratchford
Hey man, good luck with finishing university! What did you major in?
Fire Nation Soldier I’m from the UK doing Philosophy full credits
Yeah I saw Avatar for the first time like 3 weeks into the quarantine
Don’t have a drop of Asian blood, but I related to this show as a kid more than any other. I think it helped me without even realizing it look at other cultures and ideas more openly. As a young kid, the stuff you watch, read, consume, or participate in really do stick with you and the things you learn almost become a part of you. Thanks for the video!
“It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it become rigid and stale.”
Uncle Iroh really got it, didn’t he?
Well, this show is a bit more inclusive in representation since;
Water Tribe = “Eskimo” Inuit
Fire Nation = Imperial Japan
Earth Kingdom = China
Air Nomads = Tibetan Monks
Swamp Benders = Amazon/South East Asian
Sun Warriors = Aztec/Incan/Mayan
Guru = South Asian (India, Bangladesh Sri Lanka)
Sand Rakers = Middle East
Other things like fighting style, clothing, architecture, names were a mix of many different cultures; like Kiyoshi Island being Japanese inspired or Ember Island being Thai influenced, Avatar having Sanskrit roots.
Anyone who belongs to a group of ppl that have been on the losing end of imperialism/colonialism will relate culturally.
I'm not East Asian or white but all of the media I consumed growing up was from Both of these cultures (various) and I never really noticed that they aren't like until it came to material things, and honestly I still don't give a shit about that, a good story is all I want and can relate to.
I like Avatar because there is a logical magic system (mostly) and there are limitations to individual power levels.
Plus that Fire Nation steampunk tech is just awesome.
Steampunk is almost always a win.
Yeah, I enjoy the way they handled bending. It's consistent, it makes sense, and just the concept of four fundamental elements bending to the whim of those versed well enough in martial arts is simply wonderful.
It kind of gets broken in LOK, sadly: /
‘Culture is not something we have to be born with, it’s something that can be learned. But it has to be done with proper intend.’ (08:33)
I think this is so beautiful. As a black American, it’s so hard to find your roots and where your culture truly lies because it’s been far removed and basically stolen from us. I may never know which part of Africa I come from and the culture that I originated from. I’ve always felt like a deeper more sacred part of me is missing, so I’m glad that you were able to find a connection to your heritage through Avatar. That’s truly an incredible thing. Love your videos!
Nuance is not a word that tribalism allows. Yet it is vital for forming a well constructed worldview.
Wow when he started talking about how he relates to how zuko felt as an Asian American feeling disconnected from his culture the same way zuko did I realized how much deeper that episode was for me because I never thought about it that way but it makes so much sense and I appreciate so much more especially Rewatching it now that I’m older
The mythology in the show is Indian in an East Asian setting. Its similar to how in real life Buddhism spread from India to all parts of Asia, especially east Asia. The word and concept of the avatar is from Sanskrit and comes from a hindu origin. Even the elements portyed in the show are from the Indian elements of fire, earth, air, water, and aether. The show uses a ton of Sanskrit words too for naming certain people or things like Bhumi which means earth (also the name of Ang's friend) and agni kai which uses agni from Sanskrit which means fire and combines it with kai a Japanese word for duel or fight. The last air bender and the legend of korra are almost entirely based on Indian mythology. The cultural influences of the show are entirely east Asian. It's important to note that the east Asian culture and Indian mythology intertwined together is a real life parallel to East Asian countries a few centuries ago
True. I find it interesting that people try to box each of the nations in Avatar into a country in existence today. To me all of them feel like a mix of many cultures , architectures and philosophies.
2:38 Momo is more like R2D2; he’s a chirping, sometimes helpful comic relief character. He’s a part of the main group because he is pleasant to watch and be around, and if you’re in a bind he’ll do whatever he can to help you even if that’s just momentarily distracting your attackers.
You presented my exact thoughts on appropriation better than I ever could, another fantastic video!
I have always been overly conscious of anything to do with cultures other than my own since, as an American with your basic European genes (a lot of german and a tiny bit of scottish) I always felt like it would be interpreted as offensive somehow. Even practicing spanish pronunciations in spanish _class_ made me nervous. If I go to a Mexican restaurant, I feel nervous having to say the name of a food because I'm a white girl surrounded by some workers and other patrons who are native speakers and the fear of pronouncing something even a little bit wrong makes me not even want to _go_ to Mexican restaurants. I hate that I feel this way, but I can't help it when somebody's first reaction to a mistake could be to interpret it as mockery! I know that not all people react like that, but I remember how I felt when somebody in elementary found out my german heritage and called me a Nazi since we had just learned about WWII for the first time. Granted this is an extreme example and we were like 7, but I would never want my own words to hurt someone like that hurt me.
Yeesh. This got a bit long.
Anyways, thank you for the upload, I always enjoy your content.
Stay safe out there everybody.
@Half life 3 Yeah, I know it's ridiculous, I'm just a very nervous person. Maybe I have anxiety of some sort? Idk.
Same girl! I don't even go to Starbucks anymore because they only hire English native speakers instead of people from my country and I have no idea how to pronounce 'grande' or 'caramel' for example in English and get a lot of anxiety. I think it's rather because of anxiety than because of being scared to offend someone because of their culture. I believe it's probably similar for you that it is not so much the cultural aspect but you are afraid to order because of anxiety
@@이달의소녀이브 Even native English speakers argue over how to say caramel XD. Some people say 'car-ah-mel' while others say 'care-uh-mel' so don't worry about that part. It probably is mostly anxiety that causes this, nobody wants to embarrass themselves on purpose. It's kind of weird that Starbucks would only hire native English speakers if you live in a place where English is not the common language. A bad business tactic if you ask me.
Edit: forgot to put in grande. It's pronounced 'grahn-day' and is actually spanish in origin, meaning 'big', a tad ironic considering it isn't the biggest size.
@@thecatladytm7172 wow thank you so much for the pronouncing explanation! Like seriously I needed that hahaha
And yeah I'm from the Netherlands and at least in very international cities they don't want to hire non native speakers. I tried applying but they didn't want me simply because I'm Dutch. I think it's fine since most know at least basic English and we have many international students so they can get jobs too but it's not working for people with anxiety 😂😂😭
@Lady Wander God bless you, I think the same. While asian culture is interesting, it doesn't hurt one bit that the way they promote it is really good.
Water Tribe = “Eskimo” Inuit
Fire Nation = Imperial Japan
Earth Kingdom = China
Air Nomads = Tibetan Monks
Swamp Benders = Amazon/South East Asian
Sun Warriors = Aztec/Incan/Mayan
Guru = South Asian (India, Bangladesh Sri Lanka)
Sand Rakers = Middle East
Other things like fighting style, clothing, architecture, names were a mix of many different cultures; like Kiyoshi Island being Japanese inspired or Ember Island being Thai influenced, Avatar having Sanskrit roots.
Anyone who belongs to a group of ppl that have been on the losing end of imperialism/colonialism will relate culturally.
Just beautiful.
I just wish there were Astronesians (Malay, Philippines, Indonesians and all that).
I initially thought Water Tribe were inspired by Malays because of their ethnically skin tone colour. Brown which are the Malays. Sadly it is not.
While the Fire Nation is based off Imperial Japan as well as China and Thailand, I'd say European colonial powers are the real-life equivalent of the Fire Nation when it comes to conquering other cultures and ethnic groups around the world, not just in Asia. Even if their cultures are obviously very different from each other, they still share similar ideologies when it comes to conquering other cultures. Plus, I see myself as Zuko's real-life counterpart.
@@njannah97 They're mostly Muslims and Christians, the show's Asian influences are targeted towards indigenous Eastern philosophical and religious concepts so they wouldn't have a place in the story.
I'm studying international studies, specializing in East Asia and this show has really helped my prior knowledge and it's mad how many times stuff I'm learning in uni is stuff that I either learned already through avatar or topics that the makers touched upon in the show. I grew up watching avatar and I am feeling blessed having seen it so early
I grew to respect more certain cultures that I thought were "weird", all because of this show. Things like Chakras and Chi always bugged me, but this show made me see why people would believe in it, I don't, but now I respect those who do. (just wanna say that I don't feel proud saying I thought these beliefs were "weird")
Avatar was my friend's guidebook for life.
While mine was delicious tea and researching others myself and even speaking their languages
Ich bin Sohn
Auveau
Pero
Pulicitude
I am Jewish and live I in Israel and for us, Judaism is both culture and religion but my country is a western country and it tries to emulate America as much as possible and it pains me to see it, because we have a culture and it is an incredible culture, but we neglect it and I always felt it as a little girl, probably That's why I always saw Aang as a role model. He taught me what true freedom is. He might have been a kid who wanted to have fun and go around the world but it wasn't his true freedom. His true freedom was spirituality and peace of mind. Aang respected the changes that were happening around him but they did not change him. this spirituality and the message in the series about things beyond our comprehension is one of the things I love the most about the series and I always feel sad for the lack of spirituality in Korra's life That she is trying to fight for and ultimately only in the fourth season, against it.
We are orthodox crestians and aldough I don't belive in God I never called myself atheist, because the traditions that we have are based on our religion and I don't want to give it up
I relate to this a lot as a fellow half Asian who found it difficult to fit in. It was really interesting to hear this take
I don’t know Chinese Mythology that well but to my knowledge dragons are water spirits that reign over rivers, lakes, & oceans & some control the weather right?
Found it interesting yet strange that AtLA kept the aesthetic of a Chinese dragon but use the western fire breath. (Though I guess they sort of needed to) Are there fire dragons in Chinese’s Mythology that I’m unaware of?
I believe there are. Dragons in Chinese mythology were basically Gods, not like Western Dragons that were just horrible monsters that had to be slain on sight.
There are different types of dragon in different myths. Dragons are actually associated with water in most cultures. In the popular myth of The Lambton Worm the protagonist fishes out a snake from a river that grows into a dragon. Seafarers have many stories of dragons which is how the phrase Here there be dragons came to denote unexplored waters.
They also made the dragons winged, which is a European feature. The idea of dragons being slain by the fire nation is also European oriented.
You have to remember, Avatar is a mixed bag of different cultures.
Avatar is a mix of different cultures.
I fell in love with this show as a kid bc first it was amazing but I was happy Katara was my skin color even though I’m hispanic
PLEASSSEE do an episode on sokkas growth as a leader and finding his place in the group.like how he went from a relatively incompent leader and warrior,but compensated with confidence,and how that slowly balanced out through the whole show
even though i am not east asian i relate to the zuko and the sun warriors part you spoke of due to me being a child of immigrants and i think that its amazing how this show was able to give all types of coventional and nonconventional representation to so many people
I really enjoyed this video & it’s helped ease my concerns as I take inspiration from several cultures from around the world. Nervousness is good as it motivates you to do your research & hopefully grow to understand & appreciates the culture, religions & history of what you wish to write about.
Same I was really nervous and concerned since I'm now working on a webtoon with the culture that pretty much similar to my own but different enough. I had couple times where I have doubt in my story and planned to abandoned it although I already finish 1 chapter somehow. But, this video somehow is so reassuring that I finally have faith in my work
I felt this so much with the southern (and some of northern) water tribe, even though im first nations and they were based on the inuit, the heart and way of life of our two cultures hold so many similar attributes that it was easily one of my familys top favourite shows that we would consistently (and still do) watch on repeat. This along with the themes of the effects of colonization makes it so real that im sucked into the story and learn so many other aspects and themes the show.explores.
For me Avatar was a big visible representation that I needed as a kid. I'm not Asian, but I look exactly like Katara (minus the blue eyes) and equally as visibly ambiguous. I could never see myself in any character, but I could relate and literally see myself in Katara. I think that did a lot for me as a kid, because I used to hate how everything about me was so boring and brown
Same here. Also it is interesting and unique to have brown characters to have blue eyes. True they are waterbenders so it makes sense. But in our real world most blue eyed are Europeans or Whites so it is interesting to have this change in my opinion.
Still hard to believe that a show like avatar tells us a lot about culture compared to other shows that strive to share the same message. No wonder it's still amazing after all these years.
It's sad really that modernity has really sapped cultures of authenticity and vitality. I think the juxtaposition between the traditional nostalgia of the last air bender and the liberal modern legend of korra is a prime example. Korra could never spark the same magic as the last airbender because the modernist liberal sterile preconceptions of korra replaced the traditionalism of the last airbender.
I am sad that tradition is attacked and subverted by modernity. So much has been lost in the name of progress and we ate not allowed to even articulate, let alone lament, what we have lost without being accused of being an apologist for the savagery and brigands of the past by the same people who evoke cultural appropriation.
While most works of art are constantly deconstructing narratives of the past I've always found it interesting that anime still has a romantic approach to traditional cultures. In an age where, for example, intellectual play rights only deconstruct great works of art by loading them with cynical irony. I, a novice in the anime scene, can name multiple animes that portray a traditional culture, even traditional European culture, in a romantic light.
I very much agree with you and you explained it beautifully💖
If it makes you feel any better people have felt like that since the dawn of man. Progress happens and there's nothing that can stop it, mostly for good but also for bad. Eventually people will look back at today's culture with the same romanticism and mourning. I myself am Irish and absolutely love my culture and mythology, but time moves on and eventually even the universe itself will fade into nothing.
@@lizardlegend42 true but nobody acts as if it is all meaningless in the end. In order to keep my response short, I'll just say that despite the technological transformations, modernity/capitalism, post modern skepticism for ideals and a retreat into atomized emancipatory narratives ect, there is no reason we can't look to the past for ways of providing people with an organic sense if meaning and purpose in their lives. The last airbender showed how every single character's identity was formed organically via community and the responsibility of their lot was actually provided security more so than it created oppression.
So basically you think korra is bad because of liberals? Do you people have to blame everything on liberals? In my opinion, the original series was a lot more liberal or leftist than korra was. And I know I'm simplifying you argument, it's just anyone when people equate political progress and political correctness with bad
@@OzCroc You seem to be confusing liberal messaging in the show's plot with my analysis of the settings in legend of korra and the last airbender and the relation this has to do with the very strong/organic identity of the charactersin the last airbender. Korra's setting took the form if the modern liberal state while last airbender was premodern and certainly not liberal in form.
Also who is "you people"? Is it anyone with a take on the world as it is? Well at least where I am liberal beliefs are the underpinning of culture and it is best to understand the good and the bad. Freedom = good, a desert of meaning = bad.
Thank you sooooooooooooooooo much for making atla content!!! I can't believe that after 15 years atla shows up every now and then making me happy again and it is because of committed people like you! Much love!!
As a native American of the Navajo Nation, and having grown up in the city away from the reservation. This video hits hard my guy
Omg i love you I’m so incredibly happy i found this by chance (through your comment on VG’s HQ!! react); i’ve been thinking so much about representation and culture, what’s considered appropriation and not, etc etc. as a fellow Asian American, i share a lot of your sentiments, so thank you for sharing yours.
Avatar changed my life, still to this day the greatest show I’ve ever seen (but I have other favorites too, R.I.P. the og teen titans) love finding others of my gen communing over great tv/storytelling
Being triracial sucks, 3 cultures you feel you are appropriating even though you are technically, by legacy, part of them, despite only identifying yourself as someone from my city. Yeah I'm Indian, yeah I'm Salvadorian, but you grow up round Mexicans and Vietnamese people, you start to adopt that culture. And you feel icky for doing it.
It’s channels like Kato that help me see cartoons, anime, etc, as so much more than what’s on the surface. There’s something to be gained from almost every story, no matter what the medium is, as long as the ones responsible for it are putting their heart into the product. Thanks Kato (as well as Aleczandxr, Digibro, GR and so many more) for broadening my horizons.
It was my pleasure to watch and enjoy this video! I may not be able to relate to everything you said as a white guy with families who've been in America since it was founded, but I really enjoyed what you had to say about this subject. I watched this show a lot and I didn't realize how much of an influence it was on me. I watched it recently again and it struck me how the issues of sexism, classism, and mercy/justice were all touched on. And in a way that shouldn't offend anyone. It makes me happy to hear your thoughts on this and I hope to see more analysis on avatar and its influences from you sir.
Your explanation was amazing 👏 keep up the awesome work🙂
KATO💙KATO💙KATO💙
For the people that can't visualize, it's called APHANTASIA.
For some, they have something called fleeding images. In which they can only access for like a second, of visualizations in rare situations.
Today's spiritualist use their visual skills to do certain things. Like astral projection or other things, like accessing universal records. Although once we let go of concepts or lable's, one's visualization skills can do a lot more. As the mind can not tell the difference between visualization and the real thing. Ones will can manifest in all sorts of ways, as you realise your visualization can do so much .
You can be a Jedi or witch or whatever, it all depends on your visualization skills and your intention of experience. Look into scientific benefits of visualization for pro athletes, you can see what visualization really does.
But you see how alchemist and their religion, they got caught in a belief system that limited them . You see Spiritual people get caught into a system, that limits their potential. Even pro athletes limit their self, once people realise.
💚What visualization can do, where the will goes. Is where potential can go too and what you want to empower. 💚
Once we go beyond beliefs, we can do all sorts of things, in which one could surpass their limits. In which, their self or ego, they can go beyond the body and become the being they wish to be.
Magic is real through visualization skills.
💙 Maybe Kato, 💙 You do a video on this visualization skills thing, what it really means to visualize ???
The last part of Zuko... I can really understand.
Nice video.
Hey it's nice to meet you Kato. I'm Sarai. I was wondering if you can do a review video about 2 animes called servamp and bungou stray dogs. And explain a little bit about what you think about them.
Nice to meet you, Sarai. I'm Zero. If we do make content about Bungou Stray Dogs or Servamp, you'll be among the first to know if you subscribe and click the notification bell.
@@KatoBeyond okay thanks. And you have my guarantee that I'm going to subscribe.
Also I really enjoy watching avatar The Last Airbender. I suggest you take a look and watch on Netflix if you do have Netflix The Legend of Korra. And try to make a review about what you think of it.
It always makes me sad when people talk about their culture from their specific country because being a African American decadent of slaves there’s always a disconnect when we try to connect with our African culture. Many of us born in The US don’t know exactly where our ancestors originated from and that always leaves me with some holes that I can’t fill.
AnayaLator_221 being African American myself, I know the feeling. Then because aspects of our culture are really popular right now, everyone starts to claim it. Or feel like they understand all parts of it. It’s a really awkward position.
EresirThe1st yeah I’m trying to get in touch with the culture now that I’m older, but I kinda feel like a fraud with I do. I think this is the disconnect. It’s a weird line to walk but I’m trying😔
"Will you return to Africa? A prince among men?"
"I cannot return to a place I have never been. I was born in Trinidad. A slave from my very first breath."
"Ah. But wouldn't feel... I don't know... more welcome there?"
"As you might feel more welcome in Paris?"
"Fair point."
"With this skin and this voice, where can I go in the world and feel at ease?"
~A conversation between Edward Kenway and his quartermaster, Adewale.
This conversation goes on a bit longer, but it is from Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, a game I highly recommend. What the game does so well is explore slavery in a sensitive, but honest manner. It is mostly through cutscenes and conversations between the player character and Adewale.
I love this interaction because I feel that it perfectly captures the dilemma I and other African Americans have living in America. There is a discomfort to living in America where my African heritage is not appreciated. But I couldn't go to Africa because, despite my skin and ancestry, I am still an American who grow up with American culture. I (personally) wouldn't feel totally comfortable there either. I'd still feel like a visitor, a foreigner. I know it is possible to experience a place so deeply that it becomes your home away from home, but I also know I and other like me shouldn't have to create a home away from home just feel at home at all.
ruclips.net/video/ogwLhlFoFHA/видео.html This is a video with all the scenes. 1:25:10 is the time stamp of the scene i referenced above. Lastly, good luck and I hope you find your place in the world. =]
You should consider a DNA test, I knew where all of my grandparents came from except my grandfather because he was a product of slavery. Found out he’s mostly Nigerian/Egyptian with a mix of other countries within Africa.
@@EresirThe1st To be fair, australia just hostile to people in general.
Your intro piece, I can heavily relate.
I was one who started watching ATLAB late, but better late than never. I’m so happy it’s the number one show on Netflix right now. We need this. It’s never just a show and this show could never be just a show. It is groundbreaking, still relevant, and will continue to stand the test of time.
I way the creators respected the culture of their show that is formed by the culture of the world, they way they had experts work with them, and sought and took advice from those of different cultures, is admirable.
love this video since it does make you think and learn about cultures including your own it's interesting to think about
I like how you talk about cultural appropriation. I am the opposite of you I am a white American that grew up in a few Asian countries. When people get mad at me about appropriation, I feel like it's an attack on part of who I am. Asia is a part of me, just like it is apart of Asian Americans, I grew up there. When people ask me about wearing kimonos, I say most Japanese don't might they actually enjoy it. It you are wearing a kimono to experience Japanese culture, to learn more and have fun many Japanese love to see you enjoy their culture. But if you're disrespectful towards the culture or making fun of it or spoofing it then it's offensive and they don't like it.
One thing that helps me really connect with Avatar is that is a blend of different Asian cultures, while being respectful. It's like my mixed cultural identity growing up as an American in Asia around people from all over the world my personal culture is a mix of everything, where Avatar is a mix.
You can't have a globalized and a multicultural society without sharing and having everyone take part even if they aren't from the same background, thats my view
So it was YOU,who made my name to be ended with "WU"
I had a nepali buddhist monk friend that taught me a lot of stuff about it, a lot of culture and had little historical asides for just about everything in his shop. He sold asian antiques and had a real respect and appreciation for where every little piece came from. He had some new stuff too, things like prayer wheels, charms, talismans, jewelry, tourist crap you know, but it was still important to him, and through the lense of context I appreciated them too. It's all about the ability to see past your own little bubble of the world and appreciate the importance it has to other people.
4:30
Sounding a little nativist there buddy. What are you a Trump supporter?
I love your videos; everytime I think I can't love atla more than I do, you call my attention to something that proves me wrong !! You're awesome dude
I for one think asians are in possesion of longevity that makes me jealous that im not part of the club.
Not to offend anyone but why does aang look so white when he’s meant to be Asian?
I think you just never meet asian people who look like him.. asia is a big continent and we look very diverse. Me as an asian myself never once thought he looked like a white person.
Agreed☺
I was in college when this started. I finally have time to actually watch this. Review videos picqued my interests. Where can I watch this?
It's on Netflix!
Really need to do a rant here. For a little background I'm 23, white as white can be. But I grew up with martial arts being a really big part of who I am (Kung-Fu specifically) my dad and I have always had a passion for it and this show only helped me. The accuracy of forms, stances and moves they used for bending the elements is absolutely insane. Typically I would have my weekly class then right when I got home the new episode of Avatar would be on and we would always watch it. Most of the episodes I would see a move even if it was very basic that I just learned in class and that was really cool as a kid. Now looking back at everything this show taught me about courage, individuality, respect of culture and so much more it honestly makes me kind of sad that animated shows across the board(for kids and adults) have rarely been able to meet the standard this show set. I have 2 younger brothers and the shows I have to endure are terrible.
This was beautifully done and said
My goodness your commentary and observations are wonderful. Bravo
Didn’t realize you were Cambodian too! I am as well!
I never looked at that this way. Very interesting :) nice video
I just want to say that aang is 12 and Korra is 17 and that is why she’s more advanced in the avatar state because she’s more mature with her emotions cause aang as a kid so he has different emotions and thinks about things in a less mature way I want to bring it up because I saw some of your older videos and also the past avatars they were like in complete control because they were adults so they were more solid in their emotions and who they were so I was thinking maybe aang at her age they would be the same in the avatar state we don’t know because we never got to see him at that age
Sorry for the run-on sentence I was kind of ranting into my phone.
I used to be one of those people who would have that knee jerk reaction thinking that any accusation of cultural appropriation was bogus and just sensitive people complaining. Of course when I thought that, I had a pretty big disconnect from the idea of appropriation and the fear of turning something that is supposed to have reverence to a side show performance.
I think De'Angelo Wallace was the first to make me reconsider this notion, and this has definitely solidified that for me.
Not every kind of appropriation is bad, but it is important to understand the context of what you're borrowing and how to do so in a respectful way.
Wow, well said 👏🏼
I think he’s Asian guys
Still blows my mind that its implied iroh killed a dragon
It's revealed that he didn't actually kill one though
Those dragons that zuko and aang learn from are the ones iroh saved
🤦♂️ he didn't he said he killed the rest of them so no one will
Awesome perspective on cultural appropriation. Definitely taught me a thing or two
Rewatching Avatar the Last Airbender after laying in bed with a dislocated right knee motivated me to heal and be able to walk again. I had missed doing Martial Arts. Like the Series hints at; Fire is Shaolin Kung Fu, Water is Tai chi, Air is Baguazhaun and Earth is Hung gar, I think. I studied all those arts. The show motivated me to get back to martial Arts. I am still in pain but now I can practice kung fu and Qigong again watch my body position and adjusting my stance so I don't reinjure myself.
I don’t even take any pride or nationalism where I come from, not because I hate it but because I have seen the horrors in this world when it comes to pride. The learn Japanese culture with my brother.
Thanks for a nuanced take on a topic that is often over simplified. While culture and heritage are deeply interconnected, they're not the same, and regardless of heritage, a culture cannot be yours unless you approach it with respect, understanding and willingness to put your own assumptions aside.
Am black, and to this day The last Air Bender has been my favorite cartoon.
Hell yes, You Still Upload! Thank you Man!
I understand that disconnection, especially with my Czech side. I hardly know anything about it, despite that part of the family being the most recent to have crossed the Atlantic. And all the people I could ask about traditions and customs are already passed away.
But goodness, I'm nervous when it comes to culture. I would listen to languages being spoken and the particular accents just to be sure I said different words correctly and not mess up. But I think that the line between offensive and appreciation is drawn at intent and practice. As long as there is a love being shown for that culture, I see nothing wrong in others partaking
I love all the points you made about appropriation as long as it's done with love and respect. There's even more on cultural appropriation and similar cultural mixing in the comics which I believe was very well done!
Love your profile pic! Hadestown is one of my favorite musicals!
this video made me cry. thank you so much
Make a video about Iroh
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Epic 😎
As a Brazilian, sometimes I feel the struggles of most americans go over my head. I mean, In Brazil, cultural appropriation isn't something to be ashamed of, maybe because Brazil is founded upon miscegenation and mixture of cultures. You can go to a place and find Maneki-Nekos,a Hookah and Dream Catchers and nobody would argue with you about how you aren't respecting the cultures which those objects came from.
I think the best way to respect a culture, is to let be influenced by it, but not be ashamed of adapting it to your reality and needs. It's not about bastardizing it of dumbing it down, but actually fuse the new knowledge with your old knowledge and create something even better, like taking Croissants and adding Chicken and Cheddar Cheese with it, or Taking Dream Catchers and hanging a Fuurin bellow it to make it even more beautiful and capable of producing sound. I guess that's why Brazilian Culture is neither Portuguese, nor Tupi or Bantu, but a mix of every single culture which comes to our shores.
As a person from a country in which our traditions comes from a colonial period in our history, I can relate to the conflict you're speaking of. In Argentina, most of the people I know are descendants of European/European-Indigenous and our traditions are rooted in that continent's influence. I will never have the privilege to know who my ancestors were, how their life was, what culture do they carried... It's all just... Gone. And there's little to no people questioning this, because is as if they would prefer being Europeans, I'm an European descendent myself from my dad's side, but sometimes I feel like we don't have our own identity as a country. That's why seeing how ancestral culture is portrayed makes me excited, and also sad, because I know I will never know about my true History.
Just something to clarify the concepts are known as cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. I noticed that you said appropriation can be done right but that’s incorrect.
*Take a shot every time he says Asian *
I ran out of liquor 2 minutes in
first
Hey hey long time no see
Hi, Nina!