Lessons from Rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender as an Adult

Avatar: The Last Airbender returning to Netflix during quarantine was a blessing to many. 61 episodes of childhood rediscovery. Watching when we were younger, it was cool. We wanted powers. But watching as an adult, there is so much more to it. We become invested in learning more about each character’s history and hope for a future for them – even when we already know what happens.

In Avatar, there are so many lessons, backstories, and character development. When experiencing this as adults, we begin to feel sympathy towards them and understand their actions. We hope that they will be able to work through those issues with the help of fellow characters throughout the show.

But it’s also not all black and white. Each character had moments when they would step over the line of what they were assumed. Characters who were on the “good” side had moments when they did things typical “good” cartoon characters would not. Characters on the “bad” side had moments when they showed mercy and restraint.

Below is a list of lessons we can learn from the show:

Anger vs disappointment

Anger is a reaction that we get in response to things that we do not like. But disappointment is something that comes when feelings of love, hope, hurt, or betrayal are present. There is a big difference and one we learn hurts more to both parties when the feeling of disappointment is present.

Fear is not the most powerful

Fear of the Fire Nation was used as a tool to control many. But throughout the show, we see moments, where when it came down to a life of someone you love, is threatened, that fear is no longer the driving factor if one’s action. Love is.

We all need that silly friend

Sokka is a goofball. We learn that straight from the first episode. He often receives blank looks when telling a joke. It isn’t until a later episode that everyone realizes how nice it is to have a silly friend in the group to bring comic relief.

Not everyone discriminates

As the show progresses, there is a lack of discrimination from those who have experienced it themselves. We learn that people are able to look past titles, nations, clans, and treat people the way they want to be treated.

Your destiny may not be what you think it is

Be willing to learn, grow, and pivot, Having an idea of your destiny/goal is important, but as we experience more, we may learn that the journey of how we get to our destiny may not be what we first assumed.

Trust those who truly have your best interest

It’s often hard to see the best intention someone has for you, but looking back years later, you will see it. Try not to take those in your life for granted. Those who have stuck by you, supported you, and challenged you to be better.