Korra had so much potential with this sort of stuff, the third season with the anarchist villains in particular. People actively challenging the idea of the avatar because they just defend the status quo and the rich and powerful could’ve been a fantastic series that actively challenges neoliberal ideas of power. Sadly we got the “pro-neoliberalism” avatar sequel.
The Airbenders went from a nation of peaceful nomads to being reborn as international cops without borders.
Toph becoming a cop is actually a materialist reading. She’s a noble who went through a rebellious phase as a child, not even a teenager. Her material conditions brought her back to her wealthy, exploitative upbringing. Her proximity to several leaders of nation states, her family wealth/status, and her literal “only person in the world” metal powers brought her to the natural conclusion that she needed to preserve the powerful elite she and her friends were part of. Naturally as an innovative, intelligent, and adventurous person she saw how the old world system was transitioning into bourgeoisie capitalism and instead of getting swept away with the old aristocracy she secured an essential position as chief defender of capital.
Jk Toph deserved so much better.
