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Post by Shirozora on May 28, 2007 21:11:47 GMT -5
(Thank you, musogato, for reminding me about this) Several months ago, before my high school and two other fandoms devoured me, I was busy obsessing over ATLA when I noticed something very interesting - trends. It went along the lines of: people who are generally of this age ship this and that ship's connected to that ship, so generally this age group ship these ships, and so on and so forth. I found this so amusing I decided to actually carry out some informal research in a place where AvatarDs gather, namely Distant Horizon Forums. Here are the premises: I will put up several polls on the major ATLA ships, and gender and age groups. I implore you - please at least vote. If you're willing, please put down your age and gender group, reason(s) why you ship this, and what other ships you prefer/dislike. I plan to write an extensive essay/rant on what I've found out, and I would gladly enjoy your input. Don't worry; if I make any reference to anyone, that person will be listed as anonymous. If you don't want to share any information, be my guest. I do prefer a line or two about why you ship and what else you ship. The other polls: Zutara - distanthorizons.proboards31.com/index.cgi?board=avrelations&action=display&thread=1180404592Taang - distanthorizons.proboards31.com/index.cgi?board=avrelations&action=display&thread=1180404805Tokka - distanthorizons.proboards31.com/index.cgi?board=avrelations&action=display&thread=1180404955Sukka - distanthorizons.proboards31.com/index.cgi?board=avrelations&action=display&thread=1180405107Thank you. I am 18, female, and I do not ship Kataang because I generally do not agree to perfect/ready-made/cliche/conventional relationships/hookups. ~Shirozora
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Growly
DOBS Katara
The Jester of Multishipping
The Mod behind the Myth
Posts: 6,059
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Post by Growly on May 28, 2007 21:23:18 GMT -5
Hmm... I would very much disagree with all of those words used to describe Kataang as a pairing.
1) It's far from perfect
2)Ready-made makes it sound like some kind of cake. But I assume you mean by this that it's there and not difficult to imagine. Except that Aang is not supposed to have a relationship with someone that would take him away from his Avatar duties - which kind of throws a cramp into the "it's an easy pairing" assessment.
3)Cliche is inaccurate (the bad boy/good girl and/or enemies falling in love seems to be just as common if not more so).
4)Conventional: in what sense is it a conventional pairing? Monks aren't exactly common fare in romance, and that's ignoring the fact that Aang is the Avatar. Believe me, a prince is far more likely to be seen in a romantic role than a monk.
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Astronomy
Avatar Yangchen
Everyone loves a band geek.
Posts: 1,517
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Post by Astronomy on May 28, 2007 21:27:49 GMT -5
I'm a fifteen-year-old girl, and I ship Kataang, because I think that the two really should be together. Aang has been after Katara since 1.01, and Katara seems to have a little crush on Aang too (judging by her blush). I don't see what's wrong with the pair, and I think they should at least try to get together at some point in the course of the show.
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Post by Shirozora on May 28, 2007 21:32:11 GMT -5
Hmm... I would very much disagree with all of those words used to describe Kataang as a pairing. 1) It's far from perfect 2)Ready-made makes it sound like some kind of cake. But I assume you mean by this that it's there and not difficult to imagine. Except that Aang is not supposed to have a relationship with someone that would take him away from his Avatar duties - which kind of throws a cramp into the "it's an easy pairing" assessment. 3)Cliche is inaccurate (the bad boy/good girl and/or enemies falling in love seems to be just as common if not more so). 4)Conventional: in what sense is it a conventional pairing? Monks aren't exactly common fare in romance, and that's ignoring the fact that Aang is the Avatar. Believe me, a prince is far more likely to be seen in a romantic role than a monk. Perfect, among other things, is relative to the person. Nothing's perfect but in my eyes, this ship approaches that. Or it could be that I just dislike the two main opposite sex protagonsts hooking up. It could be my...bigotry? Anyways, I shouldn't have replied, becuase I planned not to on any of the threads, but I like what you said. You're definitely going to be quoted, ~Shirozora
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Growly
DOBS Katara
The Jester of Multishipping
The Mod behind the Myth
Posts: 6,059
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Post by Growly on May 28, 2007 21:50:05 GMT -5
Perfect, among other things, is relative to the person. Nothing's perfect but in my eyes, this ship approaches that. Or it could be that I just dislike the two main opposite sex protagonsts hooking up. It could be my...bigotry? Perhaps, but if that's the case at least you admit to it. I will say this, of my viewpoint on the matter. I like it because it represents a situation which is all too uncommon in real life. It has always seemed to me that too many girls and women like the guys who aren't like Aang - the ones who are the antithesis of Aang, if you will. Guys like Zuko. That makes it rather hard for all those nice guys out there (a group which I fancy I might qualify as part of). So, with that in mind, take a look at the situation. In Zutara, it seems like there's often that "bad boy" appeal/attraction where Zuko is concerned - the need to take someone who is "less than perfect" and mold him - to "heal" him as it were. Unfortunately, in real life this usually works out badly, from what I can tell of the experiences of many women I know. Zutara might be sexy. It might be "hot" or passionate or whatever appealing word used to describe the pairing. But with natures like the two that the characters have, it would never be unconditional. If Zuko and Katara were together, then Zuko would, to some degree, always want to 'possess' her - even if it would not be the best thing for her. Aang would never do that - he would die for her without demanding anything in return. If the lack of selfishness in a relationship is boring, then so be it. In Kataang, the appeal is of one for acceptance and a more unconditional offering of love/affection/what have you. Also, it would be some vindication for the many nice guys out there who get passed up for that "Zuko" figure - some smoldering, angry, angsty figure who for some reason has far more sex appeal than your average friendly geek. Truthfully, I see enough "Zutara" in real life - it has no appeal in fantasy. I much prefer the thought that someone like Aang could have happiness - that his struggles and hopes (and ultimately his losses and sacrifices) will not be in vain. It is the fantasy that there is something within a person that cannot be so easily explained away as purely the physical attraction of one individual to another - but is a manifestation of the pure and unconditional emotion one has for another human being. Love is a word that is tossed around so easily now that I think in many ways it has lost the depth of its meaning. Through Kataang it has regained one such definition in my mind. "There's a word for that kind of devotion... it's called 'love'." Thanks. I used to discuss these things a lot more often, but I fear I'm out of practice now.
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Post by OxKataraxO on May 28, 2007 21:51:24 GMT -5
Why I ship Kataang? I really don't have much of a reason. It just...makes sense. Aang likes Katara. Aang is the last airbender, and therefore needs someone to continue his ...culture? with? why not the person he likes? Katara hugs Aang is every episode. She has always kissed him of her own accord. Zutara=cliche. So is Kataang, but at least it doesn't turn Katara into an overly annoying, "I'll take away your scar which is a metaphor for the burden you carry upon your soul, you will fall madly in love with me and change all of your ways for my sake and then we'll live happily every after" Seriously. I hate the movie grease, because when people change for others it ticks me the heck off. It's like saying, "I'm insecure with who I am and I don't want to lose you even though you fell in love with me the way I already am."
Honestly, I have no reason to care one way or the other... But I'm solid on Kataang. In sense there is stability, in stability, truth. And truth can never really be a bad thing. I see myself as Katara, and am passionately enthralled by Zuko. Yet I want Kataang. I don't do it to live vicariously though a character I relate to, I do it becuase..its just...right.
<3
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Ana
Metalbending Cop
Posts: 5,061
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Post by Ana on May 28, 2007 21:57:34 GMT -5
Oh, this seems interesting. Let’s see...I’m a 15 year old female and I ship Aang/Katara for a number of reasons.
1) They’re each other best match. Aang’s calm and zen nature balances out Katara’s temper, Katara’s serious side balances out Aang’s goofy one, Katara gives Aang stability and Aang gives Katara a reason to hope.
Yes, Katara is motherly with Aang but I think he actually gets the least of her mothering. Just look at episodes like The Water Bending Scroll for an example and, more often than not, it’s her faith and trust in him that is more focused. Katara has been mothering people since her own mother died and I think she needs someone who will get her away from the mothering and make her smile. IMO, Aang already does this for Katara in canon.
Aang, I think, needs someone who sees and loves him as Aang instead of the Avatar first and foremost. Katara obviously already fills the bill because she’s the only person in the world who isn’t afraid of Aang’s Avatar State side.
2) Their relationship. Aang and Katara’s bond is honestly one of my favorite parts of the show. The two instantly clicked and now they’re each other’s Most Important Person. Aang and Katara’s platonic feelings do greatly overshadow their romantic ones but I think this is setup for a great romantic relationship.
3) It would fit into the show perfectly. It would reinforce the message that even all powerful being doesn’t have to face the world alone and the love of family and friends is a really good thing. Also, Aang/Katara has been in "the DNA of the show from the start" so it has to have a big resolution.
As for other ships, I prefer Sokka/Toph, Mai/Zuko, and I greatly dislike Zuko/Katara. Sorry Zutarain friends.
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Post by Amira on May 28, 2007 22:34:22 GMT -5
Interesting idea. And let's just say I am way, way over 13, old enough to have a mortgage...LOL
I ship Kataang in part because of what it is now and in part of what it could be in the future.
I love that Katara and Aang already have that strong foundation in place. They know how to communicate, they know how important it is to respect each other, and they know how to utilize their strengths to form a cohesive team. And they are a team. They forgive each other the weaknesses and celebrate the strengths. Their affection for each other is unconditional and they are devoted to each other.
It comes down to simply: Katara makes Aang happy and Aang makes Katara happy.
They have given so much to each other already, understanding each other's needs. Katara gives Aang someone who sees him not just as the Avatar, but as just Aang. Aang has given Katara the chance to realize her dream of being a master waterbender and gives her someone who believes in her no matter what. They both have the common ground of having experienced loss and being affected by it.
For me their chemistry is undeniable. They are wonderful on screen and their relationship and budding potential romance is a sweet coming-of-age story in contrast to the war going on around them.
It's been growing and blossoming as the story's gone on. It's not forced, it's not two uncomfortable people attempting to come to an uneasy truce, it's not politics, it's not hate suddenly turned to love, it's not two people wallowing through the muck and mire of distrust and unforgivable acts to find love. It isn't the handsome hottie once again winning the girl. It isn't opposite personalities forcibly trying to mesh. It isn't uneven. It isn't betrayed confidences suddenly made right.
The characters are allowed to be who they are and yet are not confined to remain that way. No one has to change to please the other. No one's personality has to adjust itself to fit someone else. It is two people who have connected and have bonds of affection built on mutual trust and respect.
Kataang is appealing because Aang and Katara are appealing. I find the fact that sweet, lovable, not-the-fandom-hottie Aang might actually get the girl to be quite refreshing. This is a story where the usually over-looked nice guy might actually win the heart of the girl many consider out of his league. And deservedly so. He loves her entirely for who she is.
I also ship Kataang for what it could be in the future. A healthy relationship that would be envied, one not perfect of course but one not filled with unhealthy strife. I see them being the couple that stories would be told about for hundreds of years. I see it being epic and timeless. I see their strong devotion being enhanced by passion. Age them a few years and I can see the ship being very sexy.
I see Aang being a leader for the world and Katara being not only his companion/wife but also his ally, his advisor, his teammate, and his aide with political matters. Having dealt with many people of many nations already, she is well on her way to being more than qualified to fulfilling such a role.
As for other ships, I really don't ship anything else. Nothing has the magic or the appeal for me that Kataang does.
That was longer than I intended but I guess I had to get it out...LOL
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Splendi
Combustion Man
I've lost my place but I can't stop this story..
Posts: 5,664
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Post by Splendi on May 28, 2007 22:52:44 GMT -5
Thirteen, Female, and Amira stole what I would have said and put it in much prettier words.
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Melis
Long Feng
hay baby wanna get away on my bison?
Posts: 3,293
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Post by Melis on May 28, 2007 23:03:49 GMT -5
Eighteen, female, and I agree with Splendi about Amira saying basically about why I love Kataang so much. Although, I will add that Kataang is my OTP because I love the idea of The Boy crushing hard on The Girl and being hopelessly devoted to her. While The Girl is The Boy's best friend and they have such an understand of each other that they've formed this incredible bond to the point that she starts realizing that she shares deep feelings for The Boy. Soooo cute.
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Growly
DOBS Katara
The Jester of Multishipping
The Mod behind the Myth
Posts: 6,059
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Post by Growly on May 28, 2007 23:20:04 GMT -5
*smacks forehead* I forgot to list my age. I'm 26.
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Post by mcdefenseless on May 28, 2007 23:33:29 GMT -5
17-year-old girl. I also like Maiko, Tokka, and Smellershot.
I actually have an entire essay on why I ship Kataang--the only problem is, it isn't typed up yet. I'm planning on typing it up sometime tomorrow after my friends and I get back from the lake. I'll copy & paste it here when I'm done, if I can fit it all into one or two posts. Just as a forewarning, though, I'm probably going to sound like a hopeless romantic whose vocabulary consists entirely of cliches, but I'll try anyways. XD
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Growly
DOBS Katara
The Jester of Multishipping
The Mod behind the Myth
Posts: 6,059
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Post by Growly on May 28, 2007 23:35:41 GMT -5
What's wrong with being a hopeless romantic?
...not that I am one, mind you... but I mean, really, is it so bad?
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Post by mcdefenseless on May 28, 2007 23:48:35 GMT -5
^^Lol, no, it's not necessarily a bad thing. The cliche part isn't so good, though.
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Post by connoryves on May 29, 2007 9:01:26 GMT -5
good point. ADMIN NOTE: Please refrain from double posting and please read the forum rules. I deleted your other post because it was a double post and added nothing to the discussion. This is treading the line on being spam. Please explain yourself further. The point of this thread is to gather information. Thank you. ~ Amira
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