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Post by Amira on Dec 29, 2007 20:39:29 GMT -5
I say Kataang. Not only because it is such a beautiful story that has been artfully woven into Avatar, but because despite all of the misconceptions about it being merely sweet and boring - it is in fact a dynamic, interesting, and multi-faceted ship. It captures the essence of the characters, allows them to be who they are. I love the fact that we've watched it unfold, growing as they grow and change. It is sweet but it is so much more.
They already have the deep friendship and understanding, but as they age I see a wonderfully passionate pair. Kataang is complex, it is deep, it is a love story for the ages and it just grabs me on so many levels. Zutara to me is more the stuff of soaps or romance novels and neither of those have ever appealed to me in the slightest.
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Zenjamin
Ba Sing Se Zuko
Toko supporter
Posts: 2,617
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Post by Zenjamin on Dec 29, 2007 20:41:26 GMT -5
Zutara. And I'm with night. Gimme sizzle and keep your sweet. ;D I don't see how any poll like this could be a real sampling considering how many Zutarians have moved on to friendlier climes. Maybe some will come back just for the poll if they hear about it, but I doubt it. Once the feet are out the door they usually stay that way. actually, im surprised/impressed at how many zutarans there seem to still be. Even though this thread is still young, i would have expected more to have defected to kataang. but if nothing else, you guys are loyal. perhaps it is because zutara has never depended on cannon, but rather its theme for its foundation. Perhaps a quote from "V for vendetta" is appropriate here. "Behind this mask is an idea, and ideas. are. Bulletproof!" "Behind this fandom, is and idea. and ideas. are. Cannonprof!"
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femaleairbender
Blue Spirit
Just a fool to believe I have anything she needs...She's like the wind...
Posts: 2,165
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Post by femaleairbender on Dec 29, 2007 20:48:28 GMT -5
I say Kataang. Not only because it is such a beautiful story that has been artfully woven into Avatar, but because despite all of the misconceptions about it being merely sweet and boring - it is in fact a dynamic, interesting, and multi-faceted ship. They already have the deep friendship and understanding, but as they age I see a wonderfully passionate pair. Kataang is complex, it is deep, it is a love story for the ages and it just grabs me on so many levels. Zutara to me is more the stuff of soaps or romance novels and neither of those have ever appealed to me in the slightest. Zutara seems more like a soap opera to me, too, which the whole "I hate you/I love you/I hate that I love you" thing. I'm not sure about comparing Zutara to romance novels, but then again, I've never really read any (old-fashioned?) romance novels. I agree with you about Kataang being multi-faceted. Sure, it has fluff and cuteness, but it certainly isn't what Kataang's all about. Aang and Katara have a great friendship that can and is turning into romance. Katara understands Aang when he doesn't understand himself; she is his rock and she keeps him grounded. Quite literally, Katara is what's keeping Aang sane. And Aang has taught Katara how to loosen up once in a while and have fun, and he was able to take her out of her comfort zone and show her the world.
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Post by Amira on Dec 29, 2007 20:59:25 GMT -5
I used to travel a lot in my old job and sometimes I had to just pick up something at the airport to read. And I've read a few romance novels that are "I hate you/I love you" or "we're from different places/different opinions" or something of that sort that just reminds me of Zutara.
And I can remember being rather bored of such tales.
If that's someone's preference, then more power to them. But for me, I personally have found little to hold my interest.
And I have to wonder if Zutara canon would be as interesting as Zutara fanon. Show-wise there is little if at all to go on. But the fanon is rampant, imaginations bursting. I'm wondering if the canon would hold a candle to the fanon.
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Silent_E
Appa
A True Flame Master
Posts: 241
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Post by Silent_E on Dec 29, 2007 21:03:08 GMT -5
At this point Zutara has nothing going for it. We will have to wait until Zuko and Katara become friends before we can accurately compare ships.
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Ana
Metalbending Cop
Posts: 5,061
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Post by Ana on Dec 29, 2007 21:17:22 GMT -5
Keep in mind that this is merely my opinion. Don't shoot it down with ridiculous articles and things of the like. Well, most of your post was a disclaimer so we wouldn't have much to shoot down. Don't be afraid to share your opinion (especially when bashing isn't allowed). Anyway, Kataang is my OTP foreverrrr so I voted for it. I prefer it over Zutara for two reasons. 1) Katara and Aang balance each other way better than Zuko and Katara ever could. To be frank, Katara can't just leave a different point of view alone (however, going by The Waterbending Master, that isn't always a bad thing) and she holds grudges. If Katara ever got over the grudge on Zuko she is sure to have (granted, she has to for the balance but she never clearly forgave Jet) she would try to fix the things about him she doesn't like. You know, just like she did with Pakku. This would not benefit her or Mr. HotHead Zuko. Zuko needs someone who will just listen/care for him and keep that hothead stuff in check like ...oh, I don't know... Mai. On the other hand, Aang's deep inner goodness fist her high standards. She won't try to fix Aang because she already likes him. Aang is zen and calm and Katara is fiery and outspoken. Aang can keep Katara in check while Katara helps Aang be more assertive. 2) I love the canon way too much. I have no problems with fanon pairings (Harry/Hermione shipper here) but I have never been so pleased by the pairings canon has set up. I mean, even with Maiko, which didn't have any "will they be a couple?!" development, you see why they're good for each other. For Zutara to work you have to invent ways to break the canon pairings up and invent ways for Zuko and Katara to want each other (in Zuko's case, to even say the other's name). Even if you invent ways that are good, you have to change the story a lot and that... just seems like needless drama to me.
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earthchild
penguin
The Southern Air Temple
Posts: 20
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Post by earthchild on Dec 29, 2007 21:23:08 GMT -5
I know I shouldn't be sailing in such dangerous waters, but here goes. I first started watching the show I think in the middle of Book 2, so I've missed quite a bit. But from what I've seen, I like.
I admire Katara and Aang's feelings for each other. I think it's really sweet, yet really innocent. To me, it just seems like Aang has an innocent little crush on Katara, and nothing more. Sure, he can be mature, and sure their feelings towards each other are there. I'm curious to see what happens with Katara and Aang, but I honestly don't think it'd be very interesting.
I think Zuko and Katara would make a much more interesting couple. From what little of the show I've seen, I've never really seen the two interact, so it's probably not my place to say such things until I've seen more of the show, but ehh. I think they would make a great couple because it's something different, not just the typical "good guy" and "good girl" pairing, ya know? However, it does seem like it would never happen. But a girl can dream, ya?
So... my logic definitely says Kataang, but my heart says Zutara. In the end, I prefer Zutara. Case closed. Class dismissed.
~earthchild
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Ardor
Fire Nation Soldier
Captain of the Blue Spirits
*drok* *punk* *highfive*
Posts: 5,243
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Post by Ardor on Dec 29, 2007 21:24:29 GMT -5
*sneaks into the RP* Hmm. A new version of my thread. Cool. Zutara for me, like last time. It's not changing. *shades away into the shadows*
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Post by lunauc on Dec 29, 2007 21:29:04 GMT -5
Heh... a challenger, eh? I accept! Well.. okay, it's not really a challenge, just offering a reply in polite conversation really. So, I hope I don't offend you. REALLY disagree there. Aang's love for katara has to power of a the love for an entire race reincarnated. Eh... from a the POV I was offered as a viewer the whole image of the entire air nomad race reforming into the image of Katara is something that is really in Aang's head. The Guru didn't say, "... and their love is reborn in the cute waterbender girl. Enjoy!" That was the image that Aang's own mind concocted as a boy with a crush, justifying his fixation. Now, I surely do not claim it to be the intention of the creators, and it likely is not. I am only saying that viewers can see the scene from that perspective. That really goes back to the unsatisfied feeling I get about it being a forced decision to "let her go". Without understanding the true meaning of the decision, and mentally and emotionally unresolved with the issue, how could he truly "let go"? Love isn't something that you can turn on and off like a switch, and if it is that easy, than it isn't love. Gah! God I hope not. That rebirthed lover routine is even more lame and cliche than the path the story is already on, and it is practically a slap in the face to the whole question of "will he, won't he". I mean, if it is alright to love her specifically because she is the rebirth of the one and only woman he can ever be allowed to freely love, by some grand loophole, than it completely strips the story of choice or conflict. It becomes boring fairy tale, where the wandering hero always turns out to be a prince, there by justifying his right to wed the princess who truly loves him. Justification, that's all it is, a deus ex machina circumventing human emotion and struggle for the cheap contentment of a happy ending. Others may enjoy it, and I surely do not spite them for enjoying such. It is only myself personally who dislikes the idea. This gives a nod to the rebirthed or destined lovers ideal. Once more, justification to make their relationship in some way greater or more acceptable than any other love either may share. I once tried dissecting the varying emotions of duty, faith and dependance between Katara and Aang, though I don't think it was very well recieved, and I believe I upset a few Kataang fans with my frank analysis, for which I am sorry. I won't bothering going back into it in detail, since it is in no way canon, which seems to aggravate some people, and it may be disruptive. Suffice to say, it made the comparisons of a savior to apostle roles for Aang and Katara respectively, examining the compounding factors of Katara's hopes for the world which she invested into the Avatar, their worlds prominent religious figure. As well, their oedipal bits about Aang, which really annoyed folks, who I believe mostly misunderstood, but that aside... actually, lets leave it all aside and move along. Unfortunately the fairy tale ending the show is heading toward now is just as, if not excrutiatingly more cliche. But that is the problem, there is practically nothing which has not been done at some point. Though cliche is in the eye of the beholder. What I have seen a thousand times over, and thrilled at once and yawned at from then on, others, such as yourself, may be seeing or enjoying for the first time, or have seen it again and again and have never tired of it, and love it everytime it appears. Honestly, if Zutara was done as soap opera-esque as you are imagining it, I'd likely hate it. Heck, even if my own OTP, Taang, came about, but was just a boring dulpicate of the Kataang relationship, I would hate that. It would ruin it for me. So, perhaps I'm blessed the writers are not optioning to wreck my vision. Everyone has their right to tastes and should always enjoy their first experience with something. So, no matter which your case may be, I wish you, and everyone else here, well, and hope you enjoy the show.
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pg15
Avatar Roku
"Since beginningless time, darkness thrives in the void, but always yields to purifying light."
Posts: 1,248
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Post by pg15 on Dec 29, 2007 21:48:34 GMT -5
Dudes...Aang is no longer crushing on Katara. He loves her. Like it or not, it's pretty much a fact.
Unless Aang was lying/delusional when he sad "I love her", in which case, a whole other can of worms is opened in which all ships can be pronounced as being simple crushes with no regard to what the characters are actually saying.
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Post by psylum on Dec 29, 2007 21:53:05 GMT -5
Dudes...Aang is no longer crushing on Katara. He loves her. Like it or not, it's pretty much a fact. Unless Aang was lying/delusional when he sad "I love her", in which case, a whole other can of worms is opened in which all ships can be pronounced as being simple crushes with no regard to what the characters are actually saying. So much word. Aang loves Katara, stop trying to twist it into something it isn't. Everybody can like whatever ship they want to like without trying to explain away the feelings of an incredibly mature for his age Aang.
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Post by taiyo *on limited hiatus* on Dec 29, 2007 21:56:17 GMT -5
I don't think anyone was trying to twist, just making genuine interpretations
Just out of curiosity (seriously that's all it is), how do you know what you feel for someone is love? Maybe it's a bit off topic.....
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Post by Amira on Dec 29, 2007 22:02:14 GMT -5
But I think it is a little hard for some people, myself included, to understand how someone can say that Aang only still has just a crush when he clearly states he's in love. And I think he knows his feelings for her. He's not this stupid, silly, clueless child that some mistake him to be. I think the fact that he is more spiritual and more in tune with his inner self through meditating and such has made him more aware of what he feels.
He was crushing at first, but they've been through a lot together. He's seen her vulnerable, he's seen her strong, he's fought for her and with her. He's seen her anger, her attitude, and they have shared a beautiful bond. He's seen her at her worst and her best and all the while his feelings seem to have grown.
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Post by psylum on Dec 29, 2007 22:04:06 GMT -5
Well considerng the target audience is 6-11 year old kids Aang saying he loves Katara can pretty much be easily interpreted at Aang loving Katara.
Plus the entire series has painstakingly developed them as being very close.
Now let me ask a question here, if Katara were in Aang's position, if she knew Aang was in danger and was being told to stay, do you honestly think she'd react any differently?
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Post by marvel26 on Dec 29, 2007 22:04:31 GMT -5
I don't think anyone was trying to twist, just making genuine interpretations Just out of curiosity (seriously that's all it is), how do you know what you feel for someone is love? Maybe it's a bit off topic..... No one knows. If we did, marriage counselors would be jobless. There's no definitive for 'love'. It's different for everyone. It could be a matter of whether the feeling is mutual or misguided.
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