Toph’s blindness was one of the most excellently handled aspects of AtLA because it wasn’t treated like a disability. So often in shows (and especially children’s animation) disabled characters are limited to apperances in “very special episodes” where the main characters have to learn a lesson that these people are capable “in spite of” their handicaps, like that episode of Kim Possible wherein Kim constantly stumbles over herself around Felix. This approach is often just as insulting as making them the butt of jokes, because it’s patronizing and it limits the amount of roles disabled characters are allowed to have.
Avatar challenged that stereotype with Teo, and then sent a giant middle finger its way by introducing Toph. She’s turned what would otherwise be a disability into an advantage, and she’s not afraid to crack jokes about it. She functions well enough that the other characters often forget that she is blind, but at the same time it’s an integral part of her bending and allows her to be the greatest earthbender ever. It sends a powerful message that having a physical disability does not make you less of a person, and often affords you a unique perspective that the so-called “normal” people never get to experience.
One of the many reasons I love this show.
She was my favorite character. ^~^
(Source: thetalesofbasingse)
Korra is skeptical of Bolin and Mako’s new home at the Sato mansion.
Clip + interview with P.J. Byrne, voice of Bolin, via MTV Geek
5/17/2012
Honestly, what is it with these two and poking each other in the heads?
innuendo.
Pro-bending Rules of Play from the interactive “Welcome to Republic City” game. [.pdf file]
Tablo feat. Lee Sora - Home
The entire song is an extended metaphor. The “home” he’s talking about is sorrow and depression. Once you’re into it, it is easy to get used to it, it feels familiar like your own home, and soon it’s frightening to look outside, at the happiness of the rest of the world. You start to lock yourself in your sorrow, “home”, and you know that even if you try to get out (be happy) for a while, you’ll get back to your home soon.