regarding the post about Korra, the reason why she’s like, ‘hot-headed’ and ‘annoying’ (and some insanely narrow perspectives) was because she was sheltered. The hell was one expecting a sheltered person to do, act ‘normal’ and not lost in a place they’ve been to, both mentally and physically (her mindset and the city, I mean).
do correct me if I’m wrong though :3
Oh no, totally, I agree. Korra was very explicitly isolated and sheltered from the world since she was very young, and she displays the effects of this treatment very realistically. Yet for some reason, a large chunk of the Avatar fandom seems incapable of grasping that. Just a few weeks ago when I was defending Korra against someone in the replies of post you referenced, they said that they would be more understanding of Korra's less palatable behaviours if Tonraq and Senna were less 'normal'. I've seen this sentiment a few times in other posts too, and it completely ignores the damage the White Lotus' isolation would've done her. It sorta reminds me of when I got into a discussion with someone over whether what Lao and Poppy Beifong did to Toph constitutes as abuse.
Because yes, Tonraq and Senna were loving and normal parents (at least by avatarverse standards, and let's be honest, Ozai has set the bar in hell), that doesn't really help the fact that at 5 years old, Korra was taken from her parents and moved into a compound quite far away from Wolf Cove. Remember, Korra's parents lived in Wolf Cove and only visited her.
Now there is a wide breath of research and studies on why removal from their primary caretaker(s) is damaging and harmful for children. Not small children, but adolescents too. Being removed from their primary caretaker can cause children to be at increased risk of many challenges, from increased vulnerability to exploitation and abuse (hello Unalaq) to decreased cognital development. Now, we do not know how often Senna and Tonraq were able to visit Korra, nor how present they were able to be in her childhood, but it was made very clear that Korra felt isolated and alone growing up. This is not helped by the several instances of Tonraq hiding things from her, which certainly contributed to her not recieving the stablity she needed from them.
However, my main concern lays with the fact that Korra was seemingly denied almost all contact with other children between the ages of 5 and 16. While I've spoken about Korra not being properly socialised before, I don't think I've conveyed how much of an issue that truly is.
Socialisation isn't just the process of acquiring social glib or charisma, it is a fundamental process of the way humans (and many animals) operate. It is the process of internalising various norms, values and knowledge needed to participate in the environment that the subject is in. While socialisation is a lifelong process, the initial years of a child's growth play a crucial role in shaping who said child will eventually become.
Korra , to Asami: [Chuckles in relief.] Well, whatever happened with Mako, I'm glad it hasn't come between us. I've never had a girlfriend to hang out with and talk to before, except for Naga. This is nice.
Through interacting and especially, playing, with other children, children learn the rules of social interaction, what is appropriate, what isn't. It's how they learn basic things like any modicum of emotional intelligence, how to share, how to take turns, how to compromise and cooperate. It's how they develop their language skills, as well as imagination and the ability to create and nurture proper, healthy bonds with others.
That's why, despite its many faults, the school system is such an important fixture in childrens' lives. And why children who aren't properly socialised from a young age are starting from a much worse place than children who have. Like. Covid era lockdowns gave us a lot of fun new information on how long-term isolation affects developing kids (and adults too tbh) and I think we can all agree it's not good. It's actually pretty bad!!!
Because of her isolation by the White Lotus, Korra not only struggles in playing her role as a public and political figure, but also would have difficulty grasping the most rudimentary roles every teenager her age is expected to naturally slip into. She likely has little to no basis or point of reference for social roles such as peer, teammate, friend, romantic partner. This too is an effect of poor socialisation, because socialisation helps us internalise the various social roles we are meant to fulfil in our lives. It helps us absorb what responsibilities, privileges and behaviour patterns come with said social roles. Korra's upbringing prepared her for none of this. Her roles in her entire adolescent life were essentially: daughter, student, prisoner.
Frankly, it's a miracle that Korra was not Far Far Worse when she got to Republic City. Everything she was experiencing was incredibly new and strange for her. And it's very normal for us to react to the new with aggression. But, while some may call Korra aggresive, she's remarkably... not? I'd venture to say that, for all that she has dragging her down, she is a remarkably pleasant and friendly young lady.
Korra doesn't often start shit out of malice, or the desire for conflict. She certainly doesn't shy away from conflict, but she also doesn't seek it out. Remember, that conflict was likely a rarity for Korra when she was growing up. Outside of sparring partners, it is unlikely that Korra had many 'opponents' who weren't the White Lotus officials who governed her life. And who likely didn't really take her arguments into account. Her ass doesn't know how to argue her case because she's likely not gotten to argue much before Republic City. And arguing is a skill just as any other.
Tenzin : I wish there were another way.
Korra: [Excitedly.] Wait, there is! If you can't stay here, then I'll go back to Republic City with you! It's perfect!
White Lotus leader: Absolutely not! [Bangs hand on the table, shaking the contents on the table.] The city is far too dangerous. Avatar Aang tasked us with keeping you safe while you mastered the four elements.
Korra: [Cut back to Korra; defiantly.] I get that, but I don't think keeping me locked up in this compound like a prisoner is what he had in mind.
Tenzin: [Camera zooms back to a shot of the three.] I know this is difficult to accept, but it's not the right time for you to come to the city.
Korra : [Dismissive.] Whatever. [She abruptly gets up and leaves the room. The door slams shut as the White Lotus leader and Tenzin sigh.]
And yes, Korra is confident, especially in her physical abilites, but, like, wouldn't you be??? Imagine you've spent like 11 years locked in a basement learning to do one specific thing. I feel like you'd be at least kind of confident that you can do said thing well.
Thing is, Korra's confidence is only a problem because she's a woman. A brown woman, no less. In men, hotheadedness can very well be an endearing quality. The problem here is that Korra has a sense of self worth, and we tend to expect women to recieve their self esteem from external sources, especially through male validation. Korra is seen as overconfident because the amount of confidence that people expect from her is none. Add in the harmful stereotypes around black and brown women, such as for example, the rude, loud and emasculating 'Sapphire', and suddenly it's no mystery why Korra's confidence rubs so many people the wrong way.
At the core of her character, Korra is a young woman who was incredibly isolated growing up and due to this, she is realistically awkward and unprepared for the challenges she faces in 'the real world'. She also happens to be rightfully confident in herself. This is a benign, even lovable character. Unfortunately, the many biases her character disturbs have people interpreting all her actions and traits in the worst light possible, and as a fandom, there is unfortunately very little we can do to prove them wrong. Because their issues aren't with the actual Korra, they're with a made up version of Korra in their head. That's why so many Korra haters swallowed the most obvious bait ever with the Seven Havens announcement. They have little to no concept of Korra outside of the made up caricature in their heads. And unfortunately, that's not something we can facts and logic away.
