the reason why I don't like Kataang is not because of looks, self insert shipping, or anything like that. I don't like Kataang because I don't like how it's written. the show portrays the way Aang acts towards Katara as being totally fine and not at all dismissive of her as a person, and I don't like that. it has nothing to do with Zuko atp, even if he wasn't close to Katara by the end of the show I and many others would still dislike Kataang. Bryke has had years to write Katara and Aang's relationship better and they haven't done shit.
Kataang being canon isn't enough to make it a good ship. it's sweet in concept, but not in execution. this has nothing to do with Zutara, and everything to do with Kataang being a poorly written romance.
and i don't think their shippers even comprehend that. like, just because you can look past things (or even find it endearing) like aang nodding at the "avatar's girl" comment, doesn't mean everyone else can. just because you're satisfied with very clear romantic interest from one side and barely three moments of reciprocation (after being dismissed as a sweet lil guy) from the other character doesn't mean everyone else can. just because you can divorce the creators' influence and intent from the ship (babysitter dynamic), doesn't mean everyone else is "stupid or wrong."
where they see "yearning" I see entitlement. I see pedestaling (on both sides). that just isn't appealing to me.
