The Clash of Elements: Benders vs Non-Benders

Article Key Points

The graphic novel Imbalance Omnibus explores the tension between benders and non-benders in Avatar: The Last Airbender, highlighting the threat benders pose to non-benders.

The conflict between benders and non-benders stems from the industrialization of Cranefish Town. This has resulted in unemployment for skilled benders and an increased sense of discontent among non-benders. Avatar Aang's solution to address the violence and unite the two groups is through peaceful means. This reflects his belief in progress and harmony, a belief shared by Avatar Korra in The Legend of Korra.

In Avatar: The Last Airbender, the presence of benders and the threat they pose to non-benders is a constant concern. In the graphic novel, Avatar: The Last Airbender--Imbalance Omnibus, part one of a three-part comic series by Dark Horse, Avatar Aang is faced with the need to address this issue. By examining Aang’s decision in this novel, we might gain some insight into whether Avatar Korra’s decision in The Legend of Korra was the right one.

The graphic novel follows Team Avatar, excluding Zuko, on their journey to Cranefish Town, located on the outskirts of the Earth Kingdom. Their purpose is to facilitate a meeting between Toph and her father. However, they find themselves embroiled in acts of bending violence that occur on the town’s streets. Lao Beifong makes it clear that he wants Aang to resolve not only the immediate bending violence but also the larger conflict between benders and non-benders in the rapidly developing industrial city.

In response to the destruction of homes belonging to non-benders caused by the bending violence, Aang offers to help rebuild these homes alongside Toph, utilizing their earthbending abilities. However, the non-benders refuse their offer due to their growing dissatisfaction towards benders in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Why Benders Will Always Pose A Threat In Avatar The Last Airbender

The tension between the two groups arose from the industrialization of the town and economic factors related to labor. Consequently, skilled benders were rendered jobless due to the technological advancements. On the other hand, non-benders managed to retain employment but were paid less due to their lack of bending abilities. Unfortunately, what seemed like a cost-effective decision for businesses turned into a serious concern of unemployment. In response, some benders resorted to criminal activities, such as robbing non-benders, in order to support themselves and their families.

Most non-benders felt defenseless against benders and expressed their fears for their safety. To address this issue, Lao Beifong, Toph's father, proposed to the city's business council (which semi-governs the city) that bending be banned in public spaces for the protection of non-benders. Predictably, the benders on the council were furious with this proposal, seeing it as an infringement upon their right to live as benders. However, another bender named Liling suggested creating a police force comprised of benders, starting with her own guards. While this seemed like a reasonable compromise, Lao added that non-benders should also be included in the police force. Unfortunately, it later came to light that Liling was actually the leader of an underground group that advocated bender supremacy and planned to take control of the city, coercing non-benders to leave.

The constant conflicts and the potential danger that benders bring to non-benders always instill fear in those concerned about their well-being and security. As per Sokka's deduction, bending is a selective talent possessed by certain individuals, and unfortunately, some exploit this ability to oppress others, particularly non-benders.

Though he specifically mentioned Fire Lord Ozai, the comparison to Liling is not far-fetched. Liling, a mother of two daughters, one an earthbender and the other a non-bender, posed a potential threat similar to Fire Lord Ozai, albeit on a smaller scale. Aang draws a parallel between the machines in Cranefish Town and the tanks and steamships created by the Fire Nation in their attempts to conquer the world. "Everything was better when people at least tried to live in harmony with Nature. All these machines do is cause pollution and problems," he remarks. While he is not incorrect, his perspective is limited, focusing only on the harm caused by these advancements. As Sokka points out, these technological innovations have also brought certain benefits to individuals and society.

What Aang’s Decision Could Say About Korra's

In order to address the issue with Liling and come up with an appropriate form of discipline, Toph suggests that Aang follow the same approach he took with Ozai and strip her of her bending abilities. This proposal offers a nonviolent and straightforward solution, based on the belief that a non-bender should not lead a group advocating bender supremacy. However, Katara, who serves as a voice of reason in the comic, cautions Aang against assuming that the easiest choice is always the right one. She advises him:

Taking someone's bending away may appear nonviolent. However, it is actually a form of violence as it involves destroying a fundamental part of who they are. Bending is not just a power or skill, but an integral aspect of many individuals' identities. They have developed cultures around this unique ability. Ultimately, Aang defeats Liling but decides against stripping her of her bending. Liling's crime did not warrant such a severe punishment as what Ozai had to endure. Instead, Aang chooses to promote peace by using words to combat the harmful ideology of bender supremacy that has corrupted Cranefish Town. Aang comes to the realization that the issue lies not with Liling's bending, but with her intolerance and prejudice.

Avatar Aang, like Lady Tienhai, had faith in the potential of people to grow and progress without resorting to hatred and violence. However, the issue of bender supremacy posed a real and dangerous threat to peace and progress. Hence, Aang decided to stay in Cranefish Town for a while longer. The assistance provided by Suki in the battle led to the idea of incorporating non-bender security guards into the new police force. These guards, along with the Kyoshi warriors, would be trained as chi-blockers to ensure the enforcement of laws alongside benders. These practical solutions were still not enough for Aang, as he felt like he had failed. Despite this, The Legend of Korra demonstrates that progress towards peace takes time, but it does happen.

Unfortunately, this issue was not resolved during Korra's time as the Avatar. Cranefish Town transformed into Republic City, one of the most advanced cities, and the problem of bending supremacy evolved into the Anti-bending Revolution. Korra's attempt to bridge the gap and bring peace involved leaving the portal to the Spirit World open. The success of this decision remains uncertain. Non-benders will continue to live in fear unless they no longer feel vulnerable and defenseless. Learning chi-blocking, energybending, or developing technology to defend themselves may offer temporary peace of mind, but benders' abilities will keep growing stronger. Thus, any technology or techniques used to defend against benders must also advance. It becomes a sort of arms race. Considering this, Korra's choice to leave the spirit portal open in Republic City might lead to lasting peace in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Aang would have supported this decision, hoping that people living harmoniously with nature and spirits would inspire them to live peacefully without fear of one another.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Release Date February 21, 2005Creator Michael Dante DiMartinoNetwork Nickelodeon

Editor's P/S

As an Avatar fan, I'm excited to explore the clash of elements and the enduring threat benders pose in the captivating world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The graphic novel Imbalance Omnibus delves into this conflict, shedding light on the bender vs non-bender divide and Aang's approach to addressing it.

Aang's belief in progress and harmony leads him to seek peaceful resolutions, which reflects his character and the values he embodies as the Avatar. His decision to rebuild homes alongside Toph showcases his commitment to bridging the gap between the two groups. However, the non-benders' refusal of his offer highlights the depth of their dissatisfaction and mistrust towards benders.