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How Avatar: The Last Airbender Celebrates Asian Cultures and Heritage

How Avatar: The Last Airbender Celebrates Asian Cultures and Heritage

Forget dragons and knights – Avatar: The Last Airbender soars with a unique blend of Asian and indigenous cultures rarely seen in fantasy. Unlike the typical Euro-centric settings, this beloved series takes viewers on a whirlwind adventure through a world inspired by Tibetan monasteries, Thai kingdoms, Japanese villages, and even Arctic indigenous communities.

Fire Lord Ozai, kostum dan Arsitektur Thailand di adaptasi dalam Kerajaan Api (Fire Kingdom) | Netflix

"It's rare to see a show that blends these cultures so seamlessly," says TV writer Albert Kim as quoated by Time. This fusion of influences isn't just window dressing; it's woven into the very fabric of the story, from the martial arts-inspired bending styles to the meticulously designed costumes and architecture.

At the heart of Avatar is the telekinetic practice of “bending,” in which warriors channel natural elements against their opponents. Each type of bending is inspired by a different form of Chinese martial art. | Netflix

As Avatar's popularity reignites, a live-action adaptation helmed by Kim promises to do justice to its cultural roots. The creators have gone above and beyond in their research, collaborating with indigenous artists and experts to ensure authenticity in every detail. From the flowing movements of the telekinetic bending, reminiscent of Chinese martial arts, to the vibrant costumes inspired by polar regions, each element reflects their dedication.

Read:  Flying Dragons in Avatar? Real-Life Version Photographed in Indonesia

Even the breathtaking architecture draws inspiration from real-world structures across Asia. Production designer Michael Wylie meticulously recreated sets based on centuries-old Tibetan temples, imbuing the adaptation with a sense of historical accuracy and grandeur. And let's not forget the food! The series' vibrant feasts are a visual feast in themselves, channeling the bustling bazaars of South Asia and the colorful celebrations of Pakistani weddings.

Much of Avatar is set in polar regions based on those that are home to Inuit and other indigenous cultures.

Avatar: The Last Airbender isn't just a fantasy adventure; it's a celebration of cultural diversity. It serves as a powerful reminder that fantasy worlds can be as rich and diverse as our own, offering a tapestry of perspectives and experiences that resonate with viewers from all walks of life.

Akhyari Hananto

I began my career in the banking industry in 1997, and stayed approx 6 years in it. This industry boost his knowledge about the economic condition in Indonesia, both macro and micro, and how to More understand it. My banking career continued in Yogyakarta when I joined in a program funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB),as the coordinator for a program aimed to help improve the quality of learning and teaching process in private universities in Yogyakarta. When the earthquake stroke Yogyakarta, I chose to join an international NGO working in the area of ?disaster response and management, which allows me to help rebuild the city, as well as other disaster-stricken area in Indonesia. I went on to become the coordinator for emergency response in the Asia Pacific region. Then I was assigned for 1 year in Cambodia, as a country coordinator mostly to deliver developmental programs (water and sanitation, education, livelihood). In 2009, he continued his career as a protocol and HR officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, and two years later I joined the Political and Economic Section until now, where i have to deal with extensive range of people and government officials, as well as private and government institution troughout eastern Indonesia. I am the founder and Editor-in-Chief in Good News From Indonesia (GNFI), a growing and influential social media movement, and was selected as one of The Most Influential Netizen 2011 by The Marketeers magazine. I also wrote a book on "Fundamentals of Disaster Management in 2007"?, "Good News From Indonesia : Beragam Prestasi Anak Bangsa di dunia"? which was luanched in August 2013, and "Indonesia Bersyukur"? which is launched in Sept 2013. In 2014, 3 books were released in which i was one of the writer; "Indonesia Pelangi Dunia"?, "Indonesia The Untold Stories"? and "Growing! Meretas Jalan Kejayaan" I give lectures to students in lectures nationwide, sharing on full range of issues, from economy, to diplomacy Less
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