Equalist Propaganda

I should have words with our graphic designers.

They worked very hard on that banner, Amon.

Hm…

Today I will answer questions about matters of the heart. I am less experienced in this area than others are, but it seems many would like my perspective, so I shall give it.

The Lieutenant is moderating questions today. He will be handing them to me as we go. Lieutenant, are you ready?

Yes.

Then I shall begin.

((People were overwhelmingly in favor of text answers, so here we go! Questions about bender/nonbender relationships and Amon’s romantic prospects under the cut.))

If she has negative opinions about the Equalists, she does not believe you are worthy of her. Your relationship would not be happy. She would only use you for her own aims. There are many tolerant, loving women in the world; you will find someone better soon.

In the struggle for equality, we often overlook the everyday pains of oppression. A man like that does not deserve you. Let him stew in his own arrogance; you are stronger than he will ever be.

We would be happy to have you. Many like you have found new families in their chi-blocking class. Your brothers and sisters will help heal your wounds, and you will never feel helpless or awkward again.

Love is a strange and uncontrollable thing. While unions between benders and nonbenders tend to be unhealthy, I cannot hope to control anyone’s heart.

However, if the bender truly loves the non-bender, shouldn’t they agree to give up their bending upon marriage? It is the only way to ensure the non-benders security and prove the bender’s trust and dedication.

As I said, love is strange. If the non-bender and bender truly love each other, that is somewhat acceptable. In that case, when the bender is cleansed, the couple will stay together. However, very few relationships reach this ideal.

If the bender clings to the nonbender because the relationship makes them feel powerful, it is unhealthy for the nonbender. If the nonbender stays with the bender to take advantage of the bender’s power, that makes them a traitor— no better than a bender.

I do not know Pema, Asami Sato or their partners personally, but I am sure their relationships resemble what I have described.

Benders always oppress nonbenders, intentionally or not. When a nonbender loves the Avatar, the most powerful, privileged bender of all, the oppression is compounded. The lover will always be buffeted about and abandoned whenever there is conflict, and can never fully share in the Avatar’s physical or spiritual life. The lover could also be a target for the Avatar’s enemies, the Avatar’s rivals, and, in some cases, the Avatar him or herself.

It seems like an unhappy life.

I have noticed that some find me attractive, but I do not understand why. This was not done on purpose.

If any of you are only here to make advances like this, I suggest you leave. There are better uses for your time, and you are making me very uncomfortable.

Lieutenant, don’t give me any more questions like this.

I won’t.

I dearly hope you are simply seeking advice and not proposing something.

I do not go on dates myself, but if you yearn for romance, there are some underground theatre productions that both entertain the audience and support the revolution. When the Equalists were young, I used to attend these shows often, and can vouch for their quality. Watching such a play with your date and discussing it over dinner allows the two of you to share an interesting experience, discover more about each other’s beliefs, and exercise your minds.

…

Lieutenant. Did you mean to filter this one out?

I apologize. My mistake.

Don’t smile like that when you lie. You’re on thin ice.

Of course, sir.

Anonymous, my sexual history is none of your business, but I will tell you this: I am currently celibate.

There is nothing I can do about shippers. I do not approve, but if the shipper does not take the parings too seriously, I can overlook it.

This is an example of taking pairings too seriously.

The Avatar is our enemy. I have not considered her looks at length, and I have no intentions of entering any “love zig-zag.” She will be handled last because that is the best strategy for us to pursue.

If we were somehow together, she would change with little effort from me. If a person is made to see the truth, they will prefer it to lies and injustice. Because of this, I could not be swayed to her set of beliefs, but if she… loved me, she would inevitably accept Equality and mature into a more righteous young woman.

Nevertheless, romancing her would be much more trouble than it’s worth, and I am not interested in a relationship right now.

I see I must explain in more depth….

It is often lonely. I do not have a love life, and the Lieutenant is my only friend. I am lucky to have him— if not for his presence, life would be unbearable.

But I do not complain. This is the life I want to lead. I have given my time, body, heart, and soul to the cause. The will of the spirits and the the people flow through me. How can I love someone when my entire existence is devoted to Equality? Who would be satisfied with the lackluster romance I can provide in this state?

Perhaps I will seek love when my duty is done. But for now, no. The person that could share this life with me as a lover…. that person would be very special, indeed.