Talk:Amon/@comment-69.122.85.217-20120517220007

To: Wan-Shi-Tong-Servant

It's true benders and non-benders have lived together in the various kingdoms of the past. In hindsight I think I mispoke on that front. What I meant was back then there was a kind of presumed higher social order when it came to benders in the more modern cities. They may not have been considered better than anyone else but with the power of the Fire Nation looming over everyone, non-benders knew their place wasn't at the front. They certainly didn't have the power to stand up to or resist any of the groups that consisted mostly of benders. All the nations were ruled by benders for a reason. Republic City is included in that equation.

I stand by the statement that the people's dependence on bending has waned. It hasn't completely vanished but it's not necessary for every function of society big and small anymore. Yes, we see benders providing electricity for the city that powers things like all the lights. That's a significant contribution but I wouldn't say it drives advancement and I bet non-bending captains of industry like Sato would agree. The old visual of benders literally pushing society along has vanished and people's perception has to be different as a consequence. Machines like the Satomobiles give people the feeling of self reliance. With that comes a stronger sense of self and fairness that would be very acute to occurrences where benders tip the scales. In cases of major societal functions (building infrastructure, mass transportation) benders are "less" necessary. The irony is that the synchronicity of bending and technology was probably the foundation on which Republic City was built.

I know Amon's agenda can seem hypocritical when you break it down. ''"Benders are too powerful" / "Technology evens the scale". "Benders oppress us" / "I'll take your bending away". "Stay out of my way or else" / "Eventually I'm coming for you"''. The truth is everyone follows their principles with ego involved. Be it a revolutionary or a terrorist. He seems too smart to really have a simplistic outlook on how this is all going to play out. He knows there will high levels of resistance by many that support the system and governing body. So what does he know that they don't? - Turk