Talk:Earthbending/@comment-110.55.5.167-20110320142719/@comment-76.173.106.242-20110727073314

No, it's not where you're born, it's how you learn. All of the techniques require learning or inventing forms (like the Water Whip scroll). Sandbenders are just Earthbenders use a fluid style that resembles Waterbending to bend sand. When Toph first does it, she can move the sand but it's weak because her form is too "hard" (try squeezing dry sand in your hand... it just falls through your fingers). But she "sees" their technique and practices, and eventually is able to not only bend sand but also create sculptures, like the model of Ba Sing Se.

That's what's great about this show. After you're born with your basic element, everything else is about practice, technique and creativity. Just look at all of the specialty skills. If you can't do it then find a master (Healing, Bloodbending, Lightning). If there's no master, work hard and come up with your own style (Metalbending). And if you don't teach your style, it could be lost forever (Combustion Man's Combustion technique).