Showing posts tagged Amon

On Translations: Peace vs Equal

Chinese characters tend to have more than one meaning, the meaning becoming more clear in context and in compound nouns/words.

平  (as seen on the Amon poster) can mean anything from level, to peaceful, to equal, or just be a family name, depending on what the character that it is paired with is.

平均  average

平等 equality

平靜 serene

平安 safe and sound

So, what does it mean, then? Both, neither, what context tells us.

It is no mistake that Amon chose this character, a character that can mean peace and equal at the same time. Think about it from a pundit point of view, it does carry a strong message.

Legend of Korra: Episode One

Translation: Public Speaker

I will put Korra images behind the cut until the episode has aired on TV.

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Amon’s Mask - Analyzed through Beijing Opera Symbolism Beijing Opera uses the color and shape of the make-up the actor is wearing to give the audience a clear idea on what the portrayed person’s personality is. If used in a play Amon’s mask would... View high resolution

Amon’s Mask - Analyzed through Beijing Opera Symbolism

Beijing Opera uses the color and shape of the make-up the actor is wearing to give the audience a clear idea on what the portrayed person’s personality is.

If used in a play Amon’s mask would show us that he is a powerful villain; sinister, treacherous, without self-restraint and a false claim to spirituality. It is also implied that he has, or will, butcher people.

His mask consists of three basic colors: White, red and green.

White color base suggests sinisterness, treacherousness, suspiciousness and craftiness. Commonly seen on the stage is the white face for the powerful villain. It highlights all that is bad in human nature: cunning, craftiness, and treachery.

A green face tells the audience that the character is impulsive and violent and depicts surly stubbornness, impetuosity and a total lack of self-restraint.

A red circle means spirituality: In the center of the forehead is a red pearl-like object or nine dots, signs that the character has been initiated into Buddhist monkhood.But in a villain it means the opposite: A circle of light on the forehead to mock the eunuch’s claim to be a disciple of the Buddha.

Further: Take a close look at the shape of the eye make-up.Eye sockets shaped like kitchen knives symbolize butchery of the people.

Image sources: One, two, three, four

Amon Poster and Real World References As you can see the Amon poster is clearly based on communist propaganda posters. I am curious as to how this will play out, but one thing is certain, LOK will continue to follow Chinese history i.e. fictionalize... View high resolution

Amon Poster and Real World References

As you can see the Amon poster is clearly based on communist propaganda posters.

I am curious as to how this will play out, but one thing is certain, LOK will continue to follow Chinese history i.e. fictionalize historic figures and events, as they did in ATLA.

Remember: Kuei is a play on the last Emperor, Lao Gais were real prison camps and the Air Nomad genocide is a reference to Tibet.

The question I would like to get answered is: What does that mean for the Earth Kingdom?

Was Kuei disposed a long time ago and worked as a gardener (as happened to his RL model)? And who is in charge there now?

Was there a revolution in the EK already and is now coming to Republic City?

Or is the revolution starting in Republic City? Will this be a reverse Taiwan situation, where the Benders flee to the Mainland?

Or is the the Cultural Revolution? Are Amon’s Equalists the Red Guards?

Is ‘Ping’ a play on 'Deng Xiao Ping’? 'Amon’ a reference to 'Mao’?

One thing I know, though: This does not bode well …

Image sources: One, two, three

More:

What time period is ATLA set in

Implications of The Founding of Republic City i.e. The Promise Part One