Elemental beginnings: Discovering Environmental Justice reporting through 'Avatar The Last Airbender'
How ATLA sparked my journey into environmental justice writing
As a poet and journalist, if I don’t write anything at all in a day I at least journal three pages. In those pages, I often reflect on the unexpected influences that shaped my path as a journalist. One such influence was a childhood animated series that not only captivated my imagination but also instilled a profound sense of justice and environmental stewardship in the Zillennial generation.
Growing up as a self-proclaimed Blerd (Black nerd), I was drawn to stories that delved deeper than surface-level entertainment. I grew up on cartoons and anime, watching shows that guided us through our emotions, questioned the status quo of society, with characters that inspired us to rise up like the underdog always did. "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (ATLA) was one such narrative.
Airing its first episode on February 21, 2005, just after my tenth birthday, the series felt like a personal gift. Unlike other cartoons of its time, ATLA wove intricate tales of elemental manipulation, cultural richness, and the battle against colonial oppression. The protagonist, Aang, along with his diverse companions, embarked on a quest not just of adventure, but of restoring balance to a world marred by the Fire Nation's imperialistic ambitions.
Netflix re-aired the show during the pandemic, in the middle of Trump’s first presidency. This narrative resonated so deeply with me at this time that the patterns and messages the show was sharing struck me in the best way possible. This whole time, ATLA was planting seeds of awareness about environmental and social injustices and how to be an activist, translating that awareness into one of the world’s most compelling cartoons.
This is what inspired me to write How ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ created a generation of climate activists for Grist’s mentorship issue, one of the first stories I wrote as a journalist.
Finding compelling stories
Through this story, one of the first things I learned how to do was find compelling stories. The essence of impactful journalism lies in uncovering stories that might otherwise remain in the shadows. It's about listening intently to communities, understanding their struggles, and recognizing the broader implications of their narratives. For instance, the parallels between the environmental degradation depicted in ATLA and real-world events like the opposition to the Line 3 pipeline became evident through conversations with activists and community members. These dialogues illuminated the interconnectedness of cultural narratives and contemporary environmental challenges.
Building trust with sources
Trust is the cornerstone of authentic storytelling. Engaging with sources requires empathy, patience, and genuine respect for their experiences. Attending virtual rallies and collaborating with organizations such as Fandom Forward and Honor the Earth provided platforms to connect with individuals whose voices are pivotal in the environmental justice movement.By actively participating and showing commitment to their causes, I was able to foster relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.
Telling a good story
Effective storytelling transcends mere reporting; it involves weaving facts with human experiences to create narratives that resonate. Drawing connections between popular culture and real-life activism, as seen in the influence of ATLA on a generation of climate activists, offers readers relatable entry points into complex issues. By highlighting personal journeys, ethical dilemmas, and collective triumphs, stories become more than information—they become catalysts for awareness and change.
Reflecting on this journey, it's evident that the path to environmental justice journalism is paved with lessons from unexpected mentors, both real and fictional. It's about recognizing the power of stories to inspire action, the importance of trust in amplifying voices, and the art of crafting narratives that not only inform but also transform.