I think they've done a very good job at handling the differences between 'Korra is this way because she is female and brown!' and 'Korra is this way because she is Korra!' That's not something I say lightly.

I've been horrified by the way discussion on this matter has been framed in fandom, right from the first episode when someone dubbed Korra a white saviour. Are we incapable of having a discussion about privilege when it involves characters of colour, so much so that it has to be taken to odd conclusions (Korra is darker/Aang is lighter) in order to fit a certain model of privilege? Equally disturbing is the assertion that the traditionally 'unfeminine' Lin is coded a man and that Korra, by showing weakness and failing, is a damsel in distress. It's so convenient - no matter how you portray a female character, you can't win.

I don't think Bryke is above criticism and/or their creations are perfect, but I was hoping for more nuanced discussion than this.