It was more a metaphorical statement then a physical one... because... well, he does knock her down. Hard.
"Women's rights" was a very underused theme in the Avatar universe. We have Sokka's occasional sexism in the "Warriors of Kyoshi," then we have Yue's arranged marriage, and Katara wanting to learn waterbending. It all happened and was done within the first season... and never really picks back up again. *Shalemalaynian even cut it out of the movie for a few extra-unnecessary bending flourishes that slowed down the action (*I express my distaste in this by specifically not looking up how to spell his name right).
It's really unfortunate... because I think this scene was very powerful, both to the show and to Katara as a character. It shows us that she will stand up for what she believes in, and will never back down... even if she is physically "knocked down," she won't ever emotionally be so.
This stubborn resolve is what keeps her weary when Zuko finally joins the group. It was what made her become "The Painted Lady" and help that village. It was what kept the group together. Without Katara and her resolve, they'd be a useless mess of men who can't even sew their own pants back together. Without Katara, They'd all be career scammers stuck in wodden jail cells.
Thanks for being the glue Katara
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suggested by with the project
Avatar belongs to Mike, Bryan and Nick. Art belongs to me.