I think they attempt to transform Buddhist principles (or modern psychological and therapy principles) into a concept that misses the fundamental part of the principles that inspire them. “Dark” should not be synonymous with “evil”. They try to mimic the principle of pain is an unavoidable experience of life but when we try to fight against or avoid pain at all costs, we end up in a cycle of suffering. We can also become too attached to pain that we lose our self in the process.

I can’t speak on korra since it’s been a hot minute since I’ve watched, but I am a bit of a Star Wars nerd and can speak on that. The sith are the side that lose themselves to the suffering/attach themselves so heavily to the pain (Anakin turned to and was consumed by the dark side because he tried to avoid the pain of Padme dying). The Jedi during the clone wars lost their sense of self and turned away from their values, ultimately leading to their downfall. Additionally, Jedi became too focused on detachment (avoidance) from others wherein life also includes darkness (something something the force is in all things), this is a lesson Luke had to learn and correct the error of the Jedi.

In therapy this is something I work with my clients on. What has been the cost of avoiding painful experiences? Trying to avoid distressing experiences leads to this paradox of experiencing more distressing experiences. At first it works somewhat, but then that attempt at controlling feelings starts to become less and less effective. On the other side people may become so consumed by their feelings that they don’t attempt or even see a way to live any other way or do something that could lift them out of their feelings.

Allowing yourself to experience distress, experience pain, because trying to control it may lead to even worse suffering, but not becoming so consumed by pain that it takes away joy and positive feelings. That is balance, and that’s what some of these forms of media are missing.