The Legend of Korra, Book One: Air

Amon:
My quest for equality began many years ago. When I was a boy, my family and I lived on a small farm. We weren't rich and none of us were benders. This made us very easy targets for the Firebender that extorted my father. One day, my father confronted this man, but when he did that Firebender took my family from me. Then, he took my face. I've been force to hide behind a mask ever since. As you know, the Avatar has recently arrived in Republic City. And if she were here, she would tell you that bending brings balance to the world, but she is wrong. It has been the cause of every war in every era, but that is about to change. I know that you have all been wondering "What is the Revelation?" You are about to get your answer. From the beginning of time, the spirits have been guardians of our world, and they have spoken to me. They said that the Avatar has failed humanity, which is why the spirits have chosen me to usher in a new era of balance. They have granted me a power to make equality a reality; the ability to take one's bending away, permanently.