English Teacher Behaving Properly: A Cultural and Artistic Lesson for the West
In recent times, social media has been flooded with a viral video showing a female English teacher from China, affectionately called "Guai Guai" (meaning obedient), behaving properly by raising the hem of her dress whenever she walks up the stairs in front of her students. The video has sparked mixed reactions from different parts of the world, with some praising her for upholding good manners, while others criticize the act as a perpetuation of gender stereotypes. Nonetheless, the video presents an opportunity to explore the cultural and artistic values of this practice and how they can be embraced and appreciated by other cultures.
The Importance of Cultural and Artistic Values
Culture and art are integral parts of human life, shaping the way we see ourselves and the world around us, and defining our values and beliefs. Different cultures have unique artistic expressions that reflect their identity, history, traditions, and way of life. Understanding, respecting, and appreciating these expressions can foster mutual understanding, promote tolerance, and bring us closer together, despite cultural or linguistic barriers. In this regard, the act of the English teacher in the video presents an opportunity to appreciate the cultural and artistic values behind it.
Exploring the Artistic and Cultural Significance of the Practice
In Chinese culture, displaying good manners is highly respected, and it is expected of everyone, irrespective of their age, gender, or social status. Raising the hem of the dress when climbing stairs is a way of showing respect to oneself, and to those around, as it prevents the dress from dragging on the ground, which would be considered unclean and disrespectful. Furthermore, the act also shows a level of modesty, as it prevents others from seeing under one's dress. In essence, it is a way of displaying dignity, elegance, and respect for oneself and others, which are highly valued in Chinese culture.
Moreover, the act of the English teacher in upholding good manners can be viewed as a form of performance art. Art, in its various forms, including theater, dance, music, and visual arts, is an expression of human creativity and imagination, used to entertain, educate, and inspire. The teacher's act of raising her dress can be viewed as a theatrical display of her good manners, and a way of educating her students on the importance of respecting oneself and others. The fact that it has gone viral on social media shows how people are drawn to artistic expressions, in whatever form they take.
Conclusion: A Lesson for All
In conclusion, the video of the English teacher behaving properly presents an opportunity for people to learn and appreciate different cultures and artistic expressions better. It is a lesson on the importance of good manners, dignity, respect, and modesty, values that are universal and relevant to all cultures, irrespective of their differences. Rather than criticize or judge the act, we can use it as a means of celebrating human diversity, promoting mutual understanding, and fostering respect for all cultures and their artistic expressions.
