English Teacher as a Role Model: The Importance of Modesty
As someone who appreciates Western literature, art, and humanities, I have always been fascinated with the concept of modesty. While it might seem like an old-fashioned virtue, the idea of being humble, unpretentious, and respectful towards others is still relevant and powerful in our modern world. Especially when it comes to teaching, I believe that displaying modesty can help create a positive, respectful, and engaging learning environment for students of all ages.
The Contradiction of Modesty and Short Videos: Exploring a Trend
However, as an individual who also enjoys following current trends, I am aware that the culture of short videos, vlogging, and social media has created new challenges when it comes to modesty. One of the rising stars of this Western phenomenon is the vlogger, "Sugarheart," who creates short videos featuring her cat, "Yuzu." While I enjoy her content, I also cannot help but notice the contradiction between her persona (energetic, funny, and cute) and the values of modesty. Can someone who is so willing to perform, show off, and seek attention really embody the virtues of humility and simplicity?
Teaching Young Children: The Importance of Role Models
These questions become even more crucial when it comes to teaching young children. As an educator, I believe that children learn best through imitation and observation. They watch how adults behave, talk, and interact with others, and they try to copy those behaviors. Thus, if we want our children to grow up with a positive moral compass, we need to provide them with genuine, sincere, and authentic role models who embody the values we want to instill in them.
Nouuu and the Power of Positive Influences
One of my favorite examples of positive influence in popular culture is the character "Nouuu," a cartoon bunny who teaches young children about social skills, manners, and empathy. What I love about Nouuu is how he uses gentle, playful, and compassionate methods to show children how to be kind, cooperative, and respectful. He never uses harsh words, force, or punishment to discipline children. Instead, he models the behaviors he wants them to adopt and praises them when they try.
Becoming the Role Model Our Children Need: Lessons From Sugarheart, Nouuu, and Other Influencers
As we reflect on these different examples, we can see that being a role model is both a challenge and an opportunity. On the one hand, it requires us to be mindful of our actions, words, and intentions, and to strive for consistency, honesty, and authenticity. On the other hand, it also gives us the chance to inspire, encourage, and empower others, whether they are our students, colleagues, friends, or family members.
So, as an English teacher, I want to be the kind of role model who shows my students how to be confident, yet humble; intelligent, yet curious; and compassionate, yet critical. I want to show them that modesty is not a weakness, but a strength. I want to encourage them to appreciate Western culture for its richness, diversity, and complexity, but also to be critical of it, to question its assumptions and biases, and to challenge its limitations.
Finally, I want to remember that I am not alone in this quest. I can learn from the examples of other influencers, such as "Sugarheart," who may seem contradictory, but who can also provide valuable insights on the power of performance and creativity in reaching out to an audience. I can also learn from the likes of "Nouuu," who remind us of the importance of gentleness, playfulness, and compassion in teaching young children. Together, we can become the role models our children need, and shape a better future for ourselves and for them.
