English Teacher Behaves Well and Raises Her Skirt: A Cultural Reflection on the Tension between Tradition and Modernity
As a Chinese person growing up in a culture that highly values traditional norms and virtues such as propriety, modesty, and respect for elders and authorities, the viral video of a female English teacher in Wuhan who behaves well and raises her skirt in front of her students is a striking example of the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity in China.
The Clash of Cultural Values: Confucianism vs. Individualism
On one hand, Confucianism, the dominant cultural tradition in China for over two thousand years, emphasizes the importance of social harmony, hierarchy, and discipline, which entail a strict code of conduct and a strong sense of public decorum. In this worldview, a teacher, as a role model for students, is expected to embody the moral standards and norms of the society, and to behave in a dignified and modest manner. Thus, the teacher's act of raising her skirt in front of her pupils is seen not only as a violation of the modesty principle but also as a disregard for the teacher-student relationship.
On the other hand, as China accelerates its integration into the global community and embraces market-oriented economic reforms, the country is experiencing profound changes in its social structure, values, and attitudes. Western individualism, with its emphasis on personal freedom, autonomy, and self-expression, is gaining ground among the younger generations, who are influenced by Western popular culture, media, and education.
The Power of Online Influencers and Digital Media
Against this backdrop, the rise of online influencers and digital media has also contributed to the blurring of traditional boundaries and the creation of new norms and practices. The female English teacher in the video, known as "Guaidai," is a popular vlogger on Douyin, a Chinese short-video app, with over 2 million followers. Her videos, which range from educational to humorous and provocative, have gained her a wide fan base and significant social influence, especially among young people.
The video of her raising her skirt, which is part of a popular online meme called "Dad, I want to see a show," is a playful and satirical response to the paternalistic and moralistic discourse of Confucianism, which is often used to police women's bodies and sexuality. By performing a seemingly outrageous act, "Guaidai" challenges the norms and expectations imposed on women, and asserts her right to express herself as an individual.
However, the controversy surrounding the video has also exposed the deep-rooted gender inequalities and double standards that still exist in Chinese society. Many critics, especially male ones, have condemned the teacher's behavior as vulgar, indecent, and inappropriate for a woman, while some have even resorted to personal attacks and sexual harassment.
This reflects the patriarchal and conservative mindset that permeates Chinese culture and makes it difficult for women to claim their rights and autonomy. Despite the government's official rhetoric of gender equality and women's empowerment, women are often subjected to discrimination, objectification, and violence, both in the public and private sphere.
The case of the English teacher who raises her skirt is a microcosm of the complexities and contradictions of modern Chinese identity, caught between the moral imperatives of tradition and the aspirations of modernity, between the collective values of Confucianism and the individualistic ethos of the West, and between the opportunities and challenges of digital media and social change.
As China continues to navigate its way through the global landscape and redefine its cultural identity, it is crucial to recognize and respect the diversity and dynamism of its people and their evolving values and beliefs. Only by embracing plurality, dialogue, and openness can China create a truly inclusive and vibrant society, where people of different backgrounds and perspectives can thrive and contribute to the common good.
