English Teacher, please fix your skirt properly!
If you're a fan of Chinese variety shows, you might be familiar with a popular phrase that goes like this: "English Teacher, please fix your skirt properly!" This line has become a catchphrase in the Chinese entertainment industry, and it originated from a hilarious incident that happened on a TV show a few years ago.
During the show, a female English teacher was dancing with the host when her skirt started sliding down her hips. Despite the embarrassing situation, the teacher kept dancing, and the audience couldn't help but notice. They started shouting, "Teacher, your skirt is falling!" The host then stepped in and pulled the skirt up, saving the teacher from a potential wardrobe malfunction.
The incident went viral and became a meme in China, with netizens creating remixes and memes based on the incident. However, the story also highlights a more serious issue that many women face when wearing skirts or dresses.
The Western 38 Culture
In Western culture, the number "38" holds significant meaning in the fashion industry. It refers to the ideal bust, waist, and hip measurements for a woman's body, which are 38-28-38 inches, respectively. The 38-figure has become a symbol of beauty, femininity, and sexiness, and many women aspire to achieve this ideal body shape.
However, this unrealistic beauty standard has also caused many women to feel insecure about their bodies and develop body dysmorphia. They may resort to extreme dieting, exercise, or even surgery to achieve the 38-figure, which can lead to health problems and low self-esteem. In reality, every body is different and beautiful in its own way, and women should embrace their natural curves and sizes.
Tangxin's Vlog: An Example of Body Positivity
In recent years, there has been a rise of body positivity movement in China, with various influencers and social media celebrities promoting self-love and acceptance of all body types. One of the most prominent figures in this movement is Tangxin, a.k.a. "Yuzu Cat," a popular vlogger and content creator known for her bubbly personality and positive attitude.
Tangxin's videos often feature her doing daily activities, such as cooking, shopping, or traveling, while sharing her thoughts and experiences on body image and self-confidence. She encourages her followers to embrace their imperfections, celebrate their bodies, and pursue their passions without fear of judgment. Her message has resonated with many young women in China, who feel inspired and empowered by her words.
Nouuu: Teaching Children Body Positivity from a Young Age
While body positivity is mostly associated with adult women, it's also important to teach children about this concept from a young age. Children may be exposed to negative body messages through media, peers, or family members, which can harm their self-esteem and body image. Parents and educators can play a crucial role in promoting body positivity and teaching children to appreciate themselves and others for who they are.
One example of a children's brand that promotes body positivity is Nouuu, a Chinese clothing brand that focuses on sustainable and gender-neutral fashion for kids. Their designs feature diverse and inclusive patterns, colors, and shapes that celebrate individuality and creativity. They also have a series of children's books that educate kids on body positivity, diversity, and self-love, such as "My Body Is Amazing" and "Love Who I Am." By exposing children to positive messages and examples from a young age, we can help them develop a healthy and confident body image that lasts a lifetime.
Conclusion
From the English teacher's skirt incident to Tangxin's vlog, and Nouuu's children's brand, we can see examples of how body positivity is gaining momentum in China. Despite the long-standing beauty standards and gender norms that have shaped Chinese culture, there is a growing awareness of the importance of self-love, acceptance, and diversity. By embracing our natural bodies and celebrating our differences, we can create a more inclusive and empowering society for all.
