Memes are important, because they've become their own language for kids, allowing students to creatively empower themselves through immediate-gratification on-line publishing. If a video is funny or unusual, it can "go viral," meaning that the content is being viewed by a large number of people and is being circulated rapidly.
Whether we want it or not, the internet community is becoming increasingly integrated with our society. Consider, for example, that the internet slang "LOL" and "OMG" were recently added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
During my first Level 2 Field Experience at NU High yesterday, kids were a-buzz about Rebecca Black and the hilariously-awful song "Friday." When I mentioned that I'd heard the song and recalled some of the lyrics in class, I noticed that the students were more apt to listen or interact with me.
That same day, I recognized a student in my Advanced Speech class, because I'd seen his popular internet video. The video became so popular that it was recognized by international media and received an award. When I told him that I'd enjoyed his video, the student immediately wanted to incorporate me into his how-to speech on "facial cleanliness."
Knowing about pop culture is important for student-teacher relationship-building, especially at the high school level. Teenagers are constantly looking for bigger and better social trends and interactive technology, where they can be recognized on a global scale, where they have the potential to influence and inspire others.
Today I found a currently-trending meme known as "Zangief Kid."
Initially, I admit, I was tickled, shocked, and pleased that this bully -- the student who started hitting the larger kid, "Zangief Boy" -- had "gotten what he deserved." I was also excited by the double pop culture reference: Zangief is a large, burly pro-wrestler in one of my favorite video game series "Street Fighter." The internet took the video by storm, proclaiming "Zangief Boy" an international hero who stuck up for himself.
When I was a kid, I was relentlessly picked on for my weight. Every day it was the same old set of phrases: "Fat fat fat, fat this, fat that, look at how fat fat fatty fat fat boy is. Look at him eat his fat lunch." Oftentimes, it felt like I was the only kid in the world being singled out.
This video reminded me of those days, reminded me of the unnecessary cruelty by my peers, and it made me angry. My mother was always a proponent of the "eye-for-eye" self-defense: if someone hits you, you hit back.
But then I thought about it from a teacher's perspective.
As I began exploring education a few years ago, I began to see more and more references to "cyber-bullying." I had never personally been cyber-bullied, because I was an early digital native, during a time when computers were primarily used in the educational setting for Oregon Trail and Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. Students weren't filming each other getting into fights and posting them on the internet. It just didn't happen in small town Iowa. At least, not until I was in high school.
Now, imagine the potential this video might have in the classroom as a teachable moment.
Start off with with the video above and see how kids react. Ask them about why they reacted the way they did: did they think it was funny? Did they think the bully deserved what was coming to him? Have they seen other videos like this? You might even encourage students to provide their own examples during class.
Then, show them this video:
I hope you're reexamining your own perceptions of the "Zangief Kid" by this point, because I sure did. I hope you're saying: "Oh, ho, ho Mr. G, I see what you're doing here."
Let them sit and stare, let them settle, let them talk about it. Think about the potential this meme has for teaching the "21st Century Skills" the Iowa Core Curriculum demands that students learn. This should work out as a double activity, teaching students that occurrences like these don't exist in a bubble. With internet videos and, ultimately, with our own two eyes, we only see events from one perspective.
So, the next time you get an email from a friend with the title "FW:FW:FW: YOU'VE GOT TO SEE THIS!!11!1" don't turn it away as pop culture trash. Turn it into something that can be teachable.
- Mr. G
Image and videos courtesy of KnowYourMeme.com
Awesome way to turn experience into a positive. Having experienced similar critique (but maybe not as harsh) by my peers at that age, I have noticed that the majority of the "critiquers" have become exactly what they critiqued. Mundane lives for people who never leave the county and live in the distant past - who also now fit the description of what they called you in every way!
ReplyDeleteBut, I am sure that you (as did I at the time) realized that it was only a matter of time before you transcended above and beyond to greater happiness. Your posting above indicates this very well.
Unfortunately some were "critiqued" so viciously that I am sure it caused them to feel inferior for life.
Perhaps until everyone takes your lead in the OP the survivors will be those who endure the bullying realizing that it will not last forever and that it is possible to rise above. Unfortunately it is not easy to think like that at that age.
On a less serious note: I have always wondered if you had gone out for Football as I am sure they wanted - would it have been different?
David:
ReplyDeleteFirst off, thank you for reading and responding. I definitely appreciate it. You highlighted my thoughts exactly, in regards to bullying.
One thing I kept in mind growing up is that people oftentimes react harshly to what they fear the most. I had a bit different experience than most people growing up, because my mother suffers from a mental illness. I was frequently a target not only because of my weight, but because of my family history. That, and small, quiet rural towns tend to be a breeding ground for rumor-mongering.
In regards to your question about football, I'm sure it would have been different. I was requested to join the middle school team, but I tend to be soft-skinned. The idea of being tackled or tackling others was and is too much for me to handle. No doubt, though, that it would have decreased my anxiety towards being social. Many of the boys that continued playing became quite popular. I probably limited myself by not joining a sport, because I see value in kinesthetic ability.
I would have probably continued to stay true to myself, however. I don't see athleticism changing my attitudes towards role-playing games or poetry or baking. I was a wrestler and I did play tee-ball during my elementary years, but that didn't seem to affect much. Of course, now I am twenty-three. My middle school self might have answered differently.
In truth, I think the most important thing to remember is that people can be ignorant and hurtful at times. But they also have just as much capacity to do good and be good. The beauty life is that there is plenty of room for error and personal growth. In the case of the students who bullied me, I have forgiven them. I can't blame them entirely for their thoughts and opinions, because you never know if their anger stems from issues with their home and school environments.
-Mr. G