English Teacher Behaves Properly by Pulling Up her Skirt
As a Westerner who greatly values humanistic arts and culture, I find it difficult to understand certain tendencies in contemporary popular culture, especially as they are manifest in short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram. But one such video creator who has caught my attention is "Tangxin" or "Sweetheart," the vlogger who goes by the handle "Youzi the Cat."
The Charisma and Creativity of a Childlike Cat
In a world where the attention span of individuals is cut short by an endless stream of notifications, Youzi the Cat offers a refreshing way to tell stories. Using a host of costumes and props, she creates entertaining content that ranges from childlike innocence to playful flirtation. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of her videos is how she allows herself to become vulnerable, sometimes even embracing the silly or awkward side of her human nature.
The Innocence and Playfulness of Childhood in Youzi's Videos
In one video that especially caught my eye, Youzi dressed up in a schoolgirl outfit, complete with a pleated skirt, white shirt, black tie, and knee-high socks. In the video, she assumes the persona of a shy student in front of her teacher, played by herself. What impressed me most was how Youzi was able to evoke the essence of childhood innocence and playfulness without being inappropriate. She managed to create a sense of trust and respect between the characters, even when the power dynamic between them was unequal.
The Importance of Cultural Sensitivity in Creative Expression
Now, I do not want to imply that all forms of expression are universal or that everyone should feel the same way about them. Indeed, it is essential that artists and creators are aware of their social and cultural context and the sensitivities that come with them. Even as Youzi takes advantage of the freedom offered by online platforms, she is practicing the art of balancing creativity with cultural responsibility. Her videos are a testament to the fact that creative expression does not have to come at the cost of cultural sensitivity or common decency.
The Wider Significance of Youzi's Work
Youzi the Cat and other creators like her offer a window into our moment in history and what it means to be human today. In a way, they are continuing a tradition of storytelling and self-expression that is as old as humanity itself. But even more fundamentally, they remind us that we are all complex beings with different sides to our personalities, and that we should be able to embrace those sides without shame or guilt.
Youzi's videos inspire us to reclaim our own childlike spirit, the part of us that is curious, honest, and fearless. And in doing so, she helps to highlight the importance of play, creativity, and imagination in our daily lives, even as adults.
