Statement of research problem and rationale Apparently, the growing significance of Internet memes as a widely shared form of online communication, especially among adolescents, as well
INTRODUCTION
LITERATURE REVIEW
Memes
The term “Meme” originated from the Greek word “mimema” which means
The term "meme," first introduced by Richard Dawkins in 1976, refers to a unit of cultural information that spreads through imitation Memes serve as the cultural counterparts to biological genes, as they are transmitted from one individual to another, highlighting the interplay between culture and communication.
An Internet meme is a visual and multi-modal artifact, including images, videos, gifs, short texts, or screenshots, that primarily spreads online for humor (Baysach, 2017) Creators often incorporate well-known characters, figures, and politicians from cartoons, newspapers, and significant events, adding text like catchphrases or sarcasm This combination allows readers to grasp the connection between the text and visual elements, revealing the meme's overall meaning and underlying message, highlighting its multi-modality.
6 intertextuality nature of memes (Mooney & Evans, 2015; Valenzuela & Batinga,
2021) Through acting provocatively, subverting an expected response or a predicted text, the meaning of memes can be irony, sarcasm, criticism, humor, or refer to current trends or viral events
Memes exemplify intertextuality by altering the original meaning of images and words through their combination with other texts, leading to new interpretations (Zanette et al., 2019) To fully understand memes, recipients must recognize the conceptual layers and "unpack" their meanings For effective decoding, all elements within memes must be considered.
“overt and discernible” (Majdzińska & Ostanina, 2021, p 142)
Also, one of the most important features of memes that boost their social influence is “replicability”, meaning easy to copy (Altukruni, 2022; Mooney & Evans, 2015)
Memes are often termed "virals" due to their rapid spread across social media platforms, becoming a significant aspect of the virtual language landscape For effective circulation, meme elements must be clear and easily recognizable, which is why creators frequently incorporate famous characters or notable events to reach a broader audience.
“borrowed” figures from other channels but were created They are quickly circulated because the original figures are already created to be understandable, clear, and overt (Altukruni, 2022; Mooney & Evans, 2015)
Memes are often seen as mere entertainment, but they hold significant cultural meaning and representation (Altukruni, 2022) As noted by Majdzińska and Ostanina (2021), memes are complex artifacts filled with cultural references and meanings Furthermore, Aslan (2021) and Valenzuela and Batinga (2021) emphasize that memes reflect deep cultural structures, expressing social stances and ideologies on various issues Ultimately, a viral meme can serve as a collective voice for the people.
Research indicates that memes serve as powerful tools that convey messages, reflect cultural values, and influence societal perceptions by either reinforcing existing norms or challenging traditional viewpoints (Miltner, 2014; Shifman, 2014) This distinctive role of memes encourages deeper critical thinking and analysis of social issues.
Teacher identity, Teacher image, and Teachers‟ role model
According to Baldwin, Coleman, Gonzalez, and Packer (2014), identity is the
Teacher identity encompasses an individual's self-perception as an educator and how this perception influences their performance as perceived by society (Lasky, 2005) It reflects the way teachers view their professional roles and includes aspects of self-evaluation and reflection (Meijer & Verloop, 2004; Volkmann & Anderson, 1998; Cooper & Olson, 1996; Kerby, 1991) Researchers like Beijaard et al (1995) and Coldron and Smith also contribute to the understanding of teacher identity, emphasizing its importance in shaping educational practices and interactions.
In 1999, teacher identity was defined as an individual's perception of belonging to an occupational community, primarily viewed from a cognitive perspective It encompasses both internal and external states, with a strong emphasis on self-perception within the teaching profession Many researchers highlight the developmental aspect of teacher identity, focusing on its evolution rather than merely its realization.
(1998) and Chong, Low, & Goh (2011) featured teacher identity as an ongoing process of development that constantly and dynamically changes, making it
“relational, negotiated, constructed, enacted, transforming and transitional” (Miller,
2008, p 74) Different frameworks of teacher identity also underlined this constructive view as they described the formation of teacher identity before
8 teaching to how it gradually constructs and develops in the teaching profession (Nguyen, 2014; Wenger, 1998)
Castañeda (2011) proposed a comprehensive framework for teacher identity, encompassing three interconnected domains Firstly, teacher identity is characterized by a sense of belonging to the teaching community, shaped by factors such as career choice, engagement in teaching practices, efforts to align with the profession, and self-reflection on teaching Secondly, the interplay between teaching beliefs and classroom practices significantly influences teacher identity Lastly, professional expectations for the future can lead to either alignment with or resistance to the teaching profession, indicating that teaching practicum experiences may determine a teacher's willingness to adapt to the community or abandon that role.
2.2.2.1 Definition and characteristics of teacher image
The term “image” was defined by many researchers with an agreement on the idea that it is part of individual, professional, and collective identity (Beltman et al.,
Weber and Mitchell (1996) defined an image as a concept that encompasses visual elements, experiential significance, historical context, and metaphorical potential Images frequently incorporate stereotypes, which are shaped by cultural and societal influences (Nikko, 2020; Parnell, 2010).
The teacher image is a crucial component of teacher identity, reflecting societal perceptions (Parnell, 2010) This image can be shaped by teachers' self-recognition (self-image) or influenced by their portrayal in arts and media as perceived by students and other societal groups (Weber & Mitchell, 1995) Traditionally, the conventional image of teachers has played a significant role in shaping public perception.
Teachers often face stereotypes regarding their appearance and behavior, which can shape their professional identity (Parnell, 2010) It's important to recognize that a teacher's image can either mirror reality, providing a lens for interpretation, or actively shape perceptions, influencing how they are viewed socially (Parnell, 2010; Swetnam, 1992).
Numerous researchers have explored the construction of teacher images through various dimensions Parnell (2010) proposed a framework distinguishing between negative and positive teacher images, where positive teachers are characterized as attentive listeners and observant mentors who foster children's integration into their communities In contrast, negative teacher images are associated with a failure to impart values and a lack of co-learning environments However, this framework requires further refinement, particularly in its application to early childhood educators.
Grabowska and Parlak (2018) introduced a comprehensive framework analyzing students' perceptions of teacher image, categorized into five distinct features The first category encompasses personal traits such as kindness, cheerfulness, or rudeness The second focuses on educational attributes, highlighting moral behaviors like honesty and patience The third category pertains to didactic qualities, reflecting teaching practices such as effective instruction and fair grading Intellectual features evaluate the teacher's wisdom and knowledge Lastly, the framework addresses physical appearance, considering factors like age, attire, and overall attractiveness.
Research highlights the complex nature of teacher image construction, revealing both positive and negative traits Grabowska and Parlak (2018) found that a predominantly positive perception of teachers exists, even amidst some negative attributes This positive image is crucial, as it significantly impacts student engagement, learning outcomes, and the overall educational environment.
The societal perception of the teaching profession is heavily influenced by students' views, which play a crucial role in shaping classroom dynamics and overall teaching effectiveness Research by Grabowska and Parlak (2018) highlights that a teacher's appearance is a significant component of their image, suggesting that students often form judgments based on both the teachers' behavior and abilities, as well as their presentation This underscores the importance of how teachers are perceived, as it directly impacts students' learning experiences.
Role models have been defined differently among researchers According to
According to Martino (2009) and Lunenberg et al (2007), a role model is defined as an individual who possesses competence and professionalism, earning admiration and societal approval Grande et al (2023) further elaborates on this concept by highlighting two key dimensions of a role model: one who establishes norms and another who exemplifies efforts to challenge or break those norms.
In 2018, Grande defined a "role model" as someone who exemplifies an achievable success or characteristic that can inspire others to reach their own goals through imitation or avoidance.
Most definitions of role models emphasize concrete features that reflect both positive and negative aspects In the context of education, the belief is that teachers significantly influence cognitive development and future career success (Martino, 2009) A teacher's role model is typically viewed positively, embodying qualities, abilities, and personality traits that students can aspire to emulate Various researchers, including Lunenberg et al (2007), have identified key domains of effective role modeling, such as pedagogical skills, interpersonal relationships with students, professional knowledge, collaboration with colleagues and parents, and ongoing professional development Grande (2023) supports these six domains while adding two additional factors that contribute to the construction of a teacher's role model.
An effective teacher as a role model possesses essential qualities and professional skills, including strong interpersonal and communication abilities, empathy, enthusiasm, dedication, and flexibility According to Martino (2009), such teachers provide support and guidance to learners while demonstrating good organizational skills Additionally, they have a solid understanding of their subject area, relevant teaching experience, and familiarity with organizational routines and policies, enabling them to offer diverse perspectives and teaching techniques.
The representation of teacher image in media
Teacher representation extends beyond mere identity and is significantly influenced by external factors, particularly on social media It is crucial to examine how teachers are portrayed across various media platforms Although research in this area is limited, notable studies have focused on teacher depictions in newspapers and films Generally, these studies portray teachers as committed professionals and inspirational figures, despite facing numerous challenges and struggles (Ingersoll, 2003; Litz & Palmer).
1999) Meanwhile, teachers are also represented with stereotypes such as the strict disciplinarian or out-of-touch educators, which can affect their complex role and professional identity (Cohen, 2014; Jacobs, 2015)
2.3.1 Teacher image represented in newspapers
Research highlights the media's influential role in shaping perceptions of educators, particularly through a significant study by Alhamdan et al (2014) that analyzed teacher representation in newspapers across five nations on three continents: Africa, Asia, and Australia This study offers valuable insights into the portrayal of teachers in media and proposes a comprehensive framework grounded in sociocultural contexts.
12 constructivist theory of Vygotsky (1978) The four categories of teacher image are presented below:
Teachers in newspapers are portrayed as dedicated professionals who prioritize their students' needs and well-being They demonstrate fairness and responsibility, ensuring that they are unbiased in their approach By focusing on individual students' plans and enhancing their learning motivation, these educators acknowledge and respect the diverse differences, interests, and ambitions of each learner Furthermore, they strive to maintain positive relationships with their students, fostering a supportive and nurturing educational environment.
The transparent unprofessional: The media presented teachers with
Negativity in teaching can manifest through poor conduct, low standards, ineffective student interactions, and inadequate behavior management Additionally, some educators may misuse their authority, show a lack of commitment, act irresponsibly, feel unfulfilled in their role, and resist making necessary sacrifices for the profession.
Teachers, often portrayed negatively in the media, are fundamentally viewed as role models embodying qualities such as friendliness, care, respect, trust, and honesty Newspapers highlight the image of ideal teachers who motivate and inspire students to reach their full potential.
Transformative intellectuals, such as teachers, play a crucial role in shaping the socio-political landscape by developing students' minds and contributing to national development They are tasked with preparing future citizens, leaders, and workers by instilling essential skills, knowledge, and values (Alhamdan et al., 2014, p 11).
The framework indicates a predominantly positive perception of the teacher image, primarily showcasing the role model aspect, although it also highlights the presence of unprofessional traits among teachers Alhamdan et al (2014) emphasized the expectations students and society have for an ideal teacher, while acknowledging the undesirable characteristics that can emerge Overall, the framework offers a thorough and nuanced depiction of the teacher image as presented in newspapers, though the interconnectedness of the elements may blur the clarity of the distinct categories within the framework.
Teachers often serve dual roles, acting as both caring practitioners and societal role models This overlap complicates the analysis of their frameworks and representations Consequently, a more structured classification and in-depth analysis of how teachers are perceived is crucial for understanding their multifaceted impact.
2.3.2 Teacher image represented in movies
Movies serve as a significant media platform for portraying the image of teachers, alongside traditional outlets like newspapers While many films feature teachers as main or secondary characters, their representation varies widely based on the film's message, the editors' intentions, target audience, and socio-cultural influences (Mariani, 2019) Consequently, there has been limited research on the depiction of teachers in cinema, with most studies focusing on regional representations.
A significant study by Mariani (2019) examined the representation of teachers in Hollywood films since the 1950s, revealing that while the data is region-specific, its insights are applicable to various contexts, allowing readers to connect with the portrayal of teachers in their own countries The study identified two predominant scenarios: first, novice teachers facing challenges with students and colleagues, often contemplating leaving the profession but ultimately finding motivation through student successes; second, experienced and gifted teachers who, despite their dedication to nurturing students beyond academics, frequently clash with school administration, facing blame and dismissal for challenging the status quo.
Since the 1990s, Hollywood movies have portrayed educators with notable similarities, emphasizing their personal involvement with students beyond mere knowledge delivery However, these characters frequently faced challenges, as they were often perceived in complex and sometimes negative lights.
“outsiders” due to their lack of engagement in the school environment and constant conflicts with colleagues and the institution
Another study on teacher image representation was conducted by Yakov et al
A study conducted in 1991 analyzed nine popular films from the past 50 years to explore the portrayal of teachers The findings revealed that teachers are often depicted with stereotypical traits: they are earnest and dedicated but portrayed as poorly trained and overly dependent Although they exhibit a love for children and remain committed to their teaching careers, their relationships with colleagues are generally limited to social interactions.
The studies reveal that teachers are portrayed with both positive and negative traits, highlighting their engagement with students and casual relationships with colleagues and authorities However, the representation of teachers in movies and newspapers may be influenced by factors like target audience and intended messages, leading to potentially superficial depictions This underscores the need for more practical and realistic insights from diverse media sources.
METHODOLOGY
Research design
This study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing content analysis to conduct a thorough and systematic examination of the data The aim is to identify patterns, themes, and emerging issues within the content (Leedy & Ormrod, 2015).
This study analyzes a collection of memes about teachers to identify how they are represented The chosen design aligns with the research aim, focusing on examining specific characteristics of teachers depicted in the memes The findings will be compared with existing literature, leading to a comprehensive discussion on the implications of these representations.
Sample
The sample of this study includes fifty memes about teachers, according to several criteria suggested by Valenzuela and Batinga (2021), including social relevance,
To effectively represent the teacher's image across diverse communities, the selected memes must possess broad relatability rather than being confined to a specific culture Additionally, these memes should not only evoke humor but also reflect relatable teacher characteristics that shape their identity Furthermore, the memes should achieve viral status on social media, demonstrated by significant interaction levels and widespread sharing among users Such memes garner hundreds or even thousands of upvotes and shares, prominently appearing on the initial pages of teacher-related topics through the "hot search" filter.
Data collection
I gathered fifty highly-ranked teacher memes from Reddit.com by exploring the "Teachermemes" subreddit and utilizing the "hot search" filter This process allowed me to curate a selection of the most popular and entertaining memes related to teachers.
I selected the top-ranking memes based on their popularity, assuming they reflect the content most users engage with, thereby ensuring the data's representativeness.
Data analysis
In the analysis process, memes are traced using a dedicated website, followed by a Google Images search to identify their sources For comprehensive insights into the characteristics of these artifacts, the platform Know Your Meme is utilized This community serves meme enthusiasts by allowing them to create memes and, more importantly, providing detailed explanations of their meanings and histories.
The analysis utilizes inductive coding to examine the visual and textual elements of memes that depict teachers Drawing from previous research by Yakov et al (1991), Parnell (2010), Alhamdan et al (2014), and Mariani (2019), I identified key themes such as "teachers as dedicated and professional" and "teachers as unprofessionals," which formed the basis of the analysis Throughout the coding process, I remained open to discovering additional themes and sub-themes from the data, such as the emergent theme "Teaching is a hard, stressful job," reflecting the challenges and stress teachers face in difficult situations Furthermore, the theme "Teachers as unprofessionals" is supported by sub-themes including "lack of engagement" and "lack of field knowledge."
“teachers‟ misbehaviors” This inductive approach provides a comprehensive understanding about the complexity and diversity of teacher image represented in Internet memes
FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Teaching is a hard, stressful job
A significant majority of the analyzed memes (33 out of 50) depict the stressful realities of the teaching profession, highlighting the overwhelming workloads and classroom management challenges teachers face These visuals illustrate the daily pressures exerted by students, parents, and school administrators, leading to persistent stress and burnout among educators Consequently, teachers exhibit noticeable changes in their appearance and express a strong desire for breaks to cope with the demands of their roles.
4.1.1 Teachers face daily challenges at school
A recent analysis revealed that 32% of memes examined highlighted the daily challenges faced by teachers, including demanding school responsibilities, classroom management, and pressures from students, parents, and administration These memes consistently depict teachers experiencing negative emotions, stress, and fatigue, reflecting the realities of their profession.
The significant workload of teachers is evident in their surroundings, as illustrated by Figures 1 and 3, which depict the typical chaos of school days characterized by the clutter of papers, materials, books, and various items.
Dwayne Johnson, a Canadian American actor and professional wrestler, is depicted in Figure 1 carrying a large leather bag filled with wrestling items, symbolizing the heavy burdens teachers face daily The bag's durable leather texture highlights its capacity to hold numerous materials, paralleling the weight of student papers and teaching resources that educators manage The accompanying meme illustrates the busy life of teachers, who often seem to be moving houses with their overflowing files and materials Additionally, Figure 3 emphasizes this image by showcasing a cluttered teacher's desk, filled with reading materials, letters, and notebooks, reinforcing the notion of teachers as resilient individuals capable of handling significant responsibilities.
“There‟s always at least one teacher” means it is the common image of teachers, demonstrating that a teacher‟s daily work is not easy and relaxing
Previous literature has scarcely addressed the visual image of teachers, with most research concentrating on their personalities, educational qualities, and teaching practices (Parnell, 2010; Weber & Mitchell, 1995) Notable contributions to this discourse include the works of Grabowska and Parlak.
In 2018, a framework on teacher image highlighted aspects such as the teacher's appearance, including age and attractiveness, but did not consider the influence of their surroundings This study offers additional insights into the concept of teacher image and the significant challenges faced by educators in their teaching environments.
4.1.1.2 Pressures from students, parents, and school administrators
Of the 50 collected memes, up to 18 memes provide a straightforward portrayal of teachers‟ daily pressures from misbehaved students, parents' issues, and school administration policies
Classroom challenges often stem from student misbehavior and disorganization In a review of 50 memes, nine highlighted issues such as private conversations, distractions, and insufficient cooperation with teachers These behaviors contribute to a chaotic environment, where unruly students disrupt the class and negatively impact overall student performance.
The two memes highlight common challenges teachers face, such as private conversations during class and unruly students Both use animals to depict typical teacher reactions, effectively illustrating these everyday classroom issues.
8) is Tardar Sauce, a „grumpy cat‟ from Arizona, America, rising to fame with its well-known photo of an annoyed face (Brad, 2023) With the mouth corners moving
The cat's naturally scowling face, often perceived as angry, has inspired a variety of reaction memes on platforms like Reddit, particularly highlighting teachers' frustrations when students engage in side conversations during class Despite its grumpy appearance, the cat remains calm and motionless, mirroring teachers' feelings of helplessness in managing disruptive behavior The phrase “What I look like if you’re talking while I’m talking” encapsulates the message teachers wish to convey, emphasizing their true emotions rather than the perspective of the students.
Teachers often face significant stress due to disruptive students, as highlighted by various memes that illustrate the challenges of classroom management One particular meme (Figure 12) captures the uncomfortable reality of a teacher struggling to maintain order during online classes, featuring two well-known characters to emphasize the situation These humorous depictions reflect the intense effort teachers invest in controlling their classrooms, often with limited success.
The "Ironic Doge memes" series features Doge and Cheems, two Shiba Inu dogs that have captivated audiences on Reddit and Facebook since 2010 Swole Doge is a humorous variation of Doge, depicted with an exaggeratedly muscular human body Cheems, initially known as Battzle, gained fame for his timid expression showcased in a popular Reddit post.
In 2019, Doge and Cheems emerged as iconic figures in ironic memes, representing two phases of the same group The Swole Doge symbolizes strength and authority, while the Cheems character embodies weakness and vulnerability This contrast is illustrated in a meme depicting Doge confidently standing before a board, representing traditional face-to-face teaching before COVID-19, while Cheems sits in front of a laptop, signifying the shift to online education during the pandemic Before quarantine, teachers resembled the powerful Swole Doge, effectively commanding their classrooms with authority and the ultimatum, “If you speak again.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers transitioned to online classes using meeting apps, which led to challenges in maintaining classroom discipline as some tech-savvy students found ways to evade supervision This shift diminished teachers' authority, making them feel powerless, akin to the meme comparison of Doge standing tall versus Cheems sitting down The image of Cheems crying reflects the emotional toll and frustration teachers experienced while trying to manage their virtual classrooms.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the perception of teachers, challenging their authority and roles during online learning While pre-pandemic memes highlighted issues like student disorganization and missing homework, a shift has occurred, with half of the memes created during the pandemic reflecting new challenges faced by educators As illustrated in Figures 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12, teachers encounter difficulties with unruly teenage students on platforms like Zoom, including disruptive behavior, inappropriate language, and lack of engagement, leading to feelings of desperation and existential contemplation.
● Pressures from parents and school administrators
Teachers experience significant stress not only from student-related issues but also from pressures imposed by parents and school authorities Key stressors include dealing with difficult parents, anxiety over being monitored during lessons, and concerns regarding changes to the curriculum.
Figure 13 is the image of Kevin Malone, a main character in the US TV series The
Teachers as dedicated and professional
The data reveals that teachers are often depicted with a positive professional identity, as illustrated by twelve memes (Figures 34-45) These memes emphasize various admirable traits of educators, showcasing them as dedicated, passionate, caring, and motivating individuals Additionally, they are recognized for their extensive knowledge in their field and strong teaching skills, highlighting the essential qualities that contribute to effective teaching.
4.2.1 Teachers as dedicated and caring
In memes, the portrayal of teachers often highlights their diverse personality traits, including genuine care, unwavering patience, enthusiasm for students, dedication, and a strong passion for the teaching profession Notably, these characteristics are depicted in 10 out of 12 analyzed memes on this theme.
Patrick Star, a character from the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, embodies a blend of ignorance and kindness In one meme, he is depicted in two contrasting scenarios: at work, he appears serious and enthusiastic, dressed in a suit and focused on his tasks, showcasing his dedication Conversely, in a home setting, he is depicted as overwhelmed and embarrassed, surrounded by chaos and mishaps This contrast mirrors the challenges teachers face in supporting students—while they strive to act professionally and assist effectively, they can often feel confused and burdened by the complexities of their roles.
32 passion and dedication to the teaching profession as well as their great care and enthusiasm for their students
Teachers are often seen as dedicated and passionate educators from the students' perspective, characterized by their attentiveness and proactive approach to teaching The facial expression of Oogway, an elderly tortoise and the greatest Kung Fu master in "Kung Fu Panda," symbolizes this dynamic; he metaphorically represents students who make eye contact with teachers, anticipating they may be called upon This "time" reflects the moment a student is invited to share their thoughts or answer challenging questions, while others hesitate Eye contact in the classroom signifies focus and engagement, highlighting teachers' observant nature and sensitivity to student behaviors Their eagerness to involve all students and value their participation underscores their commitment to teaching and passion for their profession Additionally, the presence of similar memes reinforces this positive image of teachers.
4.2.2 Teachers as experts in their field knowledge
The teacher's image is often portrayed as that of a competent mentor, with some memes highlighting their expertise in specific subjects Although the data shows limited focus on teachers' knowledge, two notable memes emphasize their role as experts in their fields, illustrating how well-informed teachers are perceived by students.
The meme features a scene from the Toy Story franchise, showcasing the two main characters: Sheriff Woody, a brave and intelligent cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a confident spaceman with advanced capabilities In the depicted moment, Buzz is enthusiastically explaining a complex topic to Woody, whose confused expression reflects the challenges students face when teachers present difficult concepts The text humorously highlights the confusion that arises when teachers introduce topics like “How Math now has the Alphabet,” emphasizing the necessity for educators to possess deep knowledge to effectively guide their students.
This teacher image mostly conforms to the framework of Grabowska and Parlak
(2018) as they suggested the teacher image involves Intellectual features, including teachers‟ wisdom and wide field knowledge However, the data do not describe the
34 negative side when “teachers do not know what students know” mentioned in the literature
It appears from the data that those positive teacher images represented in Internet memes roughly align with those in newspapers (Alhamdan et al., 2014; Grabowska
In various media, including newspapers and films, teachers are depicted with a strong emphasis on their care, responsibility, and dedication to prioritizing students' needs and motivating their learning (Parlak, 2018; Mariani, 2019; Yakov et al., 1991) While these positive traits are clearly articulated in traditional media, memes convey teachers' characteristics indirectly, often highlighting challenges and difficult situations they face For instance, certain memes illustrate teachers struggling with self-management, while others depict the consequences of students making eye contact with them, showcasing the complexities of the teaching experience (See APPENDIX).
Teachers as unprofessional
In contrast to teachers who exhibit positive traits like knowledge, professionalism, care, enthusiasm, and dedication, some are portrayed with an unprofessional identity Out of 50 collected memes, seven highlight this negative depiction.
23, 46-50) indicate teachers' lack of engagement and alignment effort in teaching, lack of field knowledge, and negative behaviors
Teacher identity encompasses engagement and alignment, with a "true" teacher demonstrating awareness of their profession, belonging to the teaching community, active participation in educational activities, and adaptability to the teaching environment (Castañeda, 2011) However, three out of nine identified memes reveal that some teachers exhibit a lack of concern for their profession and show minimal enthusiasm for their work, often marginalizing themselves from professional responsibilities within schools.
Figure 46 illustrates teachers' reactions to lesson preparation after school vacations, featuring Canadian hip-hop artist Drake from his popular music video "Hotline Bling." The meme showcases two iconic poses: the first depicts Drake with a disgusted expression and a raised hand, while the second shows him with a satisfied look and a classic hip-hop finger gesture According to Knowyourmeme.com, these images have become widely utilized to express reactions to various topics and have gained traction on major platforms like Reddit.com.
In 2016, the meme "Drakeposting" (Blunt, 2024) illustrates the polarized reactions of teachers regarding lesson preparation after school breaks It contrasts two perspectives: the expectation to start planning early versus the reluctance to do so The phrase "Starting planning now for after break" is paired with Drake's disgusted expression, symbolizing teachers' aversion to preparing lessons during their time off This visual representation highlights their preference to avoid advanced planning, reflecting a common sentiment among educators.
On the last night of the break, the hurried preparation of a lesson reflects the chaotic nature often associated with Drake's hip-hop persona The terms "frantically" and "whip up" suggest a rushed and somewhat careless approach to lesson planning, emphasizing the urgency felt as vacation comes to an end.
The inadequate lesson preparation on the final day of break highlights a concerning trend among some teachers, who seem more focused on meeting deadlines than on delivering quality education This lack of engagement and enthusiasm in their teaching practices raises questions about their commitment to effective pedagogy.
Figure 49 illustrates the unprofessional practices of teachers through a meme depicting a weary male teacher in a classroom His irritated reaction to a student’s question, marked by eye contact and a hand on his forehead, conveys his annoyance and exhaustion This portrayal highlights a troubling trend where some teachers exhibit a lack of care and enthusiasm for their students, contradicting Castañeda's (2011) perspective on teacher engagement Alternatively, the teacher's bewilderment may stem from a lack of knowledge, further emphasizing the challenges faced in the educational environment.
Teachers are often portrayed in memes as disengaged and lacking specialized knowledge, highlighting common classroom scenarios For instance, one meme illustrates a teacher accidentally mispronouncing a word during a language lesson, while another depicts a genuine deficiency in subject knowledge.
The meme in Figure 50 highlights the perceived inadequacy of teachers' knowledge, using a metaphor where History teachers are likened to Prince Charming from Shrek the Third The upper image depicts a majestic Prince on a strong horse, symbolizing a competent and knowledgeable teacher, while the lower image reveals a fake, stick horse, suggesting that the teacher's expertise is superficial Additionally, Prince Charming's polished appearance contrasts sharply with his true character, which is selfish and lacking in intelligence, mirroring how some teachers may appear qualified but are actually inexperienced and uninformed in their subject matter.
Both memes reflect teachers' self-awareness regarding their knowledge gaps, as evidenced by their use of "Me" and "My" in the sentences This contrasts with previous analyses where students portrayed teachers as experts The juxtaposition highlights the disparity between the professional image students hold and the actual knowledge limitations teachers may experience.
The absence of a strong professional identity among teachers contributes to unexpected behaviors, as illustrated in the data memes Both Figures 22 and 23 depict teachers yelling or shouting at students, which is contrary to the typical expectations of teacher conduct in a school setting.
The two images in Figure 22 illustrate a teacher's anger and the varied reactions of students in her class Utilizing the popular meme template "Woman yelling at a cat," which gained traction in the meme community in 2019 (Philipp, 2024), the left image captures Taylor Armstrong expressing frustration during a heated moment on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, while her friend Kyle Richards attempts to soothe her The right image features a bewildered cat sitting beside a plate of vegetables Taylor, a survivor of a tumultuous relationship and family violence, embodies a complex emotional landscape in this meme.
The image of a teacher reflecting on her challenging past symbolizes the struggles and resilience she faces in the classroom When pushed beyond her limits, the teacher reacts with aggression, as highlighted in a meme that illustrates her frustration stemming from two misbehaved students The varied responses of the class are depicted through additional characters; a crying boy represents sensitive students who are frightened by the teacher's outburst, while the instigating students appear indifferent and even amused The remaining classmates, portrayed as a confused cat, embody the silence and bewilderment that often follow such incidents These memes suggest that teachers' outbursts typically result from prolonged issues primarily caused by student behavior.
While these memes highlight teacher stress and burnout, they also illustrate inappropriate and disruptive behaviors in the school setting This overlap emphasizes the interconnected nature of content analysis, where a single piece of content can be categorized into multiple themes or topics.
CONCLUSIONS & DISCUSSION
Summary of findings and discussion
A recent study analyzing 50 internet memes about teachers uncovered a multifaceted teacher image, revealing both positive and negative traits that align with previous literature The findings confirm that teacher image is an integral part of teacher identity, comprising discrete and superficial characteristics such as common traits, personality, and mundane school situations Notably, the study found that the teacher image in memes is often represented with positive characteristics, including dedication, passion, care, professionalism, and knowledge This favorable portrayal of teachers resonates with societal expectations and stereotypes, as well as representations in other media, such as films and newspapers, highlighting the social recognition and appreciation of teachers' work and efforts in the profession.
Internet memes often reflect a negative perception of teachers, highlighting issues such as disengagement in the classroom, insufficient subject knowledge, and inappropriate behavior at school These portrayals reinforce the unfavorable image of educators commonly depicted in media outlets, as noted by Vygotsky (1978).
Insufficient training and teacher apathy can lead to a lack of knowledge among educators Additionally, many teachers experience stress and emotional instability due to various workplace issues, which contribute to their disengagement and misbehavior in the classroom.
This research reveals a concerning portrayal of teachers experiencing significant stress, pressure, and burnout, a topic that has received limited attention in other media and studies The findings indicate that teachers' poor physical and mental health stems from daily challenges, such as difficult student interactions, demanding parents, and a pressured school administration To uphold a positive image for their students, teachers often mask their true emotions and health conditions, aligning with Vygotsky's concept of the role model image.
(1978), Lunenberg et al (2007,) and Martino (2009) Excessive stress drives teachers to depression, burnout, and a strong desire for breaks and relaxation The data demonstrates teaching is a really hard job
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the school lives of both teachers and students, as reflected in the numerous memes highlighting the challenges faced during online classes Common issues include teachers waiting for students to join meetings, technical difficulties with logging in, interruptions from mischievous children, parental oversight, and the struggle to engage students in virtual lessons These escalating challenges have contributed to a negative portrayal of teachers, characterized by stress and burnout The unprecedented nature of this situation has affected various societal aspects, particularly education, with significant changes to school curriculums, learning activities, and teaching plans creating additional pressures for educators Meanwhile, students have adapted to learning from home, relying heavily on the Internet, which has transformed their educational experience.
Internet memes to quickly develop and widely spread among the student community.
Implications
The present research not only contributes to the existing literature but also holds some important implications related to teachers and other educational stakeholders
Memes often portray teachers in an unprofessional light, highlighting issues such as disengagement, inadequate subject knowledge, and inappropriate behavior, which can negatively impact students' learning efficiency The rapid spread of these negative depictions can mislead students and shape societal perceptions of educators To combat this, teachers should be mindful of their conduct in school to reduce adverse effects on student learning and counteract societal misconceptions Additionally, the prevalence of negative teacher portrayals underscores the urgent need for reforms within the education system, including enhanced teacher training, professional development, and resources aimed at improving teaching effectiveness.
The prevalent issue of teacher stress and negative emotions underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems that prioritize their holistic well-being This includes offering mental health resources, training to improve coping skills, and fostering a supportive school culture that values teachers Given that much of the stress stems from heavy workloads and challenges from students, parents, and administration, school leaders must adopt strategies to alleviate unnecessary burdens and ensure a fair distribution of responsibilities Additionally, organizing educational workshops for parents and students can enhance their understanding of the pressures teachers face, ultimately facilitating a more supportive environment for student learning.
Teachers are experiencing significant stress and burnout as a result of challenges brought on by COVID-19, particularly due to technical issues and difficulties in effectively utilizing online learning platforms.
To enhance their teaching effectiveness, educators must focus on improving their technological knowledge, as online learning reflects the ongoing evolution of the education system This shift presents numerous challenges, underscoring the need for teachers to develop resilience, adaptability, and coping skills to effectively navigate diverse teaching environments.
The rapid spread and impact of Internet memes among students present a unique opportunity to integrate them into teaching and learning Given their engaging content and relatable themes, memes can enhance subjects by making lessons more effective For instance, incorporating memes in vocabulary lessons can capture students' attention and improve their retention of new words.
Limitations and suggestions for further research
This study explores the portrayal of teachers through the lens of popular Internet memes, focusing on the 50 most prevalent memes from a reputable site within a defined timeframe The findings highlight the need for further research involving a broader range of memes across various platforms to obtain more comprehensive and up-to-date insights.
The data indicates that COVID-19 significantly impacted online teaching, leading to a transformation in the perception of teachers, as reflected in various memes These memes illustrate a shift from the traditional teacher image to a new portrayal influenced by the pandemic Future research could explore how the representation of teachers in internet memes has evolved before and after the onset of COVID-19.
COVID-19 as a whole topic The findings of such research can make a difference in the views of teachers and educational stakeholders
The incorporation of memes in vocabulary lessons can significantly enhance student learning, as they are widely recognized and appealing to learners Therefore, a thorough exploration of the role of memes in education, particularly in the context of teaching foreign languages, is recommended.
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