I Watched, Reported, Reflected, Learned, and Shared my Unfamiliar Cultural Experience

This week I would like to highlight and express my thoughts/ observations I made while watching an unexplored territory. Please click below for the video link and more information about the story shared on this post.

English Translation: My New Cultural Experience >>>>>>>>>>

Tamil Translation: எனது புதிய கலாச்சார அனுபவம் Eṉatu putiya kalāccāra aṉupavam

Above I used GOOGLE Translator to convert my English Title into a Tamil Title. Look above at the Translations.

• Cast: Devi, Vasan, Anu, Charles, Ahazil, Raja, Dinesh Kumar
• DOP: Naveen Kumar,
• Editing & DI: Arun Varadhan
• Music: Subu Siva
• Sound Engineer: Subu Siva
• Story: Dinesh Kumar
• Written & Directed by Dinesh Kumar
• Media Partner: Tamil Short Cuts

Those are only two reviews below from the Youtube Short Film out of 422 comments. There are 658,687 views and 8.5K Likes. This film is a MUST WATCH for educators, students, and parents all over OUR world. There are many similarities and differences we can make by watching a short film like this one.

The hardest part of this topic, ( Finding and Reporting back on an Unfamiliar Cultural Experience through a show, series, or movie) was finding a relatable, diverse, and educational film showcasing all of the characteristics I felt a need for sharing. This short film checked all of those boxes and for those reasons, I decided to showcase their wonderful, creative, and heartfelt messages.

Questions before Reflection and Research :

I had to learn what the Tamil Language was before processing the ideas, messages, and type of school being referenced in the short film.

• What noticeable aspects were found while watching Vilayadu’s short film?
• Any differences or similarities between the languages, characters, setting, etc.?
• How did this give me more global awareness, change my perspective, show diversity, heighten the personal and social responsibilities we have, understand different systems?
• How can I reflect on what I saw without being stereotypical or blog it with a specific and respectful context?
• Maybe while you watch and read my thoughts express your own opinions in my comment section below.
• As a future educator, how can you use a video similar to this to show your students or other colleagues to spread global awareness?

I found a few facts on Wiki that gave more background on the setting, language, and values. I found that Tamil is a Dravidian language predominantly spoken by the Tamil people of India and Sri Lanka, and by the Tamil diaspora, Sri Lankan Moors, Chindians, and Douglas. Tamil is an official language in three countries: India, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. I also read a few interesting facts such as:

• The Tamil Language was declared a classical language by the government of India in 2004.
• It is one of the longest surviving classical languages in the world.
• For more information on Tamil History and some interesting facts about how common the language is used worldwide check out this website. https://www.quora.com/Whats-so-special-about-the-Tamil-language-not-Tamil-people

Noticeable Similarities:

1. Children in both American and Tamil schools are rambunctious and have high energy levels at times; children are children-they are playful, exploring the world still, pushing the limits, direction and discipline are crucial, and lastly, they need guidance.
2. There are EXTREMELY wonderful/ helpful websites for more information on what a Tamil Schools may have. ( click this link to find out more on WENR – World Education News+Reviews. https://wenr.wes.org/2017/08/education-in-sri-lanka
3. The language barrier that I had during the short film made it difficult for me to understand without using the English Subtitles. I had thought about others who may have a difficult time understanding the complete story and related to those students, foreigners, or viewers.
4. I noticed in the short film, the head principal of the school gave the new PET teacher a “babysitter” role in the beginning of the story. At times schools around the world do not have enough teacher to student ratio numbers; When an unbalanced ratio occurs negative outcomes can occur. This can cause many issues: such as- behavior problems, disruptiveness, learning curves, unmanageable/ unorganized work, and lack of consistency. In all schools worldwide, education systems need to have a structured plan for our children, parents, teachers, and schools to follow. This way all schools can get the highest level of academic, physical, and mental achievements out of their students.
5. At the end of the Tamil short film, I noticed a change of heart from Miss Gomathi. She was playing multiple roles as an educator, which is very similar to American school systems. Miss Gomathi’s character held an academic role within the Tamil school setting; She is the Math Teacher and Vice-Principal. I related to this area of the movie because a good friend of mine was at one time the Vice Principal, Math Teacher, Extracurricular coordinator, and of course, played many other smaller roles in that school. It is important for teachers to be able to multitask, stay organized and balance each of their roles in the school environment. A teacher can feel burnt out or unable to commit their best effort, energy, and time into those areas; if this does happen the teacher, the students and the school can lose sight of the ultimate goal they had started out with. In order to stay motivated teachers need to work together, collaborate their ideas, and network into a team to ensure the best outcomes for the school.
6. Towards the ending of the short film, I noticed that the students were able to travel to a meet after classes against another school. In American cultures, extracurricular activities are found in most or all districts. As the students became apart of a team, they soon gained respect for one another, their PET Master, and their other school staff members. YAY! Side note: they showcased the sport Soccer, or futbol or a football team. This is very popular all over the world and I just so happen to coach two soccer teams currently for my son’s boy’s travel team and his recreational team.
7. Most times extracurricular activities, clubs, (programs outside of the academic roles), musical, artistic and other elements in schools are not shown the same respect as the academic roles that other teachers may hold. I made this observation and feel, personally, that these elements are sometimes the “fun,” and specialized subject areas that possess the skills and talents of some of our best students. I believe that academic and physical subjects ( in this case referencing the short film), allow the students to value and implement a healthy balance between activity, play, skill, patience, teamwork, listening and teamwork qualities.
8. I thought that it was interesting comparing the video to American public school systems. For example, I loved Gym Class( or PET), when I was in school. This is not the same for all students, but what is similar are those exercises and fitness goals for the students and our future citizens. In less than two minutes, this quick clip from #QPEforlife, #ACTIVEforLIFE, a YouTube Clip highlights the reasons for quality physical education and it’s benefits.

Noticeable Differences

• I noticed many differences that this Tamil school and many American schools have.
• The setting of the Tamil school vs. the American school holds physical, disciplinary, academic, rules and liability differences.

1. One, the physical building was nice but had an open concept compared to an American school. I am used to seeing a school shaped in a rectangular, square, or polygon shape- American schools may have different connecting buildings, but most times will have the main entrance, classrooms, gyms, cafeterias, offices, etc. In the video, I saw that there had been a locked PET room, which seemed to not be used, the grounds ( the outdoor play area or recreational area for PET classes). I wondered what would happen if the weather was not sunny, would the students still play outdoors? Would the PET master conduct a classroom experience or game in the class setting or would PET class be canceled for the day? In an American school, most times a gymnasium would be available to students to use during rainy or non-dry days.
2. Two, the disciplinary actions were a bit different between an American school and the Tamil short film’s school. At the very beginning of the film, we notice a teacher talking to two students in the hall with the principal. The issues the school has been played out at the start in order to amp up the endings changes of behaviors the students will have. I noticed that the teacher pointed out the boy’s hair is too long and needed to be cut. I did go to a Catholic school in my earlier years and this was a similar idea that students could be distracting due to hair colors, lengths and styles. Although those distractions were similar, I wondered if this was a cultural example or if this was a general rule for most Tamil Schools. I also noticed at minute 4:20-4:35 the students were being punished. This “punishment” was a physical grab of the shoulder from the instructor to the student. In American schools, any physical punishment would be frowned upon and a lawsuit would happen immediately if this was witnessed or brought to the attention of the parents, staff, school, or community. I did grow up and have Catholic teachers do similar disciplinary actions, but in modern-day America, these would be against public school policies.
3. Third, academically, Tamil and American schools are different because they focus on the histories, concepts, and Tamil language organizations. We, Americans, focus on the English language and the formations, syntax, punctuations, and grammatical structures similar to those of the Tamil language. The difference between the two is clear. The Tamil language holds much more value to their culture, values, and history. The Tamil language, as mentioned before is a classical language and one of the longest surviving languages in the world.
4. Forth, other differences we have between the two types of schools are the rules and liabilities. For example, students in the PET class were able to run, walk, and play without shoes. In American schools, students would not be able to participate in the PET activity if they do not have closed-toe shoes or sneakers. In the Tamil film, the students were able to run around barefoot and kick the soccer ball. This was their normal way of play, and the teacher encouraged them to participate altogether. This liability would also go towards the Tamil’s disciplinary protocols; if a teacher had witnessed another student, teacher, staff member, or parent physically touch another student-most likely an incident report or HIB report could be under review.

I thought that those similarities and differences showed me another side of the world I would not normally have the opportunity to be aware of.

Vilayadu gave me a stronger global awareness for others in different areas within the school settings. I was able to learn about why and how other educators do their jobs. I was able to gain information on the Tamil language, schools, and different points of view. By watching this short film, researching the Tamil culture using videos, links, and images, I was able to change my perspective on how I see my own experiences; I was able to relate those back to what the film had to offer. The message about students’ physical/ mental awareness can improve our future in so many ways shown in the American video link posted above. In both American and Tamil schools, PET or PE classes hold substantial evidence on the importance of mental and physical health that emphasizes the benefits of those classes within the school system. The PET Master in this short film is a strong LEADER who decided to stand his ground in a respectful way. He was able to implement a positive influence and promote long-lasting changes. As you could tell in the end, there was a promise for those boys after all of their hard work. Each time the students behaved a reinforcement of their good behavior was rewarded, encouraged, and brought to light. Those types of teachers are the kind of educators we need to celebrate ALL OVER THE WORLD. This PET Master exemplified creative strategies, outside the box thinking, determination when others did not have faith in him and continued to stay humble after the changes were followed through. As teachers for future generations, we need to promote global change and make futuristic incentives. When we do this we can move onward for empathetic changes in our students, schools, countries, and worldly attitudes. How can we handle diversity? I believe my values, especially after watching this short film, will celebrate and continue to educate myself and others about the differences between cultures. I think this is an important way to spread awareness to students and others in different cultures. After we are more knowledgeable and empathetic towards others we can become better humans. Our personal/ social responsibilities will heighten and our partnerships, economic and quality education will grow. When people all over the world come together we can make BIG, LONG-LASTING, POSITIVE changes around the world.

Other Information I thought was Relevant and Celebrated Tamil EDUCATORS:

• In order to encourage the best Teachers Dr.Radhakrishnan Award is given every year; There are 364 Teachers are Awarded during the academic year 2010-2011(researched information about teachers and found many Awards, Recognition, and other assistance given to educators through the Department of Education of Tamil Nadu.
• The National Award for teachers has been instituted by the Government of India for the best teachers from all over India. In Tamil Nadu, 22 teachers from Primary, Middle, High and Higher Secondary Schools are being given this award. The teachers selected by the Government of India are given the National Award by the President of India on the Teacher‟s Day at New Delhi. The National Award consists of a cash prize of Rs.25,000/-, a Silver Medal, and a Certificate of Appreciation. Traveling Allowance is also paid to the Awardees by the Government. ( All of this relevant information and more are found in this link located on the Department of Education site- http://tnschools.gov.in/teachers_schemes

TAMIL schools in the UNITED STATES:

Tamil Language Schools On the Rise in the United States: CLICK the link to read an article from NBCNEWS https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/tamil-language-schools-becoming-popular-united-states-n380961

THANK YOU for visiting my blog about a new cultural experience. Let me know your thoughts and any other similarities or differences you may have noticed.