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Katara's Authenticity in Avatar: The Last Airbender Klarissa Yohanna; Pratiwi Retnaningdyah
Tell : Teaching of English Language and Literature Journal Vol 10 No 2 (2022): September
Publisher : English Department FKIP Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.30651/tell.v10i2.13440

Abstract

Authenticity is an important quality every individual should have as it reflects self-understanding and healthy functioning. However, due to the societal norms, such as gender stereotypes, the idea of being authentic has become a challenge. Oftentimes, when it comes to gender stereotypes, women get the short end of the stick—underestimated, ignored, and sexualized. The uprising feminism movement indeed makes a great impact to how women are viewed, but the media is still lacking of authentic representation of a female character who isn’t trying to fit into a certain role. Avatar: The Last Airbender is able to provide that through Katara character despite it being a children’s TV series. Using the theory by Kernis and Goldman, this paper explores the four multicomponent of authenticity—awareness, unbiased processing, behaviour, relational orientation—which are all possessed by Katara; furthermore, proving her authenticity. This paper argues that Katara is able to maintain her authenticity by acting in accordance with her internal values, particularly in terms of equality and justice. In so doing, she manages to fight sexism and empower the oppressed.
From Multicultural Experiences to Teaching Practices: Insights from Pre-Service English Teachers in Indonesian ELT Contexts Dewi Listia Apriliyanti; Pratiwi Retnaningdyah; Syafi'ul Anam
International Journal of Emerging Research and Review Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): September
Publisher : IKIP Widya Darma Surabaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.56707/ijoerar.v4i3.180

Abstract

Objective: This study explores the multicultural experiences, attitudes, and efficacy of pre-service English teachers (PSETs) along with their reflections on teaching practices. Method: The study employed the Multicultural Efficacy Scale survey and semi-structured interviews. 107 PSETs from nine public universities and five private universities in West Java, Indonesia, participated in the survey. Results: The study identified two key findings. Firstly, most PSETs acquired background knowledge and experiences related to diversity and multiculturalism mainly through media (M=2.99, SD=0.82), diverse classmates (M=2.96, SD=0.82), and social interactions (M=2.78, SD=0.81). 84 (78.5%) of them exhibited moderate attitudes, and 56 of them (52.34%) demonstrated moderate multicultural efficacy in the English language teaching context. Secondly, participation in student exchange programs significantly enhanced their awareness and understanding of multicultural contexts. Additionally, the findings indicated that participants with high multicultural efficacy successfully integrated Indonesian cultural elements into English Language Teaching. In contrast, those with moderate and low efficacy made cultural adjustments to bridge gaps but lacked pedagogical strategies for embedding cultural reflections into their instruction. Novelty: This study contributes to ELT and multicultural education research by examining pre-service English teachers’ multicultural experiences, attitudes, efficacy, and instructional practices in the Indonesian context. The findings highlight the role of media, social interactions, and intercultural experiences in shaping awareness of cultural diversity. While most participants demonstrated moderate multicultural attitudes and efficacy, variations were evident in their ability to implement culturally responsive teaching. The study underscores the need for stronger pedagogical support to translate multicultural awareness into meaningful classroom practices.