Mini-lesson for imperfect - from NFB Blog

July 7 2020

Mini-lesson for imperfect

Theme: Self-esteem and healthy self-image

evo: 12 +

Imperfect, Andrea Dorfman, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

Keywords / Topics: Body image, self-image, self-esteem, defects, self-reflection, trust, identity, character, media.

Guide question: What does it mean to have a healthy self-image, and why is it important? How can we develop our self-esteem?

Contents: In this animated documentary, director Andrea Dorfman meets a man who appears to be a plastic surgeon. In the beginning, she is put off by him; she doesn't want to go out with him because she feels uncomfortable that he alters people's appearance for a living. After getting to know him better, the protagonist has to look inside to face the struggles with her own insecurities about his physical appearance.

Activity 1) Open discussion

Watch this clip from the film and then, in small groups, discuss the questions listed below; take notes on what was discussed. Come back to a larger group and share your answers. As a class, brainstorm some mental health strategies to boost self-confidence. Write the responses on the board.

Guiding questions:

What does the word "self-esteem" mean?
What does it mean to have a healthy self-image?
Why is it important to have a healthy self-image?
Does the protagonist of the film have a healthy self-image? Why or why not?
Some people have a tendency to compare themselves to others; how can this negatively affect self-esteem?
Think about people you know who have high self-esteem. What qualities make their trust evident? How do you think that individual developed their positive self-image?
What are some strategies that someone can use to gain self-confidence and feel better about themselves?

Get deeper:

In the film, the protagonist confronts her fear of telling her partner about her physical insecurities. Why might it be necessary to face our fears? Can you think of a time when you faced a personal fear? What was the result? Are you still afraid of this? Write a short story about a time when you or someone you know faced a fear.

Activity 2) Reflective writing / journaling

In this video, Dorfman discusses comparing himself to Gracie Sullivan, who is illustrated as the perfect teen. By answering the reflection questions listed below, write a one-page personal reflection.

Do you believe that perfection exists? Why or why not?
Why might it be nice to be different from others? Give an example.
What do you think of the "defects"? Can they be positive?
Dorfman states that perhaps her big nose gave her "character". What do you think he means by this?
"Why would you want to be ordinary when you can be extraordinary?" What do you think Dorfman means when he says this?

Get deeper

Consider the type of art the director uses to animate the film. What do you notice about it? How could his illustration style relate to the theme of the film? Art is a very personal form of expression. How can inherent imperfections be good? Look for examples of people who have used imperfections to their advantage. Share and discuss.

Shannon Roy has 12 years of teaching experience at various levels from elementary school to adult education classes. Working primarily as an art and photography teacher at the Calgary Board of Education, he has developed, maintained and implemented arts programs for a variety of students. Additionally, as a professional photographer and painter, Shannon has a keen interest and dedication to the arts, and to promoting strong art programs in schools. She has currently moved from Calgary to Montreal to earn her masters in arts education from Concordia University.

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