The Wall Street Journal recently published a news article titled Why Chinese Mothers are Superior. The article explains how Amy Chua prides herself on creating math whizzes and music prodigies. At first, I was appalled that a reputable newspaper would publish such an article but after reading the article and getting my emotions in check, I felt remorseful for this family. Mrs. Chua takes satisfaction in not allowing her daughters to participate in play dates, select an extracurricular activity of their own interests, and receive a grade less than an A. Both of her daughters must be the number 1 student in every subject with the exception of drama and gym.
Chua prides herself on creating prodigies; extraordinary (not ordinary) children.
She states, “The solution to substandard performance is always excoriate, punish and shame the child.” She further states, “If a Chinese child gets a B – which would never happen – there would first be a screaming, hair-tearing explosion.” She mentions God once stating “God help any Chinese kid who tried that one.” As I read this article, I wonder how she defines extraordinary. Is it being a whiz kid with musical talents who ultimately attends an Ivy League school? I cannot fathom the thought process of why any parent would threaten to take away lunch, dinner, Christmas, Hanukkah and birthday presents if they did not learn a musical piece by the next day. Never did this mother discuss the importance of her children’s character.
Which leads me to ask the question: What makes a child extraordinary? Does a genius or a musical prodigy translate into extraordinary? While these children possess some virtues e.g. knowledge, discipline, perseverance and tenacity, do they possess compassion, humility, temperance, kindness and patience? In my world, an extraordinary child is virtuous; their character is not defined by their achievements (e.g. trophies, musical recitals) but rather by what they do when no one is looking.
Source: Chua, Amy. “Why Chinese Mothers are Superior.” The Wall Street Journal.
8-9 Jan. 2011: D1, D2.
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