The fear of a rising China has spread far and wide in the United States. An economy fresh out of a recession, diminishing factory jobs and output, souring education, and China’s rise to the second largest economy in the world are just a few reasons.
To couple to fear in the air, Asian mother and Yale law professor Amy Chua has called western mothers weak as the question is raised, “Are Asian mothers superior”? Her new book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is a New York Times best seller and highlights the differences of how children are raised in western culture compared to those in China. It also she sheds a bright light on the different mindsets of American and Asian parents Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother has been controversial yet revealing. Amy Chua’s memoir reveals the strictness and pressure of a Chinese mother. She states that her children were never allowed to attend a sleepover, have a play date, be in a school play, complain about not being in a school play, watch TV or play computer games, choose their own extracurricular activities, get any grade less than an A, not be the No. 1 student in every subject except gym and drama, play any instrument other than the piano or violin, and not play the piano or violin. She has even admitted to once calling her daughter ‘garbage’, and that she once rejected a birthday card from hear daughter because of a lack of thought put into it.
While Mrs. Chua’s compassion and love for her daughters has been questioned, so has the resulting American child. School rankings worldwide have exposed a vital weakness in America’s future. Our children are less skilled in math and science than numerous Asian nations. In addition, American children are considered by many as lazy, indulgent, and prone to be obese. The overexposure to video games, television, and the dominance of ‘pop culture’ coupled with the lack of skill based knowledge, appears to be a recipe for disaster.
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother has opened up much needed dialogue in America. Parents are questioning how they raise their children, questioning the techniques of the tiger mother, and the American is questioning its education system.
Fear can be an excellent motivator. China is becoming a superpower while America is faltering. It is no secret! America is trying to recover from a recession, is in extreme debt (with large amounts owed to China), and it seems to be producing a less skilled and educated population. It more than obvious that the U.S. must make some changes to keep it’s number one standing in the future. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother has Americans trying to figure out what their battle hymn is!
Wall Street Journal Article: Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior
Time Magazine Article: Chinese vs. Western Mothers: Q&A with Amy Chua
