BBS & BA-BSW First Year
New Course 2019
English
Patterns for College Writing
A Rhetorical Reader and Guide
Laurie G. Kirszner
Stephen R. Mandell
Why Chinese mothers are Superior
- Chua Amy
Comprehension
1. What does Chua mean when she says, “What Chinese
parents understand is that nothing is fun until you're good at it" (6)? Do
you agree with her?
Ans: According to Chua, many Chinese parents push
their children work hard to get good at things because they believe that
despite the resistance the child may have at first, the praise satisfaction
that comes from this hard work will make it worth it, thus giving them
motivation to work at the skill even harder. Yes, I do agree with Chua that we
need to practise constantly until we get achievement. Achievement in turn will
motivate the 'child to even work harder. Hard work is never fun for Chua.
2. Does Chua's husband agree or disagree with her
child-rearing methods? Why does he react the way he does?
Ans: While Chua believes that children owe something
to their parents, her husband believes the opposite. He believes that since
parents are the ones that choose to give life to their children that way should
be prepared to provide for them as a result.
3. According to Chua, why are Chinese parents able to
do things that Western parents cannot?
Ans: Chua devotes time talking about how while Western
parents are very gentle with the way they speak to their children, cautious to
protect their self-esteem; Chinese parents don't believe that this is
necessary. Chua talks about a time when she called her daughter
"garbage"; she says that she felt terrible about what she had done,
she did not believe that she truly thought she was garbage. She believes that
this is because the harshness with which Chinese parents often treat their
children toughens them up, rather than damaging their self-esteem.
4. How does Chua respond to the charge that Chinese
parents don't care about their children?
Ans: Many believe that the way Chinese parents push
their children and dismiss their children's interests is a sign that they do
not care. Chua refutes this by writing that these parents behave this way
because they care a lot; they want what is best for their children and believe
that, by making these decisions for them, that they are preparing them to
succeed.
5. According to Chua, how do Chinese child-rearing
practices prepare children for life?
Chua says that Chinese child-rearing practices give
children strong work habits, skills, and confidence.
