Asian Parents (The reasoning behind it?)

Asian Parents

It's a controversial article...and it being caught between both Asian and Western cultures, I have mixed feelings. My parents are both Chinese migrants, and I can say that they are not that extreme. I guess the "force them till they can do it" wore off quite early as my childhood obedience went. Even now, my parents have opted for the "do your best" mindset instead. (Then again, there's no point arguing with a headstrong daughter).

As much as I put faith into freedom of expression and positive psychology, unfortunately my own academic success and the importance of it has slipped.

"What Chinese parents understand is that nothing is fun until you're good at it."

The irony of this is, I get great pleasure out of doing art because I have a bit of skill- but out of my personal choice. (And partially to get kicks out of being rebellious) When I look back, had I been an obedient child and spending that much effort and thought into my academics, there would be no doubt I would be on top.

But why is academic success so important? To an Asian, money in this world undoubtedly has the last say, especially on the quality of life. The general belief is, a good education will lead to a well-paid career. This seems superficial, but this is coming from people who had very little growing up (breaking out of the poverty cycle and into the 'city'), or in the case of my parents pretty much sold up everything and went in search of a better life. The point that some Asian parents will go up and beyond for their kids is true. In very basic essence, Asian parents seek to better their children's standard of life.

I am not sure whether children of Asian parents or Asian parents themselves understand this (it's easy to lose yourself in obsession), but it is what I know.

The Asian-parent strategy will work for an extent of time on a child, but really, it is up to the child to question their true purpose in the world and the meaning behind their parents actions. What is the point of success if one was forced or simply instructed to do so? A robot can be programmed to do that in place of the child. Life is beyond doing well and and impressing the parents and/or others.

And I guess it's up to me as well which way I will be going, and in saying so I suddenly have a greater emotional motivation to devote time in both my art and my work.