Summary Of Amy Chua's Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior

In the article, “Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior”, author Amy Chua discusses many of the morals of Chinese parents and what is ultimately behind the decisions they make for their children. She begins by acknowledging the stereotypes of Chinese parents, and she explains that she too fell into this category. The author explains how she did not permit certain activities for her daughters because they were not in their best interest. She further explains how being a Chinese parent applies to more than just those of the Chinese ethnicity, and similarly, how being a Western parent is evident in a variety of cultures. Amy Chua further goes to elaborate on the differences between Chinese versus Western parents. She explains how some of the primary …show more content…
It is imperative that children are allowed to prosper as individuals, and more so, that they are encouraged to do so. In the text, the author states, “To get good at anything you have to work, and children on their own never want to work, which is why it is crucial to override their preferences,” (Chua 3). Essentially, the author is demolishing any and all credit of the child and essentially treats them as some degenerate being, incapable of accomplishing anything without the help of their parents. This is a corrupt believe, however, because the author implies that children are not willing to put forth effort. Of course when a parent makes decisions for the child, they will feel that the child is in good hands and that they will do well. Albeit, this disregards any and all say that the child might have. In overriding a child’s preference, the parent prevents the child from adequately expressing their needs. Children then feel helpless, and they may be confused and uncertain as a …show more content…
It is considered an innate factor for one, especially in the time of youth, to feel the need to repay their parents for all they have done and provided. It is a fact, according to the text, that “parents have sacrificed and done so much for their children,” (Chua 6). Because of this, children feel the need to repay what their parents have done for them in any way they can. They do not wish to disappoint their parents. If there appears to be any sign of disapproval, children then go to great lengths to satisfy whatever the concern may be, meanwhile sacrificing their own emotional health to do so. Ultimately, children desire to avoid this state, so they usually do whatever is set out by their parents initially in order to procure their