As the eldest daughter of first-generation immigrants, my mom was pretty strict. That meant no dating in high school, focusing on school -- aka getting straight A's -- and not getting in any sort of trouble.
So, reading Amy Chua's Wall Street Journal essay on "why Chinese mothers are superior" was amusing and familiar.
Chua's two daughters are not allowed to date in high school, get any grade below an A, watch TV or play on the computer, attend a sleepover, choose their own extracurricular activities, among other don't's.
Many readers were offended and outraged by Chua's generalizations and stereotypes, as the comments demonstrate. I do wonder if Chua exaggerates somewhat to make her points.
I have mixed feelings. My mom wasn't as strict as Chua. But I did bemoan the fact that my mom wasn't like my friend's parents, who were more lax. At the same time, it was second nature to me that I would do well in school, attend college and make something of myself. My parents expected that, and I expected that of myself.
Take a read, and leave your thoughts here.
