I had various mixed feelings while I was reading Amy Chua’s article, but the dominating feeling is anger. I felt angry at how Amy treated her children, and how she made them do what she thinks is “right” and “suitable” for their future careers. I felt sympathy for her daughter at the part where Amy made her daughter practice the piano. I am able to relate to my personal experiences very well after reading that. My mom used to tell me to go play violin, and she really means what she says. If I don’t play it now, I’ll play it later. If I don’t play it today, I’ll play double the amount tomorrow. It’s as simple as that.
People argue whether Amy Chua’s parenting technique is right or wrong. Some people say it’s right because those relentless practices and harsh punishments are necessary to prepare the children for a “successful” future. Some people argue that it’s wrong because planning a life for the children, and requiring strict adherence of the plan diminishes the children’s self-independence, creativity, and the ability to take risks. I think neither is right and neither is wrong; I believe practices and punishments are necessary, but parents don’t have to enforce them to the extreme. I agree that planning a life for the children can diminish the children’s ability to think and decide for themselves, I feel that way because my mom is 90% identical to Amy Chua.
Overall, this article by Amy Chua is very interesting to read. I would really like to buy her book “the battle hymn of the tiger mother”, but I think I’ll get very mad and emotional while reading it.
