Tiger Moms: A Short Story

“Hopeful a college education can help them [the students] overcome racial obstacles, they realize the need to be serious about their studies. But white college students complain: “Asian students are nerds.” This very stereotype betrays nervousness—fears that Asian-American students are raising class grade curves.”

The schools I went to before third grade had a strong Asian population. Asians were the majority; there were rarely any non-Asians in those schools. During that time, I was allowed to stay innocent and uncaring of what others thought of me. It was a pity those golden days couldn’t last longer. The school I transferred to for the remainder of my elementary education had an extremely low Asian rate. In fact, you could have listed all the Asians in the school with only one hand. With little to none Eastern Asians, my parents pushed me to work harder. Unbeknownst to them, they were trying to mold me into the stereotypical smart Asian. The changes were subtle at first since they

However, the incessant hovering and excessive involvement from Asian parents can add tremendous pressure and stress onto young Asians. In the Daily Collegian News, Penn State sophomore Trevor Hsu expresses, “It puts pressure on Asian [students] themselves to fit that stereotype…they can feel that they let themselves [and their families] down because they have not achieved the level of excellence that the stereotype has set.” (qtd. in Dailey). Because they feel guilty and shameful, many Asian students are reluctant to admit to their parents and teachers that they have difficulties with class works and assignments as much as their non-Asian classmates and consequently, they do not received the support they need to improve their performance.

The story is around an American-conceived Chinese lady, Jing-mei, who goes to China to meet her twin stepsisters that her mom was compelled to relinquish numerous prior years. Since her mom had passed away just a couple of months prior, the meeting is full of vulnerability and bitterness. Jing-mei battles with self-character issues and what it truly intends to be Chinese. En route, she takes in reality about the reasons her mom deserted her sisters and the significance behind their names. At last, she at last associates with her sisters and makes the passionate association with her Chinese legacy.

Wu-Mei struggles about family and relationships. She suffered bullying from her own family. Bullying is the use of force to abuse someone and it has been the problem for Wu-mei from the start which makes her feel unwanted. Her siblings were being aggressive to her because they believe that she was the cause of their mother’s death. There is a quote from the Bible “Do unto others what you want others do unto you” this means that do to others what you want them do to you. In the novel “Chinese Cinderella” Wu Mei is being bullied by her Big Sister by telling her that she is the cause why their mother had died. For e.g. on page 3 chapter 1, Big Sister once said to Wu mei “Mama died giving birth to you. If you had not been born, Mama would still

Have you ever heard the statement that all Asian Americans are good at math and science and they excel educationally? This paper defines the model minority myth, provides historical context in perspective of the Chinese Americans and explains how these Chinese American’s experiences do not fit the model minority myth. The model minority stereotype has various negative assumptions towards Asian Americans and one of them is that it assumes all Asian Americans are a homogenous ethnic group. There are several ways how Chinese Americans and other Asian Americans do not fit the model minority myth. Specifically, the historical context of these Chinese Americans contradicts the model minority stereotype.

Asian Americans are, as is the widely held belief, the “model minority” for their perceived

The second article I read was, The new whiz kids by Brand, D. According to the article, Asian Americans have set a standard for Americans on education. A researcher at the U.S. Department of Education found that Asian Americans spend more time on their homework, take more advanced classes, and graduate with more credits than other students. They are known to be high achievers. The stereotype of Asian Americans as the model minority group is not true. It is simply because they work harder. Because of their cultural background and how they were raised, they are really focused on their education. They view education as the key to success. “It’s a matter of dedication, family support and discipline,” says Julliard President Joseph Polisi. He believes that Asians are not naturally talented but because of their hard work, they are able to be successful in what they are doing. Asian American children are greatly influenced by their parents to study hard and get a good degree because the advantage the American educational system has in store for them. Asian American parents expect a lot of educational success from their children because of the sacrifice they have to make for their children to be successful in the future. Because of what they have been taught, asking for help is not easy. They have been taught to not show any emotions and be

Maggie the younger sister has always stayed true to their traditions and her heritage compared to Dee, who like explained before, was educated and stirred away from her heritage. Maggie and Mama continued to take on the roles

The stereotypes associated with East Asian American youths generally include proficiency in mathematics, piano lessons, or lack of social skills. However, the reality of East Asian American youths differs depending on experience and cultural upbringing. The large influx of East Asians emigrating from their land of birth to countries such as the United States, Canada, and France (to mention a few) have changed the facet of society in terms of multiculturalism and diversity. From result of immigration, East Asian immigrants have escaped from their countries due to political uprisings or poverty. The promise of a bright future for later generations has allowed them to persevere and to ensure a comfortable livelihood. Self-worth then becomes a

Jing-mei realized that she was an ordinary individual and that she would not let her mother’s expectations change that. She no longer believed that she “could be anything [she] wanted to be, [rather she] could only be [herself]” (Tan 44). In using a limited, first-person point of view, Tan is able to show Jing-mei’s emotional progress of following her mother’s dreams to finally realizing her own dream.

This is because of the culture Asians grow up in—or, more so the religions involved in their growth: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. “Within these philosophies families are highly structured, hierarchical, and paternal. Within the family systems children are taught that they must avoid bringing shame to their family and that the welfare and integrity of the family are very important. These Asian philosophies also teach principles of peace, balance, and harmony, causing some Asians to avoid confrontation or appear passive, indifferent, or indecisive. Using indirect methods of communication may be appropriate for some Asian students with strong ties to their ancestral culture.” (McKay School of Education, 2015).

Providing the two heroines with strong and engaging personalities, the novel portrays the life of two young Chinese girls, who because of historical events and family secrets, have to grow up faster than what they had planned. The book delivers emotional themes that are powerful yet familiar, and is written in a compelling manner.

Jing-mei’s inability to connect with her mother arises from her upbringing. Mrs. Woo pushed Jing-mei to extremes with her parenting and failed to realize the lasting trauma it had on her daughter. Jing-mei as a fragile child wants nothing more than for her “mother and father [to] adore [her]” (233). The developing girl is looking for acceptance through her parents, but Mrs. Woo does not understand the positive reinforcement required in those early stages of development. Instead

Being a mother is to support your children all the way even if they choose to take the road you don’t want them too. Mother’s play a responsible role in children’s health, education and complete wellbeing. In the article, Mother Inferior? Hanna Rosin, the author talks about her mothering style, which is the complete opposite of Amy Chua from The Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother. Hanna Rosin would allow everything that Amy Chua wouldn’t allow for her children. Her idea of raising children were different, she wanted her child to be happy in fact she never pressured her child into doing anything. Hanna Rosin had some good points; however, some of her points I cannot agree with her. I agree with Hanna Rosin when she said