We are celebrating Chinese New Year at my house with spring rolls prepared by Lance and screenings of Mulan and Eat, Drink, Man, Woman. Coincidentally, we have also been following the publicity that has followed the publication of Amy Chua's book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother-a description of her 'Chinese' parenting style. I haven't decided to read it, but the debate has been 'amusing and diverting' as well as somewhat stimulating. Has anyone actually read it-or does anyone plan to? Here is Amazon's page(with publisher descriptions)
http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Hymn-Tiger-Mother-Chua/dp/1594202842This is a commentary that resonated with me: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2043298,00.html
I also enjoyed Steven Colbert's interview with Chua:
http://tv.gawker.com/#!5743483/tiger-mother-amy-chua-defends-herself-to-stephen-colbert
Pretty much every news and commentary outlet has covered this-check out your favorite: npr, cnn, etc, etc. And, Kevin and his colleagues have been sending ideas and commentaries about it around by email and chewing it over from their professional points of view.
Any thoughts from all you smart, ambitious and devoted mothers? Which animal describes your parenting?
i've been fascinated with the discussion surrounding this book lately too. I read the review by the author in the Wall Street Journal a while ago, as well as the follow-up by a "western mother." After reading the Tiger Mother article, my oldest brother and I joked that we were raised by a "Tiger Father." I can't count the lectures my dad gave us on our potential, how self-esteem is earned and not given, being the top of our class, marrying well !!!, etc, etc, etc. He always let his expectations be known, and we usually figured out a way to meet them. Now as a mother I'm grateful for that upbringing, I am proud of the things I accomplished. Right now, my mothering is more like a bear, toddlers and step-sons just aren't the right candidates for Tiger Mothering.
ReplyDeleteI loved the interview. It makes her seem more like a real person. I think I might be a big of a tiger/bear who sometimes drives a helicopter.
ReplyDeleteBut I totally believe in coloring outside the lines!
ReplyDeleteI have heard very little...I am intrigued, however. Would love to talk about it more sometime.
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