Amy Chua, a mother of two and law professor at Yale, published a best-selling book called Battle Hymm of the Tiger Mother. The book talks about the parenting style of what she calls a "typical Chinese mother". She explains what American parents, or "western parents" lack when it comes to proper parenting. Chua's parenting techniques include a long list of activities and obligations her children had to follow. This list includes many rules, such as not being able to choose their own extracurricular activities, attend sleepovers or play dates, and receiving any grade less than an A. She explains that this list of things is the main reason Chinese parents raise stereotypical successful kids. Although I agree with Chua's statement that western parents are not strict enough, I do not agree with her style of parenting. I personally disagree with majority of the techniques and opinions Chua's book describes in order to properly parent a child. In contrast to her beliefs, I believe that socialization skills, joyful success, and a strong mental capacity are the three main tools to use when it comes to proper parenting. .
Amy Chua explains in her book the main differences between Chinese parents and Western parents. In Chua's words, "the Chinese believe that the best way to protect their children is by preparing then for the future, letting them see what they're capable of, and arming them with skills, work habits, and inner confidence that no one can ever take away"(Chua 265). Unlike Chinese parents, western parents tend to encourage their children's individualism, pushing them towards their passion, and providing a positive and nurturing environment that allows them to make their own choices. Chinese parents believe they know what is best for their children, neglecting any hopes and dreams the child has in mind. This leads to parents thinking their children owe them everything, and constantly reminding their kids of all the sacrifices they have made for them.
As Freud suggests in his 1919 essay, the "uncanny- arouses an experience of "dread and horror,"" partially because the familiar (heimlich) evokes the unfamiliar (unheimlich), rendering the comfortable and "homey- uncomfortable and alien (224). ... Says John to his mother, "We are doing an act; we are playing at being you and father- (89), as if gender roles are performed. ...
