...thursday talk: Asian mothers are superior

Yale professor Amy Chua has written this controversial essay about the difference between Eastern and Western parenting styles, called "Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior."  She details the differences in expectations between parents at either end of the spectrum. Read here. I agree with Chua, except I'd change the title of her essay to "Why Asian Mothers Are Superior"  and include some Filipinos. 

Chua's child rearing methods could be seen as abusive, but like all mothers, she only wants  the best for her children, and she doesn't give in to them. It's so easy to let a kid give up when the going gets tough. It takes patience and perseverance to make sure the kid doesn't. She didn't take the easy way out. It's hard to disagree with her; her young daughter is pictured here playing at Carnegie Hall. In fact, both of her daughters are musical prodigies, and their achievements didn't come without some kicking and screaming.

chua's daughter, wsj

On the other hand, it was revealed that Tom Hanks' young son is pursuing hip hop as a career and his parents are very supportive. Granted, this kid is set for life and could find success. But still...

hanks, hp

Hmmm, which style of parenting do you think is best?

Update: Wait, I didn't realize Chua wrote a book about this (and others). I'm not worthy.