there’s a well-written (and really old, 1996!) article on slate suggesting that asian-americans are the new jewish people and by extension this applies to azn’s in canada. the writer brings forth the argument that first generation immigrants usually focus their kids on studying above all else so they will have a better standing in life. but by doing this, they don’t see or show their kids the importance of a well rounded life. apparently, jewish people once felt this way but have since lived in america long enough to understand that studying is a means, not an end. it’s interesting to see what if anything has changed over the past 7 years. while asians as a whole still do well in school, i think they’ve also become more well rounded, there are fewer bookworms. this may be because this generation’s kids in canada have more power over their parents or have adapted to canadian lifestyle quicker than the previous generations of immigrants, but they haven’t quite broken out of the mold yet. in fact, i would say the whole pressure-cooker style education is even worse now than what the previous article described. back when i was a kid, there was perhaps only one place to “supplement” your education (kumon), and maybe only one person went there in your entire class. now there are hundreds in toronto alone and every single (chinese?) kid goes to one even if only to keep pace with their friends. perhaps all this pressure and stress will produce adults who are better at time management, multitasking or whatnot. parents will say that they’re just looking out for their kids but looking back i think everyone can say that being a kid was great. you could play all day because you had no responsibility; but ever since then your responsibility has just grown and grown. why rob kids of the best stage in their life? is it really worth it? remember, we’re not like james bond, you only live once.

Posted by Kevin in Blogs Tags: stereotypes