RAB Source Entry #3 – Lisa Liu

Part 1: MLA Citation

Tsuei, Christina. “Bending the Stereotypes of Chinese Parenting.” WSJ, Lynne Koehler, 7 Jan. 2011, www.wsj.com/video/bending-the-stereotypes-of-chinese-parenting/492C59BD-48FC-4B3A-ACAB-73BEBED6A802. Accessed 18 Nov. 2023.

Part 2: Summary

In the video, “Bending the Stereotypes of Chinese Parenting”, reporter Christina Tsuei interviews two new mothers who were raised by Chinese immigrants about what they think about stereotypical Chinese parenting and how they would like to raise their children. The interviewees are Kelly Cheng (a Physician’s Assistant) and Elizabeth Lin (a full-time mother). At first, Tsuei starts by Kelly pointing out that the stereotypes of Chinese parenting are that their kids usually master academic and musical excellence but become socially awkward due to lack of socialization. Christina reflects on Amy Chua’s book “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” which presented the philosophy of strict Chinese parenting outcomes for successful offspring. Upon that, Kelly and Elizabeth seem to shy away from this kind of parenting style. Their perception of Chinese parenting is that Chinese parents love through sacrifice for their kids to have a better life. In Kelly’s experience, her mother is a single mother that spends more time on her children instead of working all long to become “successful”. Moreover, Kelly says now being in her parents’ shoes, she can relate to them and would like to sacrifice herself for her children, too. Yet, she also will not forget to spend more time with her kids and be supportive of them. On the other hand, Elizabeth says when she decided to become a full-time mother, her parents were first shocked about her decision. Later, as Elizabeth conveys the reason is because she wants to be supportive and always be there with her kid, her parents appreciate and accept her claim. Elizabeth says that after becoming a mother, she appreciates more about her parents’ sacrifices and she loves them more than before. At the end of the interview, Kelly concludes that even though she and her husband joke around that their kids have to get Aces, they don’t mean that in reality since she thinks it is totally fine to get average B’s.

Part 3: Reflection

I agree with the interviewees that respond to the stereotype of Chinese parenting. Kelly Cheng and Elizabeth Lin are saying that even though Chinese parents seem strict and non-resistant, as the children grow up, they will realize the hardship and the sacrifices of their parents which make them more grateful. I can see from Elizabeth’s perception, that she ended up happy and satisfied with her own life after all the pressure from her parents. From her perspective, she feels that she is happy and successful because she can spend time with her kid which she didn’t get when she was little. But from my point of view, being a full-time mom is not a way of happiness and success. Because of modern ideas and environmental influences, being a full-time mother may not be very desirable in the eyes of many people. That is because we as women want to become strong in any field and not just be stuck in the role of a mother. 

Part 4: Rhetorical Analysis

The genre of this video is an interview. The interviewees convey persuasive comments based on their life experiences. Christina Tsuei is a multimedia reporter for the Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal is an influential newspaper in the United States and has won 37 Pulitzer Prizes. Founded in 1889, this daily newspaper is one of the largest circulation newspapers in the United States which considers a rhetorical appeal of ethos. In the video, there is some interaction between the two mothers and their kids that shows the mothers love their children which forms a loving atmosphere. This connects to the rhetorical appeal of pathos that triggers the audience’s sympathy. In addition, the anecdotes from the two mothers also influence audiences’ sympathy which appeals to pathos. The music at the beginning and at the end is relaxing which persuades audiences that typical Chinese parenting is not “typical”. Also, in the middle of the video, there is a transition of Chinese-style music overlaid and a panda toy present. These symbolize stereotypical Chinese culture. The overall tone is relaxing and casual. This effect can persuade the audience to understand that the stereotype of Chinese parents is not what they think. The video was published on January 7th, 2011. Even though it is not current, the occasion relates to the controversial topic of Chinese parenting since the Wall Street Journal also published the article “Why Tiger Moms Are Superior” by Amy Chua about the same time. This article also provokes the debate about parenting style. The primary audience is Western parents, and the general audience is the public.

Part 5: Notable Quotables

“I think one of the ways Asian parents love their children is through sacrifice…and working on their parts so we can have a better life.” (1:31)

“At the beginning, I told them that I wanted to stay home, and they were like ‘What? You’re gonna give up all that schooling?’ But I think once I explained to them why I chose to be a full-time mom.. they saw that and they appreciated it. ” (2:01)

“Being in her shoes now, I can sort of see I need to and want to sacrifice and work really hard … but I don’t want to forget to spend time with my kids.” (5:06)