Amy Chua Book Analysis

Explain how the author(s) establish their credibility on the subject matter they are writing about. Amy Chua, the author of this novel, tries to establish her credibility on the subject about the clash of Chinese and Western cultures by giving a number of examples and insights on her life. She is a professor at Yale and went to law school in Harvard. Many would trust her credibility and her comments because she came from a well-known and respected school. However, some things could be taken in for questioning. For example, she never lets her children attend a sleepover, get any grade less than an A, and wants them to be obedient (3). My mother is exactly the same in this matter. I personally believed that she was giving a respectable argument …show more content…
Although, this book is not about all Chinese parents and how they are towards their kids. The author made this book for those who want to know about her life, her children and her culture. Readers have to know that when she generalizes things they do not all apply to everyone of her culture. I do believe that many would read this because it is entertaining, in a way. Chua has a sense of humor and seems not to omit things that would seem degrading. For example, when she is called Lord Voldemort by her kids or the insults that she has said or were given (66). She doesn 't hold back the events of her life, but maybe exaggerated some parts of the story. It’s a humorous read for those openly interested enough to learn about her life and …show more content…
I knew it was stereotypical and that maybe not every asian parent was like this, but I found out that there are actually quite a number of them. For example, Chinese parents think that they know what is best for their children (53). My parents have always said, that volunteering was a waste of time and that I should spend that time studying. I think that volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and a way to show dedication towards a club. Although many students do community service just to be active in clubs for college recognition, I do it for college, but not entirely because I find volunteering to be relaxing and a way to make me feel better. Also, Chua believes that not all parental comparison are discriminating (43). My parents are constantly comparing me to others and all it does is just make me feel bad about myself. Chua says that it’s a way to boost self esteem and to show that she believes that her child can do better, but I guess it works only for some people. I’ve always wondered if they want me to do better because they’re competitive of other parents’ children, or if they actually want me to do well. The author often gets asked that question which she describes to be quite Western (148). Overall, this story causes me to question and to have provocative thoughts that I would be eager to study about