Comments on: Why do Asian Kids Study Like Crazy http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/ The Journey to Being Influential Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:35:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Yu-kai Chou http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-8529 Yu-kai Chou Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:07:10 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-8529 Hey Quing, Hahaha, studying for your SAT in middle school could surely help you get into an Ivy League school ;) Getting good grades does help you in life ultimately, but the goal is to not kill yourself trying. The kids who are getting paid for getting Bs or Cs have a higher probability ending up in manual labor or working at the post office (which is perfectly fine). If you have ambitions of doing more stuff, then it's good to have better grades for better options. Hey Quing,

Hahaha, studying for your SAT in middle school could surely help you get into an Ivy League school ;)

Getting good grades does help you in life ultimately, but the goal is to not kill yourself trying.

The kids who are getting paid for getting Bs or Cs have a higher probability ending up in manual labor or working at the post office (which is perfectly fine). If you have ambitions of doing more stuff, then it’s good to have better grades for better options.

]]> By: Yu-kai Chou http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-8528 Yu-kai Chou Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:04:57 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-8528 Hey Calvin, First of all, I would appreciate milder language on my blog. But thanks for the comment and I hope you find better balance in your life. Getting good grades does help you in life ultimately, but the goal is to not kill yourself trying. Hey Calvin,

First of all, I would appreciate milder language on my blog. But thanks for the comment and I hope you find better balance in your life. Getting good grades does help you in life ultimately, but the goal is to not kill yourself trying.

]]> By: Quing http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-8410 Quing Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:01:42 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-8410 I think that it is the culture that makes asian parents believe education is everything. My father is asian and all he can say to me is to study for my SAT even though I'm still in middle school. There is not question, "but"'s or "if"s, I must get straight A's and there really is no consequence for me except they'll go into a speech about how education is everything then expect me to do better. Many kids are PAID to get B's and C's in my class, for me getting A's is expected nothing to be rewarded for. I think that it is the culture that makes asian parents believe education is everything. My father is asian and all he can say to me is to study for my SAT even though I’m still in middle school. There is not question, “but”’s or “if”s, I must get straight A’s and there really is no consequence for me except they’ll go into a speech about how education is everything then expect me to do better. Many kids are PAID to get B’s and C’s in my class, for me getting A’s is expected nothing to be rewarded for.

]]> By: Calvin http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-6559 Calvin Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:53:10 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-6559 @Robyn If you were to come to Asia you would see the real picture.Not all Asians get straight As and I happen to be one of them.i seriously suck in math n science but I excel and enjoy subjects like literature,history and geography.however I still am seen as useless by my parents simply because of the reason that i am bad in math and science . @Robyn If you were to come to Asia you would see the real picture.Not all Asians get straight As and I happen to be one of them.i seriously suck in math n science but I excel and enjoy subjects like literature,history and geography.however I still am seen as useless by my parents simply because of the reason that i am bad in math and science .

]]> By: Calvin http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-6558 Calvin Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:44:57 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-6558 Hi,I'm an Asian teenager being made to go through all these fucking bullshit studying many hrs a day n having lots of tuition and this makes me so fucking pissed cuz there's nothing I can even do about it.i really hate being Asian sometimes cuz why can't I enjoy life while being young like the rest of the other races.personally I believe in living a good quality life n not made to mug n burn the midnight oil n studying like crazy for some exam or even test ..FML!!! Hi,I’m an Asian teenager being made to go through all these fucking bullshit studying many hrs a day n having lots of tuition and this makes me so fucking pissed cuz there’s nothing I can even do about it.i really hate being Asian sometimes cuz why can’t I enjoy life while being young like the rest of the other races.personally I believe in living a good quality life n not made to mug n burn the midnight oil n studying like crazy for some exam or even test ..FML!!!

]]> By: Yu-kai Chou http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-6328 Yu-kai Chou Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:54:39 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-6328 Spoken like a True King. Spoken like a True King.

]]> By: Robyn King http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-6265 Robyn King Sun, 22 May 2011 22:54:02 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-6265 All 100% of all Oriental Asians of both genders both females and males are straight A+ students and are straight A students worldwide. All 100% of all Oriental Asians of both genders both females and males are straight A+ students and are straight A students worldwide.

]]> By: Yu-kai Chou http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-5657 Yu-kai Chou Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:12:28 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-5657 Hello! Thanks for the email. Where are you in Canada? I'm in Vancouver for now. You can email me at fdlink@gmail.com :D Hello!

Thanks for the email. Where are you in Canada? I’m in Vancouver for now.

You can email me at fdlink@gmail.com :D

]]> By: Michelle http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-5584 Michelle Sun, 19 Dec 2010 00:00:50 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-5584 Hi, I recently my family and I move from Honk Kong to Canada but we got lots of questions for you. Well I like the education here but my dad hates it because the teacher and the school are quite lay back. They don't care about the students future. My old school I always got hit by the teacher with a huge stick. I don't just got hit at school but at home else well. My dad say Canadian teacher let the student act up in class not quiet as strict indiscipline as in Asia, India and England. They tell them getting a B- or C+ is good in Canada. Else well not getting into a University is good for them. Even if the teacher don't care about the future the parent should care and should support the child until they finish university. My dad don't understand why the teacher don't hit the student or even the parent or relative hit the child. They parent and relative don't emphasize on the child future or talk about the importance of money social status. The child can phone a cop in Canada if they get hit by parent and relative. In Asia, England, India they get hit with a stick by the teacher the cop don't even care. The parent rooted when I got hit they say it your fault not studying harder didn't do your home work didn't memorize your poem. But in Canada the parent and relative don't have a say they let their own children make their decision and destiny by getting a dead end job, can't find work, letting them do drugs, alcohol, partying, being a thief, having a baby before marriage and ruin their life. Not able to Borden there knowledge. Or work hard for there future or desire dreams. Means no money no social status, or life of crime be hide bars. The parent also let the child act up and talk back is that how education system work. parent, teachers showing example if they find the work is difficult is to give up like homework for example. Well please write back to us my parent and I also want to know since you are and Educator you should have an answer for us Thanks. Hi, I recently my family and I move from Honk Kong to Canada but we got lots of questions for you. Well I like the education here but my dad hates it because the teacher and the school are quite lay back. They don’t care about the students future. My old school I always got hit by the teacher with a huge stick. I don’t just got hit at school but at home else well. My dad say Canadian teacher let the student act up in class not quiet as strict indiscipline as in Asia, India and England. They tell them getting a B- or C+ is good in Canada. Else well not getting into a University is good for them. Even if the teacher don’t care about the future the parent should care and should support the child until they finish university. My dad don’t understand why the teacher don’t hit the student or even the parent or relative hit the child. They parent and relative don’t emphasize on the child future or talk about the importance of money social status. The child can phone a cop in Canada if they get hit by parent and relative. In Asia, England, India they get hit with a stick by the teacher the cop don’t even care. The parent rooted when I got hit they say it your fault not studying harder didn’t do your home work didn’t memorize your poem. But in Canada the parent and relative don’t have a say they let their own children make their decision and destiny by getting a dead end job, can’t find work, letting them do drugs, alcohol, partying, being a thief, having a baby before marriage and ruin their life. Not able to Borden there knowledge. Or work hard for there future or desire dreams. Means no money no social status, or life of crime be hide bars. The parent also let the child act up and talk back is that how education system work. parent, teachers showing example if they find the work is difficult is to give up like homework for example. Well please write back to us my parent and I also want to know since you are and Educator you should have an answer for us Thanks.

]]> By: Yu-kai Chou http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-5577 Yu-kai Chou Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:08:45 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-5577 Hello Michelle, Thanks for the clear description of what I'm trying to present here in my blogpost. It sucks that your family gives you so much pressure, and the worse thing is that it is not uncommon at all. But going through that, I also think it is unfair that "diversity" programs make it so that it would be harder for Asian kids to get into a school (after ALL that pressure and studying) while making it easier for others who play and daydream. I think there needs to be a better solution. Hello Michelle,

Thanks for the clear description of what I’m trying to present here in my blogpost. It sucks that your family gives you so much pressure, and the worse thing is that it is not uncommon at all. But going through that, I also think it is unfair that “diversity” programs make it so that it would be harder for Asian kids to get into a school (after ALL that pressure and studying) while making it easier for others who play and daydream. I think there needs to be a better solution.

]]> By: michelle http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-5574 michelle Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:03:37 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-5574 Do you think asian children like to study. Well for me I really like and envy the white people. Because they get to day dream, play all day with friend and interact with other people. And don't have to think about the stress and pressure from your parent, relatives, grandparents, cousins and close family friend. White children don't need to know so much about taxes until they live on there own or when they reach certain age. But for asian kid I already looking at taxes about the age of 6. They also telling me If i don't get into university it the end of the world. During any holiday including summer holiday my parent force me to do more homework and more studying. My parent always comparing my marks with my cousins or family,friends or any strangers. Always telling me to get into Harvard university like all your older cousins and getting honours. And when i see my cousin and my parent, relative they said be to be a good example to your younger cousin telling them getting good mark and getting into top university is there future. Sometimes my parent and relative tell me look at your younger cousin they already skip 2 grade a head. Sometime my older cousin telling me you should studying harder so you can get into Anaesthesiologist you can get 292,000 American dollar a month or other high paying jobs that you like to have a career in the future. My parent never have a time of a day to talk to me about anything. And if they talk it about money, social status, home work, books and boring stuff. Our family don't even have a TV or I can't even have or own a video game because they say video game is distracting technology that affect your mind and waste of time. if you want you can have only brain age. But of course it a lied you already have so much to do like Chinese school on Saturday and kumon on Sunday and school work during the weekend. Learning Piano on Wednesday, swimming on Monday. Plus you have a computer at home and internet. What else do you need? that what they say. My parent tell me a lot of people don't even have tv, cell phone, game boy or even education and you should be happy what you have. Do you think asian children like to study. Well for me I really like and envy the white people. Because they get to day dream, play all day with friend and interact with other people. And don’t have to think about the stress and pressure from your parent, relatives, grandparents, cousins and close family friend. White children don’t need to know so much about taxes until they live on there own or when they reach certain age. But for asian kid I already looking at taxes about the age of 6. They also telling me If i don’t get into university it the end of the world. During any holiday including summer holiday my parent force me to do more homework and more studying. My parent always comparing my marks with my cousins or family,friends or any strangers. Always telling me to get into Harvard university like all your older cousins and getting honours. And when i see my cousin and my parent, relative they said be to be a good example to your younger cousin telling them getting good mark and getting into top university is there future. Sometimes my parent and relative tell me look at your younger cousin they already skip 2 grade a head. Sometime my older cousin telling me you should studying harder so you can get into Anaesthesiologist you can get 292,000 American dollar a month or other high paying jobs that you like to have a career in the future. My parent never have a time of a day to talk to me about anything. And if they talk it about money, social status, home work, books and boring stuff. Our family don’t even have a TV or I can’t even have or own a video game because they say video game is distracting technology that affect your mind and waste of time. if you want you can have only brain age. But of course it a lied you already have so much to do like Chinese school on Saturday and kumon on Sunday and school work during the weekend. Learning Piano on Wednesday, swimming on Monday. Plus you have a computer at home and internet. What else do you need? that what they say. My parent tell me a lot of people don’t even have tv, cell phone, game boy or even education and you should be happy what you have.

]]> By: Yu-kai Chou http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-4899 Yu-kai Chou Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:29:07 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-4899 Thanks for the response Trish! I have actually been through the Canadian schooling system and I like it a lot! It's a bit more laid back than the US so I think it depends on what people want, but overall it's great! Hope all is well! Thanks for the response Trish!

I have actually been through the Canadian schooling system and I like it a lot! It’s a bit more laid back than the US so I think it depends on what people want, but overall it’s great!

Hope all is well!

]]> By: Yu-kai Chou http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-4898 Yu-kai Chou Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:27:38 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-4898 Hey Pragya! Dude, don't end your life man. I am confident that God will free you one day and you will live the life that you are always meant to live. Don't lose heart and keep following your passion! Take care man. Hey Pragya!

Dude, don’t end your life man. I am confident that God will free you one day and you will live the life that you are always meant to live. Don’t lose heart and keep following your passion!

Take care man.

]]> By: Yu-kai Chou http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-4897 Yu-kai Chou Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:25:54 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-4897 That is pretty true. But overall, it depends on why your parents say is the reason you got a bad grade :) That is pretty true. But overall, it depends on why your parents say is the reason you got a bad grade :)

]]> By: Yu-kai Chou http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-4896 Yu-kai Chou Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:24:37 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-4896 Hey Diana. Thanks for commenting! Hope life is treating you well and hope you found the path you want to do in your life :) Hey Diana. Thanks for commenting! Hope life is treating you well and hope you found the path you want to do in your life :)

]]> By: Yu-kai Chou http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-4895 Yu-kai Chou Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:23:00 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-4895 Yea, I hear a lot of great stuff about it! Will read it one day! :D Yea, I hear a lot of great stuff about it! Will read it one day! :D

]]> By: trish http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-4891 trish Sun, 10 Oct 2010 08:02:47 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-4891 WOW! Dysfunctional, I don't know... I am an educator in Canada and our ways differ from the US. We teach according to our students' strengths and needs. We teach in many different forms so that no child is left behind, we are an inclusive school system and have special needs students in the classroom too. We have programs for Academics, ESL learners, gifted children, honours classes, trades programs and life skills for children/youth that will not go on to further studies. We are trying to desparately convince our government to follow Finland's education system, as they are the top in the world. We teach incorporating many different teaching styles as most children all learn differently. In Social Studies we teach about Canadian history, aboriginal heritage and how Canada became Canada,and how Canada relates to the rest of the world. We are influenced by the Americans in our way of culture and entertainment but we are very different in so many other ways. We are a big country with a small population and we are very multicultural. Maybe other countries should follow Canada as an example of how to make children well rounded and thinkers for themselves! WOW! Dysfunctional, I don’t know… I am an educator in Canada and our ways differ from the US. We teach according to our students’ strengths and needs. We teach in many different forms so that no child is left behind, we are an inclusive school system and have special needs students in the classroom too. We have programs for Academics, ESL learners, gifted children, honours classes, trades programs and life skills for children/youth that will not go on to further studies. We are trying to desparately convince our government to follow Finland’s education system, as they are the top in the world. We teach incorporating many different teaching styles as most children all learn differently. In Social Studies we teach about Canadian history, aboriginal heritage and how Canada became Canada,and how Canada relates to the rest of the world. We are influenced by the Americans in our way of culture and entertainment but we are very different in so many other ways. We are a big country with a small population and we are very multicultural. Maybe other countries should follow Canada as an example of how to make children well rounded and thinkers for themselves!

]]> By: Pragya http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-4837 Pragya Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:55 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-4837 This is sooo true! I live in India and all people here care about is their kids getting into a good institution after high school, and AFTER that, they can have all the fun they want in life! I'm a victim of this mindset too! Sometimes it gets so hard to go on, that I think of ending my life.. I'm in the first year of my high school, and a classmate of mine studies for 12 hours in a day and sleeps for 4 hours only. He has pulled out his eyelashes and eyebrows during sleep because of stress. His parents do not mind this at all and are quite satisfied with the way things are going. I sometimes feel like I don't wanna live here in India, I wanna go to USA, where16 year olds can atleast LIVE their lives.. But I know, one day God will free me.. This is sooo true! I live in India and all people here care about is their kids getting into a good institution after high school, and AFTER that, they can have all the fun they want in life! I’m a victim of this mindset too! Sometimes it gets so hard to go on, that I think of ending my life.. I’m in the first year of my high school, and a classmate of mine studies for 12 hours in a day and sleeps for 4 hours only. He has pulled out his eyelashes and eyebrows during sleep because of stress. His parents do not mind this at all and are quite satisfied with the way things are going. I sometimes feel like I don’t wanna live here in India, I wanna go to USA, where16 year olds can atleast LIVE their lives..

But I know, one day God will free me..

]]> By: Jonathan360 http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-4331 Jonathan360 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:05:40 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-4331 It all comes down to how you approach a problem and the thought process. In Western culture, if a student gets a terrible grade on a test, say a math test, the student will think to themselves, "Math is not my thing, I am not very good at it". However in the Asian culture, a student may get a bad grade on a math test and will say, "I did not study hard enough." Simple as that. It all comes down to how you approach a problem and the thought process.

In Western culture, if a student gets a terrible grade on a test, say a math test, the student will think to themselves, “Math is not my thing, I am not very good at it”.

However in the Asian culture, a student may get a bad grade on a math test and will say, “I did not study hard enough.”

Simple as that.

]]> By: Diana Wei http://yukaichou.com/society/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/comment-page-1/#comment-3683 Diana Wei Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:42:39 +0000 http://yukaichou.com/2008/04/27/why-do-asian-kids-study-like-crazy/#comment-3683 WOw, love this....love learning about my heritage and explainations of my weird,admirable bad habits. Remember Joy Luck Club - I was one of those girls, except I chose to exit out of that plan slowly. I'm pretty much the black duckling, whom chose to go my path...testing my freedom to not work in the corp world, to explore my options. And in my family/chinese's eyes, I am a failure. I am a happy failure, because I opted out of living my life for my family until 30, marrying the guy they want & then breaking down after realizing there is no way to please an Asian parent - what my cousin went through. Wow SO LOVE this history except on why we study! =) I can vouch for the crazy lifestyle (study) is for kids in Taiwan - my boyfriend grew up there. I'm so lucky - ABC. Very interesting to find out that American students study harder in College - I went crazy in college! haha AWESOME!!! Love your postings - glad JunLoayza referred me to your site. WOw, love this….love learning about my heritage and explainations of my weird,admirable bad habits. Remember Joy Luck Club – I was one of those girls, except I chose to exit out of that plan slowly. I’m pretty much the black duckling, whom chose to go my path…testing my freedom to not work in the corp world, to explore my options. And in my family/chinese’s eyes, I am a failure.

I am a happy failure, because I opted out of living my life for my family until 30, marrying the guy they want & then breaking down after realizing there is no way to please an Asian parent – what my cousin went through.

Wow SO LOVE this history except on why we study! =)
I can vouch for the crazy lifestyle (study) is for kids in Taiwan – my boyfriend grew up there. I’m so lucky – ABC. Very interesting to find out that American students study harder in College – I went crazy in college! haha

AWESOME!!! Love your postings – glad JunLoayza referred me to your site.

]]>