My childhood full of homework, it is a natural phenomenon in China. Do American children coping with their homework every day? Or do they just enjoy their childhood without any boring homework? I observed some American children and it makes me know what are different between Chinese children and American Children.
Carry and I been to professor Luo’s home several days ago, professor Luo is a American citizen of Chinese origin, his daughter was born in America and is 13 years old. There are certain phrases that people frequently use to define the Chinese-American identity. The two most commonly heard terms are "ABC", meaning an American-born Chinese, and "banana". The former is often considered an acceptable label for people of Chinese descent born in the US. The second term, banana, is usually regarded as derogatory or offensive, and it refers to someone who is "yellow" on the outside but "white" on the inside. Professor’s daughter got good achievements in study, sport and clarinet. But at some time, his daughter always has independence opinion and does anything her want, which violates her parents’ standpoint. Such like watch TV and play video games. That is definitely different from the children who living in China, most of children are limited to watch TV and play games, because they have a large number of homework, and their parents rare to listen to their opinions.
On Halloween, American children always dress up interesting costumes to their neighbors’ home to ask some candies. If their neighbors refuse to give them candies, children maybe give neighbors’ some tricks. That is never being happened in China, because children should just follow adults and could not ask for something without their parents’ permission. It is misbehavior to ask for something from adults except parents.
In words, American children could enjoy their childhoods and be respect on their opinions, while Chinese children could enjoy homework and just follow their parents. In fact, Chinese society and cultural standpoint make our life full of challenge and competition since we were born. Taking a long view for children, Chinese parents do their best to protect their children that prohibit children to do something dangerously, and encourage and require children do more homework and learn some specialties.
