#13 Beating their children

Throughout modern history, Chinese children have often been praised by non-Chinese parents as being polite, modest, good-natured and well disciplined. While many may debate the merits of nature vs. nurture, nurture indubitably plays a strong role in the shaping of a Chinese child's temperament. The nurture in question are savage beatings administered by parents.

As the reasons for beating are numerous, this method of physical discipline is integral in the parent's continued use of negative reinforcement, and to deter future misbehaviour. Common reasons for beatings include: poor grades (<90%), fighting with siblings, talking back, not practicing piano/violin and general disobedience. It is not uncommon that beatings would be administered based on petty reasons (e.g. not going home right after school) in order to maintain the fear instilled in the hearts of the children.

Non-Chinese parents that discipline their children will usually use a belt and/or hand. However, Chinese parents, in this regard are much more creative/resourceful. Common beating tools include coat hangers (plastic and metal), spatulas (plastic, metal and wood), rulers, paint stirrers, and the most infamous of all, the feather duster. The implement of choice will often depend on the administrator of the beatings. Being the most commonly used beating tool, Chinese children have developed a Pavlovian response to this unassuming household cleaning tool and will typically cringe or scurry away out of habit. The traditional form of this torture device is a long bamboo handle on one end, with feathers on the other. The contemporary model consists of a handle that is made of an intertwined steel rod covered in a hard plastic. Research has shown that both these models will consistently cause great pain to the palm, thigh, and buttock areas.

Should you be Chinese and also experienced savage and undeserved beatings in your youth, this is a great way to bond with your fellow Chinese. Talking about this once dreaded topic will often turn into reminiscing, which in turn is known to bring out one's competitive side. It is entirely possible to overhear a heated discussion between two Chinese people attempting to one-up each other with stories of, "my most savage beating". As a tip for non-Chinese people, highlighting the fact that, "I've never been beat" will only serve to alienate yourself from your Chinese friends, instead of impressing them.

#12 Negative reinforcement

It is undeniable that having a Chinese upbringing more often than not has produced many upstanding members of society. Delinquent drivers aside, the steady production of legal, financial and health care professionals ensures the continued betterment of society (and the survival of Starbucks)

While child-rearing varies greatly from culture to culture, the difference in style between Western and Chinese culture when it comes to encouragement is similar to the difference between night and day. The method used by Chinese parents to encourage their children is known as 'negative reinforcement' which is defined as, "a behavior strengthened because a negative condition is stopped or avoided as a consequence of the behavior."

This phenomenon can most commonly be observed when tests are returned to a Chinese student. With a score of 90% or greater, a non-Chinese parent would be ecstatic, with the test being worthy of center-fridge placement. In a Chinese household, it is almost guaranteed that the phrase, "Where did the other 10% go?" is uttered, most assuredly causing irreparable damage to the child's self-confidence. This barrage of negative reinforcement only ceases when marks are brought up to an acceptable level, such as 98%. This phenomenon can be extended into career situations where the phrase will change to "Why aren't you a doctor/lawyer/engineer yet?".

For non-Chinese looking to give their Chinese friends a hard time or display their knowledge of negative reinforcement, the phrase "Where's the other x%" is appropriate as a start. For situations where the test score is in the range of 80-90%, the one-two combo of , "So, that's like...Asian fail, right?" followed with, "Man, you're parents are gonna be PISSED" is suitable. This will either destroy their confidence forever or make you two BFF.