Cultural mix
I read with great interest Elaine King's column headlined, 'At the mercy of the little devils' (South China Morning Post, January 26) and could truly relate to what she was saying.
I was born to Asian parents, but was brought up in a European environment right here in Hong Kong.
I am now a father to three children, and I frequently find myself asking, am I going to bring my children up as Asians or as Westerners? And the answer is easier than it first appears. I take the best of both worlds - Western freedom and vitality, with Asian values of respect.
The discipline that Ms King's helper referred to may be typical of Chinese parents, but it is not exclusively their trait.
My wife is an Hispanic born in the US, but she has no trouble making sure our children are disciplined and well behaved.
This is something that one could easily adapt to if the effort is made, regardless of whether one is Chinese, Western, Hispanic, or whatever race.
And kids causing a riot in public places? It is okay, as long as there's no harm done or, more importantly, so long as the parents are not made to feel they are becoming a public spectacle. Kids will be kids. Let them have fun and express themselves. Let them be creative, curious and adventurous.
ANTHONY A. KUNG Discovery Bay
