Tran's Article On Child Abuse

Child Abuse Article

Tran’s biased tone emphasizes the importance he places in culture through phrases like “avoid breaking down other traditional cultures” and “the Vietnamese family structure is very unique.” Tran begins by discussing the differences between family structure in Asian and Western culture that accounts for the usage of the term “child abuse.” He claims that the Vietnamese/Asian family is more loving and supportive of each other. Because of that, the children look up to and follow their parents obediently. Child abuse is not child abuse in Vietnam. It is merely a way to discipline children who have done something wrong; in fact, Tran even goes as far as implying that it shows the parent’s love for wanting to lead their child in the correct direction. However, once they move to America, Vietnamese families find themselves in a completely different culture that emphasizes freedom and individuality. To Tran, this freedom destroys the

The connection between parents and children fade as parents go to work and children go to school. This causes children to become Americanized and no longer accept physical punishment, now seeing it as child abuse. Influenced by ideals of equality, they believe parents should listen to and try to understand their point of view. Because their children may not be obedient any longer, parents feel the need to discipline them, but when they do so physically, they are stopped and shamed. Like the case of Mr. Ma shows, this makes them very ashamed, confused, and desperate, thus further destroying the family structure of parental authority. Tran explains that this family structure of respecting elders is a part of traditional culture that American laws destroy. He concludes that Americans should become more sensitive to other cultures to