Understanding why Asian parents almost never listens (Part 1)
Short Summary:
This podcast episode from "Inktoads" explores the perceived tendency of Asian parents to not listen to their children. The hosts, Andrew and Varine, share personal anecdotes about their experiences with their parents, highlighting how parental responses often prioritize pre-conceived notions over understanding their children's perspectives. They discuss communication styles and the role of cultural background in shaping these interactions. The podcast uses examples like parental reactions to career choices and extracurricular activities to illustrate the challenges faced by children of Asian parents. The episode concludes with a promise to continue the discussion in a subsequent episode. No specific technologies are mentioned, but the discussion touches on communication methods and the impact of cultural differences on understanding.
Detailed Summary:
The podcast begins with introductions and a brief overview of the hosts' week. Varine describes feeling stressed due to unexpected work arrangements. Andrew's week is less eventful, focusing on job searching and a grocery shopping experience.
The main topic, "Understanding why Asian parents almost never listen," is introduced. Andrew and Varine discuss their experiences. Varine notes that her parents listen more to her than her brothers, attributing this to differences in communication styles and perceived trustworthiness. She suggests that her brothers' less-than-ideal attitudes sometimes provoke immediate negative reactions from their parents, preventing full listening. Andrew, however, expresses skepticism about this explanation, citing instances where his parents didn't listen to him despite his attempts at clear communication, particularly regarding extracurricular activities and academic performance. He argues that while they may appear to listen, they often fail to truly understand or consider his perspective. He uses the example of his parents' reaction to his desire to attend a concert, where they dismissed his reasons without fully hearing them out.
The discussion then shifts to the concept of "listening" versus "understanding." Varine agrees that her parents may listen but not understand, often stopping their listening process once their initial reaction is formed. She explains that this has led to a sense of futility in communicating with them, creating a communication barrier. Andrew confirms this sentiment, sharing similar experiences. They both acknowledge a shift in their parents' attitudes in recent years, with a greater willingness to understand their perspectives, particularly regarding their sister. However, they still believe that a lack of understanding remains a significant issue. The episode concludes by promising a continuation of the discussion in the next episode.