China's youngest PhD student stirs parenting debate

[raysusan]

http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?cid=1103&MainCatID=11&id=20111019000031


http://www.wantchinatimes.com/newsphoto/2011-10-19/450/CFP394445606-112634_copy1.jpg\">
[quote]Zhang Xinyang with his father in a Beijing University of Technology student dorm in 2008. The 16-year-old would rather have his own house. (Photo/CFP)

A Chinese child prodigy, touted to be the youngest student enrolled in a doctoral program in China, has prompted debate among internet users after he said in a TV interview that he thought his parents should buy him an apartment in Beijing.

Zhang Xinyang, 16, a PhD student at Beihang University in the capital, is said to be the youngest doctoral candidate in the country. He became a college student at 10 and received his master's degree at 13, enrolling in the doctoral program at Beihang University in September of this year.

In an interview with state broadcaster CCTV on Oct. 16, the teenager from the northeastern province of Liaoning surprised his audience by saying his parents should buy him an apartment in Beijing. \"What good will a doctorate do for me if I cannot have an apartment to live in?\" Zhang asked.

Knowing his parents are not able afford to a house in China's capital, the teenager told the interviewer that his biggest goal for the time being is to own a house in Beijing and that his parents, who want him to stay in the city, should work hard to provide him with a comfortable living environment.

His remarks drew comments from China's internet community, with many saying they were puzzled by Zhang's arrogant request. Some, however, sympathized with him given that he had spent his childhood fulfilling his parents' hopes through his stunning academic performance.

One critical internet user said, \"Such a selfish PhD won't do any good to the world,\" while another said Zhang simply didn't understand the meaning of gratitude. Still another user commented that Zhang's parents only had themselves to blame as their child had become spoiled.

Xiong Ling, a psychological counselor in Chengdu, said Zhang's comments were an expression of anger directed at his parents because he had given up his childhood to fulfill their demands. Xiong urged parents not to impose adult ambitions on children, instead giving them free rein to pursue their own goals.

References:

Zhang Xinyang 張炘煬

Xiong Ling 熊玲[/quote] :siao:

[hquek]

Think the smartness shortcircuited his brain. You mean his anger is justified? He rather spend time doing rote learning with his age group than do something that excites his intellect?


He should be grateful that his parents gave him good genes.... :spank: :spank:

[Mawar]

Spoken like an immature child.


This boy spent his entire childhood pursuing academic excellence, and likely away from his parents. He only uses some parts of his brain in the paper chase, the other parts of him have been neglected. Still lots of growing up to do. Please excuse his childish remark.

Maybe the parents used the carrot and stick approach. Ah Boy ah, you pass this exam, we get you candy. You pass the other exam, we get you nice shoes. Finally Ah Boy decided that he wanted his own castle. What’s wrong with that? Conditioned since birth.

[SAHM_TAN]

guess the parents only focus on the intellectual and academic aspects and forgot about the values and character aspects

[kiddo]

Mawar:

Spoken like an immature child.


This boy spent his entire childhood pursuing academic excellence, and likely away from his parents. He only uses some parts of his brain in the paper chase, the other parts of him have been neglected. Still lots of growing up to do. Please excuse his childish remark.

Maybe the parents used the carrot and stick approach. Ah Boy ah, you pass this exam, we get you candy. You pass the other exam, we get you nice shoes. Finally Ah Boy decided that he wanted his own castle. What's wrong with that? Conditioned since birth.

well said and funny too :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

what good is a PHD then if we only breed this kind of children.....
without empathy, gratitude and conscience......

[markfch]

Is it me or does something look amiss in that photo. If you observe carefully, the dad is using his left arm to form a barrier from his son (veins being visible - signs of stress?), his right arm holding the ladder (actually hand clutching) for support; both faces turning away from each other.


I mean if it were my son, you can be sure I’ll be giving him a bear hug when posing for the camera. Something just doesn’t seem right in that photo.

[SAHM_TAN]

Maybe more than one reporters, so attention diverted.


Plus may not be in the hugging mood if son just ask for an apartment :evil:

[pinky]

this report came out in the chinese papers recently. The son actually threatened to stop studies unless he gets the apartment because he aims to be 'ren shan ren' (above others). :slapshead:

[burp]

And then who is going to do the housework once he gets the coveted apartment?

[pinky]

burp:

And then who is going to do the housework once he gets the coveted apartment?

bet this prodigy never think of it :evil: :nunchuk: