Interesting how two different takes come out of the same statement, isn't it? It's all about perspective, I think.

As someone whose father grew up on a farm but who was not herself raised there, I rather see both sides here. I do think there's a particular work ethic borne of necessity that is associated with farm life. But I completely agree that singling out Asians as having more of it than anyone else and assuming that an entire culture springs from that way of life--as if there are no other avenues for life in "those" places--is narrow-minded and offensive.

Okay, now I guess I really have to read the book to see how the argument is actually posed. So much can get lost in translation, you know?

BTW, Lina, as a former teacher of argumentative writing, I can tell you that reading things that are offensive is not always a bad idea. It's good to know what your opposition is saying so you can knock them back step by step. You have a real flair for writing and a very logical mind from what I've seen here, so I hope you'll read things that infuriate you sometimes. The challenge to your beliefs will either strengthen you or will lead you to question--and thereby create better beliefs.

smile

Kriston