Critics, however, are missing a key component of her narrative separate from her parenting techniques — one that has the potential to transform our generation’s future based on creating new stereotypes.

Although critiques of Chua stem from a spectrum of issues, most of it originates from political attention given to international competition with China and other growing Asian countries.

She draws upon a 21st century stereotype of Asian-American parents, and although Chua and her daughters are 100 percent American, some readers interpreted a cultural difference in parenting methods as a direct threat to their own children’s achievement.

Chua bases her argument on two American stereotypes: the stereotypical immigrant parent who desires success no matter the cost and the white middle-class American who often favors self-esteem over 4.0s.

This contrast comes at an interesting time in our generation’s history. The American “Millennials” lived through the onset of a post-Cold War world; the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the continuation of two wars, a great recession and a slew of other catastrophes.

We inherit from our parents a climate in crisis, unprecedented debt, a gigantic wealth gap and a sensitive position on the international stage. It’s going to take more than 4.0s, and much more than high self-esteem, to solve what’s on our plates. Our society can learn from the perceived stereotypes to build a new collective model for Americans.

True, the Tiger Mother’s daughters are academically high achievers and almost definitely will go further in life than those who maintain the status quo. But their tale illuminates an important component of what propelled the U.S. to frontrunner status in the first place — an X factor that can be complemented, but not replaced, by standardized achievement.

Chua figured out how to raise academically successful children. But how do we create a society filled with high-achieving individuals, dedicated to social progress, who also embody the other “love of the game” aspect of success?

Most groups labor under the burden of some stereotype. We can learn from other’s experiences to figure out how to harness and combine their strengths.

Like many MSU students, I come from a white, middle-class American family that couldn’t have been more the opposite of Chua’s. I took piano lessons and quit when I got tired of it in pursuit of other passions. Although my parents, like Chua, value success and gave me every opportunity to achieve it, I probably hold myself to higher standards than they do.

Because my schedule and interests weren’t handed down from above, I was able to develop an indelible enthusiasm for public service. I had what others didn’t: an enthusiasm for what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing.

In Chua’s case, the stereotypical children of immigrants are consistent high achievers when it comes to the race to be valedictorian. They have what I don’t in terms of academic commitment.

For many of my friends in this demographic this means pursuing a career that ends in “-er” and “-or”: doctor, lawyer, engineer, etc. These Millennials mostly succeed with talent, perseverance and intelligence — not a self-sought passion.

We can take the strengths and create an individual ready to take on the world. I can’t go on forever without thinking about my potential 401k, and my first-generation American friends need room to develop passion on top of achievement.

No other country on earth possesses this auspicious combination of diverse perspectives, talent, ingenuity, perseverance and passion. How can we create a generation full of our greatest assets combined in the individual?

The answer certainly exists, and it needs to infiltrate the mainstream to create a new American standard for progress.

Monika Johnson is a State News guest columnist. Reach her at john2727@msu.edu.