This is an interesting article on the cultural differences of Western vs. Eastern styles of child-rearing. So radically different!
West: Ability is inherent
East: Ability is learned
These are the themes that drive the two cultures, and from that stems the following statements
West: If it's too hard, give up
East: It's not too hard, we're just doing something wrong
West: Group and personal achievement
East: Personal achievement above all
West: If learning something isn't fun, give up
East: Fun comes after you've learned it
West: We failed. It must be the kids' fault
East: We failed. It must be the parents' fault
West: Don't feel bad about yourself if you fall short
East: Feel bad about yourself if you fall short
It's so foreign to me! But that's how culture works.