That program irritates me, yet still I watch it
The Chinese kids, one of the mothers said "There are these really, really pushy parents who put loads of pressure on their kids and make their whole lives revolve around music, and can physically punish them for not practicing" or something like that...
Then she was asked whether he plays with his friends a lot "Oh no, I don't think it's very important. I'd much prefer he was doing 5 hours of music practice after school. He doesn't really have time for friends or games, he gets home from school, does his homework, then practices."
How can they be so obsessed?! These kids are going to be social zombies who can't interact with anyone when they're older!
sometimes being musically brilliant brings pride and prestige to the children's parents. some of them, the slightly poorer parents, see music as the kids way out of poverty etc etc (if the kids do thrive later).... when i was a kid, i had a similar routine, but less hours of practice though. i didn't get a chance for a change till i started school in England in year 9.
