A young Chinese boy's 15 page resume is taking the internet by storm. To some, the resume is but a reflection of China's education system, often needing such extreme measures to compete. To others, it's an indictment of the child's parents.
The CV was leaked from a school application. Screenshots were posted to Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging site. From there it spread getting thousands of comments and shares.
His résumé, at 15 pages, is glittering, complete with performance reviews (“full of energy”), a map of his travels… https://t.co/zIh9kN6WVP— New York Times World (@New York Times World)1541104564.0
The document contains an extensive list of genuinely impressive accomplishments for a five year old. From a map of cities he has visited, to the hundreds of books he's read in the last year, the resume speaks volumes of a child trying to get into a good school.
It sparked debate online with many seeing the resume as an overboard reaction on behalf of the parents.
@nytimesworld I wish they were interested in a child's happiness and what his passions are. This is scary, but more… https://t.co/DwtueaT4Ng— Patty B. Lamprinakos (@Patty B. Lamprinakos)1541113761.0
@nytimesworld Some years ago while hosting a Chinese college student the group of students were asked to draw as a… https://t.co/awPT0UJfoV— Chris Edward (@Chris Edward)1541231905.0
@BBCNewsAsia He will never have memories of a carefree childhood. Sad.— Denise Hoidal (@Denise Hoidal)1541220562.0
@nytimesworld Unsettling. The parents need a drink.— Persephone (@Persephone)1541218958.0
@nytimesworld Incredible. Let him be a 5-year-child first.— hrl (@hrl)1541217656.0
@BBCNewsAsia That kid will never know the wonders of the young— FAT-FREE (@FAT-FREE)1541228503.0
The Chinese education system is a highly competitive market, where tests and exams determine nearly every aspect of a child's future. This can lead to some parents being extra aggressive in their child's pursuit of academic excellence.
Others felt that the parents were doing their best for their child in an unfair and overly competitive system.
@nytimesworld If only Americans were as eager for schooling as this.— stravinsky (@stravinsky)1541105234.0
@BBCNewsAsia I’m already impressed: Referencing his youth, the boy seems comfortable being five years old, saying:… https://t.co/Ziu2ub9pZI— MetamorphosisCoach (@MetamorphosisCoach)1541218524.0
@nytimesworld What these parents did is not normal behavior in China and is not a new trend, thankfully. They are j… https://t.co/NXLR1PtFIc— EXIDislife (@EXIDislife)1541218455.0
@nytimesworld It is said that a voracious reader will always find good friend ship and brilliant scholar ship.— June Bride (@June Bride)1541216564.0
@BBCNewsAsia A little much but sounds like he’s loved. Next.— ________ (@________)1541218696.0
@nytimesworld I lived in Taiwan and taught and this does not surprise me. I used to teach 5 yr olds that would be i… https://t.co/VbOa0cK8H2— K P Johnson (@K P Johnson)1541254728.0
@nytimesworld If this was an American child they would be praised as a prodigy and I guarantee it would not be pain… https://t.co/ffHeeBcgii— hi honey, it's me, your husband, ralph (@hi honey, it's me, your husband, ralph)1541249970.0
The controversy surrounding the strict standards of the Chinese education system have been coming under scrutiny as of late. Calls have been put out to remove or reduce the stigma from failing some of their most dreaded tests.
H/T: New York Times, BBC News
