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My post had nothing to do with 'inherent' differences. While the asian education system (which is certainly not inherently asian) may seem less creative, I ofte

My post had nothing to do with 'inherent' differences. While the asian education system (which is certainly not inherently asian) may seem less creative, I often see this 'fact' bandied about with no supporting data. All i ask for is proof that the intense asian education system stifles creativity. I argued it does not by pointing out the success of certain asian coubtries against all odds via innovative business and industry. > But it is true that east and south asian schooling systems are typically value memorization over creativity Perhaps, but the burden of proof is on you to show that 'valuing creativity' leads to more creativity. It is certainly possible that emphasizing sheer technical prowess leads to higher creativity. That this possibility is not even considered says more about the writer than asian pedagogy.

gumby 8y ago
The TL;DR: I think you and I both agree, actually, that the half-racist/half-defensive meme of "asians uncreative/US creativity is a fundamental asset" is utter nonsense. I think my message you're replying to might not have been clear, and I'm sorry if so. I agree your post had nothing to do with inherent differences between people (and I don't believe such differences exist either) and I was myself trying to contradict the lazy trope (and poor grasp of logic) that says "that system is more rote-oriented than ours, thereby ours must be more creative." Western schools were also pretty rote oriented until the early 20th century when Europeans like Steiner and Montessori tried to develop alternatives. Those alternatives had some influence on schools in Europe, Australia, and America (but there's plenty of rote learning still in US schools). Those movements have had less influence in Asia until perhaps the 21st century. NOTE: I myself didn't attend school in Asia, so my exposure is indirect (through parents, grandparents, relatives and friends).
eaandkw 8y ago
I could probably make an argument that it was more about communism removing creativity and individualism than asian countries not being as creative as Americans.
- gumby 8y ago
  Good point! These issues are so vague that in reality the “arguments” are simply assertions in favor of whatever point you want to claim.

gumby 8y ago

The TL;DR: I think you and I both agree, actually, that the half-racist/half-defensive meme of "asians uncreative/US creativity is a fundamental asset" is utter nonsense. I think my message you're replying to might not have been clear, and I'm sorry if so. I agree your post had nothing to do with inherent differences between people (and I don't believe such differences exist either) and I was myself trying to contradict the lazy trope (and poor grasp of logic) that says "that system is more rote-oriented than ours, thereby ours must be more creative." Western schools were also pretty rote oriented until the early 20th century when Europeans like Steiner and Montessori tried to develop alternatives. Those alternatives had some influence on schools in Europe, Australia, and America (but there's plenty of rote learning still in US schools). Those movements have had less influence in Asia until perhaps the 21st century. NOTE: I myself didn't attend school in Asia, so my exposure is indirect (through parents, grandparents, relatives and friends).

eaandkw 8y ago

I could probably make an argument that it was more about communism removing creativity and individualism than asian countries not being as creative as Americans.

gumby 8y ago
Good point! These issues are so vague that in reality the “arguments” are simply assertions in favor of whatever point you want to claim.