By George HoganIn order to properly answer this question, I must start by making one point very clear: no single race is more or less intelligent than any other.
Arguments about inventions and technological advancements fall short of fully capturing the complexities of human development and geography. For a more comprehensive look at that subject, I’d suggest reading Jared Diamond’s incredible book, ``Guns, Germs and Steel.”
Korean, Singaporean and Japanese grade school students routinely top the list in science and mathematics, but the scores in the Netherlands, Belgium and Finland are consistently high as well and often rival their Asian counterparts. Thus, making a statement that ``Asians are smart(er)” is not only stereotypical, but it’s not statistically accurate. Still, there are some cultural elements in parts of Asia that create an environment more conducive to academic success that might not be found in other parts of the world.
Historically, and particularly in East Asia, society was bitterly stratified making any sort of mobility tremendously difficult as your fate was often determined by the status of the family you were born into. There was, however, an option for upward movement through the passage of a civil service examination. Once passed, one could join the ``literati” or intellectual class thus cementing their family's elevated status for generations to come. While some form of this test still exists in many nations, the effect it has had on the psyche of the populace greatly outweighs the specific exam itself.
This is important because even today, there are certain tests that carry considerable weight which can dictate school options, majors, careers and even future financial success. This cultural mainstay weighs heavily on the minds of parents, teachers and students. While the history and reasoning might be difficult to imagine, the result is simple: no one just ``wings it.” Tests are not just metrics of understanding and comprehension. They are opportunities and, as such, they all are treated with complete seriousness and significance.
Since high test scores and grades are so sought after, the level of academic competition amongst young pupils is almost shocking. Independently of their parents’ commands, students will regularly stay up until early in the morning doing schoolwork in hopes of gaining an advantage over their classmates. This sort of competition is typically the only type in which many young students engage in as athletics, work and extra-curricular activities are characteristically shunned by parents who invest heavily in their children’s education. Following suit, top students earn respect and gain pride from high-levels of academic achievement and performance. And it’s no secret, either. Grades are made public by the school and the rank of each student is heavily promoted.
Many Western nations have taken a dramatically different route when it comes to modern education. In the United States, for instance, it’s almost impossible to find a math class that doesn’t require the usage of a calculator. In Asia, on the other hand, students not only are barred from using such crutches, but they must put the abacus into use as well. There are no excuses like, ``Mom, I’m just not good at math.” When it comes to education ― so it seems ― everyone can be good at a subject if they study well and apply themselves.
Lastly, most Asian nations are recovering from decades of political, economic and social turmoil. That tenet has seeped into the minds of many Asian parents and students and has inspired them to work harder not only for themselves, but for the good and prosperity of their nation. Of course, regardless of origin, everybody wants their nation to thrive, but sometimes the citizenry of successful and fully-developed nations take the painstaking efforts of their grandparents for granted and become entitled rather than inspired. It’s not just about individual happiness, success and pride in Asia. In fact, as a society, it’s not about that in the least. Collectivism and utilitarianism are at the heart of Asian academic honors. There is always a greater good, it appears.
Biologically, it’s clear that Asians are no smarter than their European or African counterparts. They don’t have genes that make them more likely to succeed in the classroom and they certainly don’t like studying more than others. The difference is this: Asian culture treasures education and intellectualism and does everything it can to promote it throughout every aspect of its culture. Whether it is languages and music or science and math, the parents and teachers involve themselves deeply in the lives of those being educated and it is this facet that induces academic achievement.
Are Asians smarter? No. They just care more.
The writer has been teaching modern Korean social issues and current events for the past five years in southern Seoul. He can be reached at asktheexpat@yahoo.com.
