STAGE TUBE: 'Tiger Mom' Author Sparks Ethnic Controversy with New Book

By: Jan. 07, 2014
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Amy Chua has returned with a new book co-written by her husband Jed Rubenfeld. According to a scathing New York Post preview, The Triple Package: Why Groups Rise and Fall in America argues that some cultural and ethnic groups have innate qualities that make them more successful.

Chua and Rubenfeld write, "That certain groups do much better in America than others -- as measured by income, occupational status, test scores and so on -- is difficult to talk about. In large part, this is because the topic feels so racially charged."

The authors claim that these groups have a "Triple Package" to drive their "disproportionate" success, claiming:

A superiority complex, insecurity, impulse control-these are the elements of the Triple Package, the rare and potent cultural constellation that drives disproportionate group success. The Triple Package is open to anyone. America itself was once a Triple Package culture. It's been losing that edge for a long time now. Even as headlines proclaim the death of upward mobility in America, the truth is that the oldfashioned American Dream is very much alive-butsome groups have a cultural edge, which enables them to take advantage of opportunity far more than others.
• Americans are taught that everyone is equal, that no group is superior to another. But remarkably, all of America's most successful groups believe (even if they don't say so aloud) that they're exceptional, chosen, superior in some way. • Americans are taught that self-esteem-feeling good about yourself-is the key to a successful life. But in all of America's most successful groups, people tend to feel insecure, inadequate, that they have to prove themselves. • America today spreads a message of immediate gratification, living for the moment. But all of America's most successful groups cultivate heightened discipline and impulse control.

Penguin Press has released a statement saying it was "proud" of the book -- "We look forward to a thoughtful discussion about the book and success in America," the publisher added.

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