Quote:
Originally Posted by Meowjin
40% of the canadian workforce is in trades and I just fucking love how most trade jobs = failure at life.
Get realistic rich asian kids.
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I won't speak for other Asian cultures but China since my family background allows me to speak on this and to shed some light on the Chinese perspective.
In the old days, taking and successfully passing the civil service examinations would lead to administrative positions and an instant boost in social status (and bringing great pride to your family, clan, and or village) - although you are not Asian and I do not expect you to fully understand this. Yes, there is strong value attached to education and it remains heavily embedded within the Chinese mindset (wealthy and poor), just as it is with other ethnic groups and certain classes. In Canada, education is indeed seen by many immigrants in this country as a way to improve their status. In particular, this mindset has resulted in many Chinese (like the Jewish) achieving professional level designations in Canadian society, which I am sure you can agree is a good thing. At least they will not end up to be leeches.
As for my own personal experience, my family values intellectual prowess even more than money making ability (and there are probably many families like this). Yes, there are certain expectations and pressure for me not to be in trades. However, this does not mean having to look down on others in trades. I also want to point out that not everyone goes to university with the intention to land a job.
edit: very true that in Asia it is a whole different ball game, you don't make squat and get very little respect. However, the quality of the workmanship is much higher in North America as J pointed out and there may be completely non-existent or at the very most minimal certifications required in developing countries.