Students in Shouchun Middle School in Hefei, in central China's Anhui Province are required to read the transcript of Obama's speech My Education, My Future as part of their morning class, attracting mixed reactions from parents.

The speech was delivered by U.S. President Barack Obama at Wakefield High School on September 8 2009. In the speech, he recalled his own childhood and inspired students to ask themselves why they go to school. Obama told the students that education provided an opportunity to discover what they are good at.

Some parents had negative opinions of the move. "Isn't morning class the time for students to recite Chinese classic poems and essays? Why must they recite a transcript from an American president?" One parent said. Others expressed their concerns that the text is full of American ideas and culture and might have influence on students' orientation.

"The speech is good because it describes simply the true meaning of study. In the Chinese classics there are many inspirational examples. Why do we lack confidence in our own culture? Chinese traditional culture should be passed down through globalization. I am afraid that excessive access to foreign culture might reduce students' interest in our own culture." a parent said in an interview.

However, Sun Yeqing, deputy headmaster of the school, insisted that it was the right thing to do. He said "I was impressed by Obama's speech. He didn't talk big, but told the story of his family and himself. It is vivid and inspiring for the students." When it comes to the pros and cons, Sun argues that "Education changes fate. Hard work, persistence and a never-give-up attitude are universal principles in education."

Wang Tiangen, a professor at Anhui University, admitted that it was a positive effort. But he also suggested that Chinese classics such as the Confucian Analects could provide an alternative to inspire students.

Related

• Obama speech can't bury drone damage

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)