Vietnamese TikToker cries as her parents scold her for her art degree, fellow Asians comfort her

TikToker gets scolded by Vietnamese parents for getting an art degree

Most Singaporeans are familiar with the stigma surrounding studying the arts, as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects are often seen as more ‘useful’.

This perception is apparently pervasive among people in other Asian countries as well. Recently, a Vietnamese TikToker filmed herself being scolded by her parents for getting an art degree.

As she tried to keep the conversation light, she started to get emotional and cried because of her mother’s harsh words.

@kaitlynnbui

live laugh love

♬ Just a Cloud – Pharrell Williams

The clip, which now has over 7.5 million views, has garnered empathy from other Asians who have faced similar pressure. They also encouraged her to pursue her interests.

Parents ask Vietnamese TikToker how she will support herself with an art degree

On Monday April 10, Vietnamese TikToker Kaitlynn aka @Kaitlynnbui posted a video of a conversation she had with her parents over dinner. In her caption, she mentions that she is an art major.

When asked by her mother how she plans to support herself after graduation, Kaitlynn jokingly replies that she’ll just find “a rich husband.”

However, her mother responded by scolding her in Vietnamese. According to Kaitlynn’s translation, her mother said,

You are small and small af. You can’t do anything. You have nothing compared to others.

Visibly touched by her mother’s harsh words, she asked them to leave her alone and said she would find a solution.

Still, Kaitlynn got emotional and started crying on camera. Her parents kept scolding her, telling her,

Sit down and think about it, wake up. Stop dreaming, live with reality.

Other Asians sympathize with his struggles

After witnessing her breakdown, many comforted Kaitlynn in the comments section. She also received an outpouring of empathy from those who could relate to her situation. They also encouraged her to stay strong.

A fellow Vietnamese with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in illustration shared that she is currently a production manager and assistant director. She offered to connect with Kaitlynn and offer her support.

Another user encouraged Kaitlynn to keep chasing her dreams, reminding her that she owes nothing to anyone.

Parents must respect the decisions of children

Parents play an important role in the lives of their children, providing them with the necessary guidance when they face challenges along the way.

While their advice can be helpful, it can be harmful to do or say things that could harm their child’s happiness. Even if they mean well, such harsh words can leave lasting scars on their children’s mental health.

After all, everyone is their own person and deserves to spend their life doing what makes them happy.

Do you have news to share? Contact us by email at [email protected]

Featured image adapted from @Kaitlynnbui on TikTok.