MovieChat Forums > Please Vote for Me (2008) Discussion > A couple questions...

A couple questions...

posted 13 years ago by ajdafler14
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First off, I have to say this was a good documentary and it was very interesting to watch these kids (and their parents) get so involved in such a minute event as a classroom monitor election.

I have a couple questions though, probably cultural related, about Chen Chen. First off, and I hate to be that guy, why did Chen Chen's dad wipe his butt for him after he went to the bathroom? Is it common for parents to do this in China? I only ask because I know I didn't need help with going to bathroom way before the 3rd grade. What if he has to go to the bathroom at school, do his teachers help him?

Also, he has no problems spending his time at home in his underwear. I actually found this quite comical, but again, is this common for a child to do in China? I didn't notice Luo Lei doing this at home.

It was almost like Chen Chen's parents still treated him like a baby, even though he clearly is not.

[–] robert-spottswood 9 years ago

I noticed also his shouting at his mother to Get out!, and then shoving her out of the room.

Working with kids in therapy, my perspective is that his indulgence at home has normalized for him a self-indulgent impulsiveness in public. He has not had to internalize frustration tolerance, and has almost no awareness of his bullying and shaming others.

Hence his emotional fragility when reality hits. He has little experience with disappointment or being unable to force fulfillment of his wishes.

Outstanding film for students of child-development and psychological attachment.