Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Amy Chua earned her controversy-baiting credentials with 2011's Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, which advocated for a strict "Chinese" parenting style, and garnered her the nickname "Tiger Mom."
This year, Chua is back 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 -- primarily Jews, Indians, Chinese, Iranians, Lebanese-Americans, Nigerians, Cuban exiles and Mormons -- have innate qualities that make them more likely to succeed in life.
“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,” write Chua and Rubenfeld. “In large part, this is because the topic feels so racially charged.”
In its official write up, the authors claim that such groups have a so-called "Triple Package" of traits that drive their "disproportionate" success -- - a superiority complex, insecurity and impulse control.
Even as headlines proclaim the death of upward mobility in America, the truth is that the old-fashioned American Dream is very much alive -- but some groups have a cultural edge, which enables them to take advantage of opportunity far more than others.
Though it doesn't hit shelves until February 4, the book has already generated the inevitable media discussion.
The Post called it "a series of shock-arguments wrapped in self-help tropes, and it’s meant to do what racist arguments do: scare people," though CNN pundit Will Cain said he didn't see why the book would be controversial.
"We have, throughout history, said certain cultures are better at certain things."
Chua and Rubenfeld's publisher, Penguin Press, 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.
