Jing-mei's mother wants her to be a prodigy. She wants Jing-mei to be obedient to her and follow her wishes and dreams for her. These are the types of cultural issues that are at odds being that Jing-mei is being raised in America. Her mother clearly states, "Only two kinds of daughters...Those who are obedient and those who follow their own mind!" "Only one kind of daughter can live in this house." Jing-mei wants to live out her own dreams and aspirations, but she still wants her parents to love her.