She showed her 'frugal Chinese' dad her new Porsche — he had the most 'Asian dad' reaction

Based on stereotypes, Asian parents are best known for being strict about their kids’ academic scores, critical about them going out with their friends too often, and spending more money than needed. A tech creator based out of Washington D.C., Megan Lieu — who goes by the username @meglovesdata on Instagram — posted a video on her page of her dad’s reaction to her new Porsche. It's hilariously relatable and hits close to home if you're Asian.

Megan’s video features her all-new Porsche and her dad’s disappointed look when he sees it and wonders how she can afford it. At first, he assumes he has walked up to someone else’s car, which makes Megan giggle. Later, he becomes critical about it as he walks around to have a look. He asks her, “How much is it for? Tell me the truth,” with a stern face, which makes it even funnier. He repeatedly says, throughout the video, “It doesn’t matter which car you buy. What matters is you can afford it,” which made it the most Asian dad reaction ever!

He goes on to inspect the car even from inside, continuing to look disappointed and wondering if his daughter could “really” afford it. The most hilarious part, however, is when, “5 minutes later,” he sits inside the car and happily comments on how comfortable the car is. He also records a video to share with his friends via WeChat and smiles his widest when clicking pictures with the car — voluntarily. It is a classic example of how dads who ask you not to get pets react after getting them.

The popular understanding of frugal Chinese parents, is rooted in socio-economic conditions that several generations have undergone. Business Insider reported how a province in China developed an app to show the level of credit each person in the neighborhood had. The Chinese Daily encouraged whistleblowers to point out debtors with the capability to pay off their loans. The app boasted a 500-meter network that could alert someone if they were in the vicinity of a debtor. In a financially struggling State such as this, the concept of money itself fractures into ideas far removed from the global standard.

A study by the Boston Consulting Group shared a report predicting a 9% growth in spending for Chinese youngsters in 2020. Those below 35 were expected to spend 14% more than their parents. The study added how Chinese people born between the 50s-70s went through immense economic and political turbulence, which resulted in these monetary practices, while those born later are “more motivated to spend." This ensures that they not only have the capacity to purchase more than enough commodities for themselves but also to fulfill their parents’ wishes.

After watching the humorous video, many viewers left comments. @ericnomics joked, “Gotta flex on his WeChat friends,” while @chrissydanggmiller exclaimed, “This is definitely how immigrant parents act. My dad would’ve said the same!” @resumeofficial101 wrote, “He was [like] let me try asking if she can afford it in two languages to be sure,” and @dean.jacket commented, “Acting disappointed is so accurate, bet he felt proud to see you doing well for yourself, while enjoying it!”

You can follow Megan Lieu (@meglovesdata) on Instagram for tech-related content.