What is a model minority?
When I was in fourth grade, living in California, I vividly recall the first time I encountered the “model minority” stereotype. I was smiling from ear to ear, ecstatic about the A+ I received on my math exam. I happily told my friend sitting next to me in class the good news. My other table mate, sitting across from us, tilted his head. The distinct, nonchalant, and unbothered way he declared, “Isn’t that normal for Asian people though? That they’re good at math?” has struck a chord within me ever since.
The “model minority” stereotypes confine Asian populations into a mold, where Asian kids are perceived to all be math geniuses and piano enthusiasts. It also enforces the idea that all Asian parents are authoritarian and emotionally distant, and stop at nothing to ensure their child’s successful future. The “model minority” lens views Asian families as financially comfortable and stable. They are wholly separated from the “people of color” category, considered a successful group that experiences minimal racial discrimination. The model minority stereotype effectively disregards the prejudice faced by Asian communities.
How is this harmful?
The model minority myth categorizes all Asian individuals and puts them into a single basket; successful (but not too successful), strict, and naturally hardworking. It creates a tight boundary that alienates the many Asians who deviate from the predetermined standard. The perpetuated model minority myth essentially confines Asian Americans to one dimension, disregarding the disparities between these populations.
In fact, because the model minority myth endorses the idea Asian individuals are all successful, many believe they don’t need financial support; for example, Asians living in poverty are disregarded, other people and even the government believing that because they are Asian, they are rich and well-off.
The model minority myth obscures the genuine discrimination that affects Asian Americans, perpetuating the stereotype that Asians who aren’t successful simply lack effort. This perception disregards the diverse backgrounds that may hinder Asian individuals from achieving this “ideal” success. Ultimately, the model minority myth enforces an unrealistic standard for Asian people, while overshadowing the differences within Asian communities.
How is it not true?
There’s a reason that the model minority myth is a myth- substantial evidence demonstrate the blatant falsehood that is the “model minority” standard.
For example, according to Pew Research Center,
“8 in 10 Americans say violence against them in the United States is increasing, and nearly half have experienced an incident tied to their racial/ethnic background”.
Whilst the model minority stereotype suggests that Asian Americans thrive in Western society and are separate from other people of color who face discrimination and prejudice, fact demonstrates that the opposite is quite true.
81 percent of Asian Americans believe that violence against them in the United States is increasing. With the rise of COVID-19, hatred and discrimination against Asians has worsened, and the harmful model minority stereotype obscures the prejudice that AAPI populations encounter, contributing to the increasing racial incidents.
How can we dispel the model minority myth?
The negativity surrounding the model minority stereotype prompts all of us to think about how we can bring light to the legitimate challenges that Asian populations encounter.
My education as an Asian immigrant in the United States has provided me with a first-hand understanding of the absence of Asian representation within the public school system. Despite my background, I knew little of my own culture due to the lackluster education in my elementary school. When my parents shared stories of ancient Chinese dynasties and their rich history, I felt unfamiliar and left out of this fascinating culture. By introducing educational initiatives in schools focusing on Asian history and culture, we could dispel the stereotypes enforced upon Asian communities that confine and diminish their uniqueness. Educating students on the rich culture of Asia empowers Asian individuals, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment.
For example, high schools could host school trips to Asian countries. Not only is this a fun way of understanding and experiencing Asian cultures, but it is a great opportunity for creating bonds between students. Schools could also create electives that focus on Asian history and culture, providing an opportunity for those who want to learn.
Secondly, we must also realize how we have all perpetuated and enforced model minority stereotypes. Even unintentional comments and ignorant perceptions have all contributed to the model minority myth and discrimination against Asians. Ultimately, it is up to us as a community to acknowledge our own mislead ignorance and work towards dispelling the model minority myth.