The Model Minority Myth: Asian Americans Face Growing Criticism (Leung)
Explain the “Model Minority Myth.”
In 1987, Leung predicted a growing reaction against Asian Americans. What are some instances of this phenomena from today?
What obstacles may being stereotyped as a “model minority” cause for particular Asian Americans?
What are your thoughts on the relationship between Leung’s article and the increase in prejudice towards Asian Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Overview
What Is the Myth of the Model Minority?
Stereotypes underpin the model minority myth. It maintains the stereotype of Asian American children as whiz kids or musical geniuses. Tiger Moms encourage their children to study harder and be better than everyone else, while geeky, effeminate husbands hold prestigious—but not leadership—positions in STEM professions such as medicine and accountancy.
This myth portrays Asian Americans as a courteous, law-abiding community that have attained greater success than the mainstream population via a mix of intrinsic aptitude and immigrant aspiration.
What’s the Deal with the Model Minority Myth?
While most individuals believe that negative perceptions of Asian Americans are damaging, others argue that the model minority myth is as destructive. What could possibly be so horrible about being a part of a successful group?
The model minority myth, like other stereotypes, obscures individual differences.
One example is my personal 11th-grade experience. My mother is Chinese from Malaysia, and my father is Caucasian. I am frequently misidentified as Asian. As a result of the model minority myth, my inability to attain an expected level of arithmetic proficiency was linked to some type of defect or lack of effort on my behalf.
