Asian Americans in the U.S. are now facing a new hurdle as a minority group, being referred to as the “model minority”. This term not only harms Asian Americans by pitting them

against other minority groups but also changes the way we see Asian Americans in the country. Though being called a model minority is a racial stereotype that can be seen as positive rather than most racial stereotypes, it still has its burdens and
negative connotations.

This “model minority” stereotype that Asian Americans have been forced open has not only created this image of Asian Americans being the ideal minority but also puts stress and pressure on top of the individual Asian American. Because of this stereotype that Asian Americans are book smart, driven, and also are successful in their life, has created this pressure for them to always be their best. Especially for Asian American students who struggle in school will have usually isolate themselves and not ask for the help they need. Being this model minority and not ones to complain, cause attention or problems to themselves, is usually hard to combat these racist remarks towards them.

White America has a long history of painting a picture on minority groups that they feel don’t represent the ideal American lifestyle. This can be seen with African Americans who were painted as rapists and thugs, and even todays Muslim population that are seen as terrorists and threats to our nation’s security. Asian Americans also shared the burden of these narratives that white Americans produce, and were seen as rapists. Asian Americans finally were able to assimilate and were able to benefit from capitalist America. Since they are a hard working people being able to produce and contribute has always been something Asians have given America from the railroads to city’s infrastructures.

The catch to this stereotype is that this “model minority” should not be taken as a compliment but as another way for white America to reinforce a racial social hierarchy. During the civil rights era when black communities resisted segregation and became more assertive in their fight, white Americans turned their eyes to Asian Americans, and questioned why other minorities groups couldn’t be like the Asian AMericans, hardworking with no complaints. This only distanced Asian Americans from other minority groups, since they were showcased on how minorities should behave, in American society. This was simply due to the fact that white Americans at the time couldn’t realize that though both groups are minority people, Asian Americans had not faced systematic dehumanization for hundreds of years the way African Americans had experienced in America.

The term “model minority” is not something to be held as a positive attribute for the Asian American community. This racially dividing term not only harms the way other people view Asian Americans as a minority group but also the high standards that we’ve placed on Asian Americans and how they try to hold themselves up to. This term is only another way to divide minority groups and pit them against each other, but through recognition of each other’s communities struggle, there can be better understanding and better relationships within all communities.

References; The Professional Burdens of Being a “Model Minority” – ‘Model Minority’ Myth Again Used As A Racial Wedge Between Asians And Blacks