Did You Know...?

Coined by William Peterson in a New York Times magazine article from 1966, “model minority” refers to minority groups that have seemingly achieved a high level of success in US society, and is often used to stereotype Asian Americans.  On the surface, this stereotype appears to be a positive recognition of achievement, but in reality, it is problematic. The model minority myth creates divisions between Asian Americans and other racially and ethnically minoritized groups in the United States. The stereotype also minimizes the lived experiences and needs of a vast number of people in the AAPI community.  For example, despite having the highest median income, Asian Americans also have the largest income gap of any racial group.  

Not only can the model minority stereotype be dangerous to Asian Americans who may feel pressured to live up to unrealistic expectations, but it also diverts attention from the actual discrimination they face and erases the experiences of those who do not fit the stereotype.  For more information on how the model minority stereotype impacts the AAPI community, read the recommended resources below. 

Recommend Resources:

• The Model Minority Myth (National Committee on US-China Relations, podcast)

• Income Inequality in the U.S. Is Rising Most Rapidly Among Asians (Pew Research Center)

• Asian Americans Are Still Caught in the Trap of the ‘Model Minority’ Stereotype.  And It Creates Inequality for All (Time)

• ‘Model Minority’ Myth Again Used as a Racial Wedge Between Asians and Blacks (NPR)

• Southeast Asians are Underrepresented in STEM.  The label ‘Asian’ boxes them out more. (NPR)

• The Problem with ‘Asians Are Good at Science’ (The Atlantic)