Asian Americans as Model Minorities
For 20 years, Asian Americans have been portrayed by the press and the media as a successful minority. Asian Americans are believed to benefit from astounding achievements in education, rising occupational statuses, increasing income, and are problem-fee in mental health and crime. The idea of Asian Americans as a model minority has become the central theme in media portrayal of Asian Americans since the middle 1960s. The term model minority is given to a minority group that exhibits middle class characteristics, and attains some measure of success on its own without special programs or welfare. Asian Americans are seen as a model minority because even though they have faced prejudice and discrimination by other racial groups, they have succeeded socially, economically, and educationally without resorting to political or violent disagreements with the majority race. The "success" of the minority is offered as proof that
Incomes of Asian Americans are also not what they seem. Therefore, the term model minority really is a means (1) to control minority groups in society, (2) to validate and reinforce the values of the white majority, and (3) to inform other minority groups that they too could achieve success if they conform to the values and norms of the middle class. This label suggests that Asian Americans conform to the norms of society, do well in school and careers, are hardworking and self-sufficient. Several studies have indicated that the outstanding academic performance of Asian students might be attributed to their cultural and family values. " College Student Journal 30 (3) (1996): 411-15. A high percent of Asians are found at the top of professional and managerial positions. In part, this is due to a discriminatory view that they are either content or they are not suited for executive positions despite all their education and abilities. However, a closer look uncovers serious problems for if the model minority label accurately describes Asian success, then they should compare favorably to whites on indicators of success. It follows that Asian Americans are a model for all groups, especially other minority groups. "The Model Minority Myth and Perceptions of Asian-Americans as Victims of Racial Harrassment.
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