[Joe A.]

Recently I heard about the “Model Minority Myth,” in which people see the Asian assimilation into society as a remarkable success story that should be emulated in this diverse society. They are seen as the “model minority.” This makes me feel a bit uneasy as an Asian American. What do others think about this myth?

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Name : Joe A., Gender : M, Race : Asian, Age : 27, City : Livonia, State : MI, Country : United States, 

[ACC24057]

That model minority myth was actually begun in the 1960s, not to compliment Asians, but to attack blacks and Latinos for not assimilating. In other words, “Asians are successful by working hard and being passive, why don’t you do the same instead of protesting for your rights?” Obviously the myth has some ugly false assertions: 1) Asians are passive. 2) All Asians are successful. (Go to any immigrant community and you’ll see differently.) 3) Working hard is the only thing worthwhile for non-whites to do, not fighting against injustice. 4) Assimilation is presumed to not harm people. 5) White society will let non-whites assimilate. 6) Black and Latino poverty is due to “laziness” or a “culture of poverty.”

These assertions are all racist scapegoating made by, interestingly, one of the most famous U.S. liberals, Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan. These assertions are also widely rejected now in the social sciences.

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Name : ACC24057, Race : Mexican and American Indian, City : San Antonio, State : TX, Country : United States, Occupation : Grad student in history, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, 

[Normand19945]

Why is it a myth? Asians have assimilated into this society and have reaped its rewards for that assimilation. To deny that may be politically correct, but it doesn’t change the fact. As far as those who don’t want to, for whatever reason, assimilate, fine, that’s their business. Not all whites are successful in America, either. The important thing is that individuals have the opportunity to succeed if they desire. It’s too bad you feel uncomfortable with being an Asian and the Model Minority Myth. Did you allow a well-meaning teacher to question your own value?

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Name : Normand19945, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Religion : Catholic, Age : 50, City : Alameda, State : CA, Country : United States, Occupation : Blue-collar worker, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[ED25500]

You are right to feel uneasy. The same society that not very long ago vilified Asians as ‘Japs’, ‘Gooks’ and ‘the Yellow Peril’ is the same one that now deems them the ‘Model Minority’. It makes me suspicious about what the motives are for such an about-face.

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Name : ED25500, Gender : F, Race : Black/African American, Age : 43, City : Kansas City, State : MO, Country : United States, 

[Cynthia31770]

But it is somewhat true that Asians are more successful. If the model minority myth weren’t true, then why are Asians over-represented in private schools and colleges/universities?

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Name : Cynthia31770, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Asian, Age : 19, City : Kingston, Ontario, State : NA, Country : Canada, Occupation : College Student, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Upper middle class, 

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