Negative Effects Of A Model Minority

The “model minority,” as defined in Racial and Ethnic Relations, is the stereotypical view that certain Asian American, and occasionally other, groups are seen to be exemplary in socioeconomic and moral characteristics. This stereotype is most typically applied to Japanese Americans, Chinese Americans, and other Asian American groups. These groups are often compared to other immigrants of color, and are increasingly deemed more socially acceptable than African Americans. Actually, the term “model minority” was created during the race riots and demonstrations of the 1960s in the United States when African Americans were protesting for their freedoms. White scholars and media analysts intentionally created the idea of a “model minority” to suggest that African Americans were perfectly capable of achieving their American dream by working harder rather than protesting against discrimination. What was initially started by white scholars as a
The 2006 Census estimates that Asian Americans as a whole typically earn a greater household income than Whites, African Americans, and Latinos (Kasinitz). What is not taken into account is the fact that most Asian households typically have larger families with more adults who are employed as compared to other race or ethnic groups (Kasinitz). While Japanese and Chinese Americans are usually found in the upper crust of education attainment and income, many other Asian groups, such as Cambodian, are found very close to the bottom. The “model minority” stereotype has forced many people to focus only on those Asian American groups who are excelling, while those who are suffering and in need of assistance are cast