Consider the following common misconceptions about Asian Americans in the US. You may think to yourself how blatantly incorrect they appear at first sight. But try to pause and explore how you see them at play within and around you.
Misconception 1: Asian Americans are all alike.
Asian Americans are often assumed to have achieved similar social and economic statuses to European Americans in the US. A deeper examination of statistical data reveals clear distinctions between Asian American subgroups.
Misconception 2: Asian Americans are not really racial and ethnic minorities.
This idea may be based on the observation that Asian Americans have the lowest poverty rates among all racial and ethnic minority groups at 13%, compared to 11% of Whites, 24% of Hispanics/Latinos, and 27% of African Americans.
The truth points to a wide range of poverty rates under the broad Asian American label. When we look a little closer, we find significantly higher rates of poverty in Burmese (37.8%), Bhutanese (34.3%), Nepalese (26.1%), Hmong (26.1%), and Mongolian (25.1%) populations. Compare this to the lowest rates found in Taiwanese (12.2%), Sri Lankan (10.9%), Japanese (8.8%), Asian Indian (8.1%), and Filipino (7.9%) populations.
Misconception 3: Asian Americans do not encounter major challenges because of their race.
Asian Americans are significantly more likely to be concentrated in management, professional, and related occupations than other racial groups. About 50% of Asian Americans work in these occupations compared to 38% of the national average.
The reality points to the fact that Asian Americans face major challenges within their workplace. Former Facebook employee Chia Hong sued Facebook in 2015 for sexual and racial discrimination and harassment. While working at Facebook, she was asked about why she did not stay home with her children, reprimanded for taking time off work to see her child at school, and told to serve drinks to her colleagues and organize work parties (Kelly, 2015). Discrimination takes many forms in different workplaces and circumstances and continue to impact Asian Americans within their occupations.
Misconception 4: Asian Americans do not seek or require resources and support.
A common, widely-accepted persona consists of Asian Americans being largely problem-free and psychologically well-adjusted. However, a substantial number of Asian Americans suffer from stressors and mental health issues. Asian American youth may wrestle with acculturation stress, the model minority myth, experiences with racism and microaggressions. Anti-Asian hate crimes especially after the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbates existing chronic stressors. In Asian American elders, especially women, highest suicide rates and lowest use of professional services can be seen. The issue at hand may not be the lack of need, but the lack of capacity to seek out support.
Misconception 5: College degree completion is equivalent to success
The widespread conception of Asian Americans as the model minority emphasizes academic achievement and educational attainment. This stereotype funnels students into specific academic and career paths (e.g., STEM fields).
In reality, the successful educational experiences of some Asian Americans cannot speak for the entirety of Asian American populations. Education largely depends on familial socioeconomic status or acculturation status. And the STEM career stereotype may become a self-fulfilling, restrictive prophecy, limiting students' opportunities to explore their various abilities and talents.
So what are the consequences of the model minority myth, left unexplored and unexposed?
The model minority myth presumes that Asian Americans have risen above experiences of racism, discrimination, and oppression. It holds us to a higher standard of performance while ignoring the existence of obstacles on the way. Asian Americans still very much face racial discrimination in employment settings, job opportunities, and various systems. Yet model minority myth neglects these experiences, and instead emphasizes the glorified immigrant stories of success and achievement. When Asian Americans are not seen and acknowledged in their struggles, they are excluded from the public policy discussions (on civil rights, affirmative action, and access to mental and physical health care) that could provide the needed supports.
Moving forward, consider how to target the ripple effects of the model minority myth.
Professional at the managerial level: Consider how structural and systemic racism creates barriers for Asian Americans in your workflow, employment, and promotion processes. Develop policies that address racial discrepancies and support Asian American employees.
Teachers and other school staff: While some Asian American students are academically successful, be aware of how others are struggling and may need educational support and resources. Note that students may need as much help as others, but may be more hesitant to verbalize that need. Encourage students to explore their capacities and gifts broadly, rather than make a preconceived commitment to STEM fields.
Policy: Consider how to include Asian American communities in discussions regarding provisions and access to social and health services.
Scholars: Uncover the diversity and nuance present in educational psychological, social, and economic outcomes of Asian Americans.
Acknowledgment
Thank you to Professor Rooshey Hasnain for providing the course content reflected in this post.
Resources
Asian Americans Are Still Caught in the Trap of the ‘Model Minority’ Stereotype. And It Creates Inequality for All. TIME article by Viet Thanh Nguyen.
Debunking the Model Minority Myth. Online exhibition hosted by USC Pacific Asia Museum.
6 Charts That Dismantle The Trope Of Asian Americans As A Model Minority. NPR article by Connie Hanzhang Jin.
References
Chow, K. (2017). 'Model Minority' Myth Again Used As A Racial Wedge Between Asians And Blacks. NPR Code Switch. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/19/524571669/model-minority-myth-again-used-as-a-racial-wedge-between-asians-and-blacks
Kelly, H. (2015). Facebook gets sued for gender discrimination. CNN Business. Retrieved from https://money.cnn.com/2015/03/18/technology/facebook-discrimination-suit/index.html
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