I am a Chinese-American woman. My mother is a white, Jewish New Yorker while my 17-year-old brother is a Mexican-American football player. Even though my race is important, it’s not what defines me as a person. However, for whatever reason, it's OK to receive comments like:
“Ni hao ma, you're Chinese aren't you?”
“We’ve been guessing what ethnicity you are."
"Why aren't you good at math? You should be really good at math."
“You should like Oriental Top Ramen because you are Oriental."
“You’re a banana, yellow on the outside, white on the inside.”
“How can you tell she’s Japanese? You all look the same to me.”
Hold up.
Am I allowed to fight back? To stick up for myself and say something like, "Hey that's really none of your business," or just a straight up, "You sound ignorant, shut the [expletive of your choice] up." Being a model minority, I don't really think I can.
The University of Texas has an entire page for their counseling and mental health center dedicated to helping students combat the model minority stereotype. According to the website, it's an expectation to be smart, living the "American Dream," docile, submissive, uncomplaining, obedient and never in need of assistance.
Some people push it even further. Asian Nation states, "Some believe that since Asian-Americans are doing so well, we no longer experience any discrimination."
It's a special kind of racism we face. It's subtle. And when we get upset, we are ignored or labeled as being too sensitive.
How do we, as a community, push back? More education? Less narrow roles from mainstream media? Even though I grew up in the Pacific Northwest for most of my young life, Asian-American history was rarely taught even though our role, especially on the West coast, is vital to the area.
Below are a few examples of Asian-Americans in media and education:
Yes, visiting the Wing Luke Museum is a great way to start. No, Uwajimaya isn't.
Yes, Dr. Cristina Yang, from "Grey's Anatomy" is a great portrayal of an Asian-American woman on television.
No, this "How I Met Your Mother" episode isn't.
Do we take a stand? Does this model minority myth prevent us from having a voice? I'm very lucky to be in a community and on a coast where there's a large Asian community and the people are pretty liberal and open minded. But for those of you who aren't, those who see people do those stupid slanted-eye things (ya know, where they pull their eyelids back), say, "Ching-chong, ling-long," and make incredibly offensive remarks, sometimes unaware of the cruelty behind it, I urge you to stand up for yourself. You don't have to be submissive and docile.
Get involved in your local community and schools, start discussions, join organizations dedicated to advancing people of color, learn more about how amazingly rich your culture is, EAT THE FOOD, be proud of your people, but remember your race does not define who you are.
