The "model minority," was a phrase coined back in the '60s. It was first used by a sociologist to describe how people of Japanese culture had strong work ethics and therefore other minorities should strive to be like them. Later on, other news outlets wrote about how Asian Americans were successful, which fueled into the stereotype of the model minority.
I believe the model minority is a myth and that it actually does more harm than good. It promotes racism. not only between other races, but within the Asian American community. It enforces narrow minded stereo types of what someone might think of Asian Americans. This is not to say Asians are not smart, but the stereotype produced by the myth enforces the idea that Asians do not have to try hard to achieve good grades. I hate it when I get low scores on an exam and some people see it as me not being "truly Asian," but when I get high scores, it's not attributed to working hard to earn that score.
The Model Minority promotes another stereotype that all Asians are wealthy. This assumption glosses over the fact that there are Asian people who are living in poverty, or have assistance. Once again, this stereotype doesn't cover the fact that many of these people worked hard for their money. We don't have everything handed to us on a silver platter – we have to work for it like everyone else but the model minority myth leaves that out.
In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion act came about. This prevented any Chinese immigrants from entering the country. It promoted racism as the act was to prevent any more Chinese workers from gaining jobs in America. People were fearful. They were afraid the job market and economy would be affected negatively because of the influx of Chinese immigrants. The Model Minority does not do justice to the Asian community who suffered from the exclusion act. In a way it covers up the hardships Asian communities have had to face over the years in the United States.
I believe the Model Minority is a myth but sadly, not everyone thinks so. It makes it seem like Asians are the superior race when in reality, no race is better than the other. We all have misunderstandings and there are good and bad people in every race. The myth singles out other minorities by claiming they are the bad ones, and to follow the example of the Asian community. I am not for something that hurts other people and cultures, just to put myself on top. This myth hurts and discredits my family that worked hard to make it to America and create a life for themselves. It also hurts the rest of Asian Americans and other minority communities as well.
