Discussion #3: Model Minority Concept

Introduction:

I am pretty sure you have heard of the stereotype of Asian Americans as being rich, smart, and hard working (if you haven’t then you need to watch the video above Al Jazeera +) and as a result of those positive traits, Asians are the model minorities. The model minority concept has its roots during World War 2 and some have credited the positive perceptions of Asians for reopening the door to immigration and enabling Asians to assimilate and succeed. Yet, academics and activists see consequences of being labeled as model minorities for it overshadows the problems within the Asian American communities including education, jobs, housing, and healthcare. So, what are your thoughts on the model minority concept?

Sources to review:

Source 1-5: “The Effects of Seeing Asian Americans as Model Minority” by Room for Debate of the New York Times (Links to an external site.)

Source #6: “Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior” by Amy Chua in The Wall Street Journal (Read page 1-4)

Source #7: “Asian Americans and the Model Minority Myth” by Ellen Wu in The Los Angeles Times Op-Ed (Links to an external site.)

Source #8: “The Professional Burdens of Being a Model Minority” by Adia Harvey Wingfield of The Atlantic (Links to an external site.)

Source #9: “Why Data Matters When it Comes to Asian Americans Pacific Islanders” by NBC Asian American (Links to an external site.)

Assignment Instructions:

Once you are done reviewing the sources, please write a topic reply (minimum of 400 words) discussing your answers to the following questions:

• Do you think the model minority concept benefits or harms Asian Americans?

Please use only the sources provide above by the professor, no outside sources needed