The Model Minority: What's The Message? (due Mon., Nov. 14)

[freemanjud]

It's hard to believe that the 1790 Naturalization law in the United States said that "naturalized citizenship" was only open to "white people." In the mid- to late-19th century, white workers called the Chinese "nagurs," that they were depicted as bloodsucking vampires with slanted eyes, heathen, morally inferior, savage, childlike, lustful, depraved. In the case of People v Hall (1854), Africans, Native peoples, and Chinese in this country were labeled as "Calibans of color," a direct reference to the so-called primitive people from Shakepeare's The Tempest. Good ol' President Rutherford B. Hayes said in 1879 that we have a "Chinese problem," that we should discourage the present "Chinese invasion," that we have already had a bad experience dealing in the U.S. with "weaker races" (e.g.--Africans, Indians).

In 1882, Congress passed the Chinese exclusion act, which it renewed and renewed and renewed. It was only repealed in 1943 (because we were on the Chinese "side" in the war against Japan). In 1882, the Chinese constituted .002% of the US population.

Of course, also in the 1940s, the United States government issued Executive Order 9066, effectively imprisoning Japanese-Americans (and anyone confused with them) in internment camps, referred to at the time in the media as "concentration camps." Food for thought, no?

.....Fast forward to today. And today, Asian-Americans are commonly referred to in the media, by sociologists, etc. as the "model minority." What does that tell you about the view of Asians here? About perspectives on other minority groups? About notions of power and access vs. absence of power and access? In short, what is the underlying message in this expression, "model minority"? Is it a good thing or not?




A reminder: this upcoming week is hypnotist week! We have to rally the troops and get the hordes to come to the event on Friday at 7 in the Upper Gym. Tell all your friends, family, not so good friends, mere acquaintances, even people you don't dearly love. We need their support for this essential fundraiser!

Also: remember that your interviews are not due until Friday Nov 18th as well. E-mail and paper copies required.

[miss_ArtemIs]

From "nagurs" and "blood-sucking vampires" to today's "model minority" (this is news to me), and what a change. Why are they the model minority? Is it because they've got the smarts? Is it because they are such a small minority? Maybe it's because they seem so meek and compliant. I mean, how often do you hear from Asians in America? On the news, tv shows (let alone movies) or the radio? Yet there's no massive revolution in which to get the Asians heard. Nope; it's still black and white. Maybe it's the tendency that they don't speak outright makes them great for examples. People with power sure wouldn't want something upseting the balance. Besides, all orientals look the same; so don't worry if I'm Tibetan, Burmese, Taisanese or what before grouping me along with all the stereotypes. If it makes life easier, go ahead and classify me with the chimpanzees and orangatans. We're all family.

(no it's not a good thing: think sardonic)

[bubbles]

One of the most popular adjectives to describe Asian-Americans is “smart”. This is partly because many Asian-Americans have distinguished themselves academically, succeeding and accomplishing in larger percentage year after year. Thus, they are referred to as the “model minority”.

There’s no doubt that Asian-Americans have suffered enormously, like other minorities, in America (as noted in the brief history Ms. Freeman gave in the beginning of the thread). Despite discrimination, there’s less attention regarding racism towards Asian-Americans since seeing how independently successful Asian-Americas are, other people might view them as capable and not in need of help. In this sense, Asian-Americans labeled at the “model minority” is not a good thing.

In truth, not all Asian-Americans are what people generally perceive them to be. Many are part of the lower class and many others are in poverty. However, more and more Asian-Americans are shown to be dominating in certain fields, such as the medical field, creating this “smart” image of Asian-Americans. People tend to generalize and believe just because someone is Asian, he/she must be “smart” and has a high GPA. This is definitely not the case.

Asian-American children tend to have extremely strict parents. This plays directly into the fact that many Asian-American children are very school-oriented. Unlike the other minorities, Asian-Americans seem, to the eyes of others, independent and successful. They are shown to be the group that came to America that made something happen based on their hard work.

However, by emphasizing the success of Asian-Americans, it shields the public from realizing that Asian-Americans are discriminated against in a large scale. Given two people of the same caliber, one Asian and another “white”, the “white” is given the opportunity in many cases. Since people simply assume all Asian-Americans are so smart and can strive to be so great, based on this “model minority” theory, the real discrimination against Asian-Americans is diminished and hidden from the public. Thus, Asian-Americans labeled as the “model minority” gives many the wrong impression of Asians in America and proves to be a bad thing.

[wideeyed]

If Asians are the "model minority," where does that leave the rest of the minorities in the United States? It certainly appears that here in the U.S., Asians are widely being labled as smarter than all other minority groups. After all they are the ones people think do the best in academically, push themselves the hardest, and end up in highly prestigious fields.

At Boston Latin this stereotype is very prevalent. At the beginning of the year while listening to identity boxes, we heard some of the students who identified themselves as Asian describe how they were often labeled and expected to be "smart Asians," and that when they didn't do well on a test people questioned them or made fun of them for not fufulling the common expectations.

I agree with Bubbles regarding the belief that Asian Americans have strict parents. I have heard from several Asian freinds that their parents frowned upon any exrta curriculars that weren't related to school. Although this is certainly not the case for every Asian student at Latin I have heard it often enough that I certainly belive that there is some truth behind these notions.

I do not think that this "model minority" is a good thing. For one thing it puts unfair and unrealistic expectations on Asian people. It also leaves me wondering what are other minorities considered. The word 'minority' itself seems to carry a negative connotation. I feel that when people hear the word minority they think poor, uneducated, and immigrants, another unfair but relevant assumption.

[BrassMonkey]

Both bubbles and wideeyed are right to point out that Asians are called the model minority because of the common perception that they are very intelligent and work hard. I also agree that Asian kids have strict parents who push them to succeed more. Basicly, a lot of people here think that Asians are nerds who have no social lives and their only goal in life is to be successful. They are the model minority because they do not get into a lot of trouble, work hard, and do well academically. Just like everything else though, this does not apply to all Asians, and might not even apply to most of them, but it definitely has some truth to it.

In contrast, other minorities like Blacks are associated with very different attributes in this country. They are linked to murder, drug use, and other crimes. Because Asians are seen as virtually the opposite of this, they are labeled as the "model minority”.

I agree with miss_ArtemIs that there are not many mainstream Asian people. Sure, there are more than Arab ones, but not by much. The only ones I can think of are Yao Ming, Ichiro, Lucy Lu and Kimora Lee (Russel Simmon's wife).

Politicly, it does not seem that Asians have a lot of power because they are not well represented in the government. As bubbles said, they clearly contribute to many academic fields such as medicine so they have influence there.

The term "model minority" does not strike me as very negative. At least the model part does not. Like wideeyed I think the word minority implies inferiority and this is bad, very bad. As long as the idea of minorities exists, i do not have a problem with a group being labeled the perfect one. Sure, it is based on stereotypes, but i do not see any disadvantage to being referred as the best at something you can not change (aka. Minority status). It could even be good. Maybe it puts unfair expectations on people, but maybe it also motivates those same people to reach these expecations.

I feel better to be expected to act Asian than for instance, act Black. The former is pushed to get good grades while the latter is expected to rob a store. Which would you rather be? Again, there are always exceptions, but in general i do not see a lot of disadvantages to being the "model" minority. The problem is more in the "minority" part of it.

[bluecollarjob]

so why exactly are asians percieved to be the "model minority"? I dont really understand why. Is it because they "work hard" or are "just really smart"? I doubt that asians are naturally smart, I've met some pretty dumb and some pretty smart asians, just like members of every other racial group. so then, why is it that they "work hard" or "work harder than everyone else"?

I've heard so many people tell me that asians just work harder than everyone else and that's why they're so successful. but this makes me confused because why is it that ASIANS work harder and not whites or blacks or hispanics or what have you? why don't hispanic or black immigrants "get ahead" like asians do? I've heard all of these things from my classmates and even from adults.

I've been thinking about this for a while after class on friday. i think what bubbles said about asians having very strict parents is true, for the most part. the majority of the asian students I know both in this school and elsewhere, all have parents who expect a lot from their children. I don't believe they're strict. Most parents overall are strict in one way or another. I dont really understand what makes asians in particular successful as it were.

I'm sure people people who are not asian resent the stereotype of the model minority. and I'm sure that this model minority stereotype contributed to the hatred expressed by many Americans towards asians in the past and/or now.

the model minority term perhaps contributes to the reason asians are as "successful" as they are. Maybe... I'm not really sure at all. all I can say is that when a group of people inherit a stereotype, it's bad because not everyone fits into that stereotype and those who do feel pressure to fit into it also. I don't really know what brought about this stereotype but I dont believe that its having any positive effect.

[Pumpkinloaf]

The idea of being called the “model minority” may seem nice but under the surface I don’t think it is a compliment at all. I completely agree with miss_ArtemIs in that because the Asian population is seen by many as compliant and not such troublemakers as blacks or other minorities may be seen as, they are the “model minority” and chances are that the people who support the use of that term wish that other minorities would “model” themselves after Asians in this way.
Chances are those people just do not see Asians as a threat to authority and I think that is a completely ignorant mentality. I believe that Asians are just as capable of organizing as any other minority if not more so. It would be a shame to see such a foolish mindset come back to bite us in the butt if our government pissed them off just enough for them to do something about it.

[Palsie]

The term "model minority" just brings a ton of sterotypes to mind about Asians: they're smart, quiet, independent, well disciplined and never get into any trouble, is this true about all Asian-Americans, of course not. I agree with miss_ArtemIs and pumpkinloaf that Asians are not seen as a threat. It's very rare that you see an Asian-American in the mass media, while other 'minorities' may be seen more often and in a not so good way. So I don't think the term "model minority" is used in a positive light at all. The United States has a history of problems with minorities and immigrants. People have been racist since the beginning of time and it's really pathetic. The fact that Asian-Americans are not stereotyped as being unruly, undisciplined or violent is why "model minority" comes in to play it's the media, sociologists and however else uses this term way of telling other minorities to be good and that they're not as good as Asians.

[Silversword]

When one hears model in anything may it be model minority or model citizen one tends to think compliant and not a problem. The biggest stereotypes about Asian American’s are that they are smart, quiet and don’t cause problems. I for one have not heard anything on the media that Asian Americans cause any problem or disrupt the flow of the city. Saying that they are the model means that other minorities should follow suit. That they should be smarter, quieter and that they shouldn’t speak out. Any labeling usually results in a bad light. Stereotypes are woven in so thickly that one cant be separated from the other. Turning around from calling Asians bloodsuckers to model minorities is just wrong either way. Its telling other minorities that they need to turn over a new leaf and look to Asian Americans as what they should be smart quiet and compliant. Is that really what we want the public to be, submissive to what they are told is the right way to be? I don’t think so everyone strives to be smart and not get into trouble with the law but saying that the Asian American population is a model for other minorities is making the assumption that they are not when in fact many people of minorities are.

[justaddwater]

Let’s think about this phrase: model minority. It’s quite interesting to consider, though how do we define it? Well, we know the model student is one who has the amazing time management skills, intelligence, dedication, and diligence to thoroughly complete every assignment, study for and ace every test, takes part in many diverse extracurricular activities both in school and out, shows school spirit, never procrastinates, is always polite and always participates in class, and is never sick. The model student, as can be inferred from the name, is one who sets the example for his fellow students, one who every other student should try to be like and make the teachers lives easier. The title “model student” is often, though not always, associated with being a ‘suck up.’

So I guess in this sense, we have the Asian “model minority,” the white “teacher,” and then the black, Native American, Spanish mix of normal kids or trouble-makers, depending on how you look at it. The white majority loves the Asians because of their hard work and their natural abilities. The majority would love it if the other minorities would follow the example set by the Asians. Also, in the sense of being ‘suck ups,’ Asians are considered the “model minority” because they are the “most white” of the minorities. Ms. Freeman mentioned the term ‘Twinkie” in class the other day, and in general, there appear to be far more Twinkies than, for instance, “Oreos.” It is less looked down upon, generally, to be a Twinkie than an Oreo.

I differ with Brass Monkey on the connotations of the phrase ‘minority.” I don’t find the phrase the list bit offensive. It is not a name we call people, it is a fact, a statistic. Just as in China, white people would be considered the minority. Any negative connotations are added on there if someone uses it negatively.

This phrase certainly is not a good thing, though one might argue that it is a ‘compliment’ to the Asians, it certainly is not. Basically, in this sense, Asians are considered to be lesser than whites, and are trying really hard to please/ be just like the white people. And it is absolutely degrading to other minorities; if Asians are the model minority, who are they? The delinquent minority?

[Hillel2000]

For the media, sociologists, and others who like to think Asian Americans as the “model minority,” evidence continues to arise that seems to support this idea. Take last week’s mayoral election for example. Sam Yoon became the first Asian American to serve as a city councilor at large in the history of Boston. Also BrassMonkey brings attention to other significant figures in today’s society. And let’s not forget about Hideki Matsui (in addition to BrassMonkey’s mention of Ichiro), the Japanese baseball player, and the widespread interest in Japanese baseball as well. Perhaps if Asian Americans represented the only minority in the United States, referring to them as the “model minority” would not be a significant issue.

But that is not the case. I see two notable problems with using this term. First, referring to a group as a minority may be mathematically accurate, but along the lines of the idea “all men are created equal,” a “minority” may imply a sense of inferiority. (Even so, Asian Americans are becoming less of a minority in terms of numbers anyway.)

Second, by referring to Asian Americans as the “model minority,” those who use the term are essentially stating that other minorities have been unsuccessful in their pursuit of the so-called “American Dream.” There is a greater problem as well: why does any minority group fail to succeed initially upon its arrival in the United States? Because the Americans who got here first do not accept them into society! In some ways, a successful minority is the minority who manages to withstand unjust treatment the best.

I agree with bubbles’ ideas (and those who agreed with them) that one reason why Asian Americans often have success in school is due to their (relatively) strict parents. For a similar situation, look at the change in the “racial/ethnic make-up” of our dear Boston Latin School. As we discussed earlier in the year (and as was mentioned in the Boston Globe over the summer), the Asian American population at BLS has increased significantly, while fewer Hispanics and Blacks have entered the school. This is not because Asians are naturally smarter, but rather because they are better prepared to embark on that wonder adventure we like to call the ISEE.

The phrase “model minority” certainly has truth behind it. Given all the obstacles Asian Americans have faced in the last 120+ years (mentioned by freemanjud in the beginning of this thread), it’s hard not to see Asian Americans as a successful or “model” minority. But in addition to admiring Asian Americans’ achievements, perhaps the media and sociologists should look a little closer at why other minorities cannot be considered “model.” In other words, the question is not so much, “How did Asian Americans become such a talented and thriving minority?” but rather, “What can we do for other minorities to provide them with the same opportunities Asian Americans have?” After all, a major reason why Asian Americans have been so successful is because they have had access to promising and fulfilling opportunities.

[darkroom]

Like Miss Artemis, I am surprised by such a change of stereotypes. Although I don’t agree with the usage of the term “model minority,” I do think that it is much more polite than nagurs or bloodsucking vampires or “dragon lady” (refer to Asian women). The term tells that Asians have greatly improved their reputation and have been very successful in America. If we look at social statistics generated, we always noticed that the percentage of Asian using drugs, committing crime or breaking laws is lowest or at least much relatively lower than other races. It is noticeable that the majority of public school valedictorians are Asian. The Asian attendance at prestigious schools or college always has a very high percentage. In general, Asians are judged by other races to be smart, hard working, and “well-behaving.” All these reasons contribute to the stereotypes of “model minority.” Although the term sounds like a compliment, there is something insulting about it. It is saying that Asian Americans are still a minority and somehow it implies that they can be the models for other minorities only and that are not equal to the “majority” or the white people. Furthermore, While praising Asian-Americans people for being the model for other minorities, the term is imply that other minority are not as accomplished or bad and that they should look up to Asian Americans. In term of power and access, being the “model minority” still doesn’t give Asian Americans as much power or access as the “majority” has because they are still a minority. They only do better than other groups but they will always remain inferior to one group. In conclusion it is a BAD THING. Although I am an Asian American, I don’t feel so proud being label with such term. I feel angry for other minorities group, too. No race should be a model for any race. Each has their own pride and way of being. I disagree with sociologist for coining and using such an insulting term.

On a happier note, the trend from “nagurs” to “model minority” shows us that stereotypes can be changed over time. Who know what “model minority” will transform to in another 50 years.

[Dar1128]

The term “model minority” as stated by others, refers to the fact that today, Asians and Asian Americans are seen as very smart people who contribute in areas like medicine and engineering. In school, the Asians are assumed to be the smart kids. They are the ones who do really well in school and have perfect GPA’s. Asian parents seem to be more strict and put a big emphasis on education.

However by being called the “model minority,” it is implied that the other minority groups, like Hispanics and African Americans are the opposite. In general they are stereotyped as being the groups that commit many crimes and don’t care about education.

I also agree with bubbles who said that because they seem to be very successful as a whole, they don’t seem to need help from the government and are therefore the “model.” This mentality makes it seem that the government thinks it is a burden to help minorities. This is a bad thing because that means many Asians fall through the cracks and don’t get the help they deserve, and other minorities many not be receiving adequate help because they are a burden to our government. It shows a big problem in our government because the people with power should make it their priority to help everyone, regardless of background.

Asians being called the “model minority” isn’t negative because it’s based on positive stereotypes like being intelligent and being successful. But that means that if you don’t fit into the stereotype, you are seen as weird. The reality is that it’s a generalization and the term doesn’t take away from the fact that Asians are still discriminated against. Being the “model minority” doesn’t mean that they are equal to whites, for example. Though the term implies something positive the minority part is still there and means that they are still inferior.

One can see this in today’s politics. This past week, the first Asian American was elected onto the Boston City Council, which shows that Asians still have a long way to go in many aspects of our society.

[table]

Asians are generally consitered to be smart, successful, and complacient. Hence the term "model minority." By assuming that Asians are all of those things, the term also assumes that other minorities are the opposite. It implies that while Asian children are at home studying, there are blacks and Hispanics out selling drugs and shooting each other. Although this may happen, the opposite may also happen. I do not think that it is a good idea to say which minority or minorities are better than others. Of course, not everyone respects the achievments that Asians have made, which people before me have mentioned. Some people still think that Asians cannot drive, speak English, etc. Although awful and untrue, that sterotype is better than bloodsucking vampires with slanted eyes. I do not think that term "model minortiy" should be used because it is not always true, it can be offensive, and it assumes other minorities, like blacks and Hispanics, are inferior and should try to be more like Asians. Hopefully some day the term "model minority" will be as out of date and forgotten as "nagurs."

[loofa746]

as many people have already said, asians are generally seen as being very hard working. we rarely see asain people in the news commiting crimes or what have you. i guess the term 'model minority' could have a somewhat positive conotation in the way that it shows how much many asians have strived and worked, so other people aRE able to view them in a positive light-giving asians a compliment.

now this term also implies that every other minority is not the model minorty, thus there are things wrong with them. with this term in a classroom setting, the model minority would be expected to have all their homeowrk done ontime and do well on tests, whereas other minorities who are not the model wouldn't necessarily be expected to be as studious. this is also bad for the asian kids who aren't necessarily the brightest bulbs or aren't as studious becuase they aren't living up to their label of being that model minority. So in some ways this term does give asians a compliment, but for the most part it just makes other minorities look not so hot and holds high expectations for asians.

[huckabees]

The term "the model minority" has many implications. In an immediate sense, the term certainly seems to be paying the Asian Americans a compliment. It is commending the race as a whole for their ability to retain the advantages that their race might have cost them, and thrive in spite of being a minority. With their hard work and intellect, they are considered an asset to America.

However, the term "model minority" suggests several untrue and insulting concepts. For one, there is the immediate problem of what WE in the Facing History class like to refer to as "stereotyping". Why specifically would one refer to the Asian Americans as the "model minority"? While I cannot speak for the reasoning of the person who first used the phrase, I can infer from what I know about Asian stereotypes etc. that they are seen as the "model minority" because they are very smart, disciplined, and have great ambitions. They turn into doctors, lawyers, managers, etc. They become valuable in the eyes of society. Immediately, in labelling the entire Asian-American race based on such generalizations, the term is flaud. Rather than make an accurate observation, the term "model minority" creates a mold to which Asian-Americans feel compelled to conform.

However, the term is flaud for deeper reasons. In revering a specific race as the "model minority", one creates an ideal where there ought to be none. One suggests that other races, for whatever reason, are inferior. This affects the individual people who identify with each race. Why, for example, should an African-American man feel that he inferior to an Asian-American man, because he belongs to a minority that is less valued? The contributions of Asian-American culture to America are not necessarily more valuable than the contributions of the African-American culture, or the Native American culture, or any other culture one can think of. Hence, it is impossible to weigh them against one another. Furthermore, it is senseless to treat an entire minority as an example for other minorities, with no regard for the individuals who compose each minority. In granting Asian-Americans the title of "model minority", one allows stereotypes to play too large a role in classifying peple from both the Asian-American race and from other races.

Creating an 'ideal" of anything is always a dangerous thing. However, that aside, the big problem with the term is that it generalizes people. Minorities shold not be revered - people should be. No one should feel that they owe anything to their race. Each invidividual's success or failure should belong entirely to them. No associations need be made with their race or origins. Such labels as the "model minority" are not only flaud, but unnecessary.

[truth_remains]

I remember reading an essay about this in an anthology from my writing class. So are asians the model minority?

I agree with bluecollarjob when s/he says that a stereotype is inherited by a whole group. By saying that asians are indeed the model minority, then it creates a small bubble in which people of that group can move in. I think that some stereotypes are too deeply ingrained in some people's minds. I remember seeing "Better Luck Tomorrow" and being a bit surprised. I honestly thought that asians, being smart, would know better than get into drugs and everything. Maybe that's why other "inferior" races have suce negative tags attached to them. Desperation moves a person to do desperate things.

However, I honestly think that Asians might have an easier time making money here because of their culture. I asked a friend to define asian work ethnic, and he said that it was mostly based on self improvement, that they don't waste time on being angry but just do what they have to do to improve. But they also have a history of discrimation. What happened, though, to move them from being the same as other "minorities" and into the status of "model minority"?

Hillel brings up a spectacular point. Why is it that Asian Americans are considered top notch and other minorities are considered a nuisance? If it's their culture, then what can we do to perhaps copy that trend to make everyone's life better? I thought that an exchange of culture meant that we spread the good things of a culture around.

I agree with justaddwater, and my friend brought up the same point: to call asians the model minority makes them the best of all minority groups, but they are still smaller than the majority. Being a model anything carries risks and bonuses. If a substantial amount of asian people, like 3 or so, screw up, then the perception of a model minority will be broken, and then chaos might ensue because who would people have as a model to look up to? The whole notion of a minority and majority is murky.

Plus, it might create tension between the other minorities, because one group is getting preference over the other. I wonder who gets preference in terms of health care and education, though.

[candytuft]

The "model minority" seems to follow a trend in the U.S. where we call something negative by a positive name. It sounds like something good, but really it's not. Asians are the model minority because they are a minority, but it seems as if they have no problem staying that way. There is no loud, attention-grabbing movement for Asain equality in the U.S.. There are no riots, or any pro-equality groups, as far as I'm aware of. Which is exactly the point. The Asain population in our country, for some reason, while being large enough to cause a stir and loudly fight for their rights, they don't. They don't act like the other minority groups, they aren't fighting for the right to be equal to whites in the eyes of the government. That makes them ideal. Those in charge of the government perfer people to be content and quiet and just not cause any trouble - like the Asains, the "model minority".

[Euripedes]

I personally was not all too familiar with the phrase “model minority” before beginning this assignment, but what is interesting is that if you were to ask me what group of people this phrase is descriptive of I would have automatically concluded Asian Americans. This goes to show the standardized view that many of us hold of Asians Americans. They’re smart, they work hard, they succeed on merit (or ‘meritocracy’ as we learned by taking that survey last week). While this may seem like a positive image, which it did to me at first, I came to understand the underlying message of this phrase.

I decided to do a little research on the term “model minority” before I began to post. I was immediately drawn to the website http://www.modelminority.com where its mission was to provide Asian American empowerment. The site proclaims that “by over-emphasizing Asian American success, it de-emphasizes the problems Asian Americans continue to face from racial discrimination”, making America look all the more better in its race relations. The second point this site makes is that “by misrepresenting Asian American success as proof that America provides equal opportunities for those who conform and work hard, it excuses American society from careful scrutiny on issues of race”. So basically, America uses this term “model minority” to hide the fact that Asian Americans continue to face discrimination and to make it look like the country is doing a grand job in its other race relations! Or not…
Still, some may wonder how Asian Americans have succeeded so well as opposed to all other minority groups. Statistics show that Asian Americans make higher median family incomes than even whites in America. I mean come on, they MUST be working hard right?! While that may be true, I came across another website that cleared up the “myth” of the “model minority”. (http://www.huppi.com/kangaroo/L-aamodel.htm)

This site explains that Blacks because blacks were captured and forced upon this land you are more likely to get a cross-section of African society. Different from most minority group, Asians are self-selected when coming to America, you make the trip if you would like to. What kind of people would make this journey? Why those who could afford it of course. For neighboring immigrants like Mexicans it’s a matter of crossing a border of land, giving us yet again a more likely cross section of Hispanic culture, but for Asian Americans this would mean middle and upper class families being able to afford a trip across seas. A background, which we have seen in our class studies, that often brings greater advantage and success in life.

The phrase model minority is thus an unfair phrase. Unjustly portraying Asian Americans as a group that no longer faces discrimination and making it seem as if all minority groups receive equal opportunities to do just as well. The terms of power and access can be understood in two different ways. In one way it could be understood as BrassMonkey mentioned that Asian Americans have little power because they are not well represented in the government despite their apparent success and in another way it shows that access to education reveals a greater success.

[Brouhaha]

The expression "model minority" is most certainly a derogatory term. Being refered to as a minority is by no means a compliment therefore, the best of the minorities implies a lot. Many posts stated that Asians are often perceived as being extremely smart people who work hard and are very disciplined. Honestly, most of these stereotypes I do see in many Asians, although it is not true in all of them. One could agrue that Asians are the model minority because of the perception that they are intellecually elite. All though it is great to be called smart, being called the smartest of all the "other" people is stupid. I believe that there is more to the claim of asians being the model minority than simply they are the smartest and hardest workers of all the minorites.

In this day and age it seems that America is far less sensitive towards Asian stereotypes than say Arabs or Blacks. I don't mean that there is more hate towards Asians, rather when offensive claims are maid towards many minorites there is a large outcry from the American people. Where as descrimination against Asians, although probably less, is often ignored. Maybe Asians are comsidered the model minority because they fight back to a lesser degree then Americans would concerning blacks or any other.

There has been descrimination toward every nationality in America and around the world. Our history may indicate why Asians are called the model minority. The biggest stain on American history is slavery. Therfore as a country we are much more sensitive towards blacks. Because of the holocaust there was clearly in increase in the sensitivity and awareness of Jewish perceptions. My point is that nothing extremely terrible has occured regarding Asians being persecuted by Americans. With out a doubt there has been some. Just look at the internment camps that were set up for the Japanese. This is considerably less drastic even though just as absurd as the other cases.

I believe that Asians are known as the model minority, in America, because Americans can get away with it. We can get away with saying all Asians look the same, that they all know kung-fu and that asian males suffer because of the asian curse, because of the lack of sensitivity. Americans don't recognize the stupid stereotypes because they have not been magnified globally or nationally. Asians are the model minority because they are the easiest for Americans to make fun of and not be frowned upon.