Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Myth Busting Model Minority!




Many questions arose for Asian Americans on their achievements such as why are Asian Americans so successful. Authors like Amy Chua states that the reason why Asian kids are successful because cultural and family values play an important role. However, in a video called  "Myth Busting Model Minority Asian Americans Stereotype" Kyung Yoon who is executive director of a Korean American Community Foundation, she emphasizes that not all Asian Americans are working in high skilled occupations there are some who are working in low paying jobs 24/7. Which statistics are shown in an article called “Working but Poor: Asian American Poverty in New York”. In 2000, nearly 1 in 5 Asians lived below the poverty and 40.9 percent lived below twice the federal poverty (in the low income bracket) lower than other ethnic groups (Hispanic and Blacks)(The Asian American Federation 1). Another statistic show that among young adults (age 16 to 24) in New York City, poor and low-income Asians are more apt to be in school and less likely to be disconnected from employment or education that youths of large (The Asian American Federation 1). Additionally, there are many Asian Americans ethnic groups that are not doing well compared to the rest of the U.S population. According to the 2000 census, Cambodians over 90 percent of their population do not have a bachelor’s degree (De Navas-Walt C, et al).  These statistics revealed that not all Asians are high achieving individuals and work in high occupations.

Kyung Yoon further on explains about Asian American adolescents not being supervise or guided at home, the lack of parental care can result in most teenagers joining gangs. Additionally, in a specific scene in Better Luck Tomorrow shows Asian Americans in gang involvement (Darlic, Han, Virgirl and Ben are driving around and a car drive next to them, who are Asian gang members). This film in particular subverts the stereotypes of model minority; were these four Asian Americans are not only high achieving and intellectual individuals but also could be adventurous and notorious individuals.


1 comment:

  1. Its true not all Asian Americans have a high class job some do live in poverty. i understand what you were trying to say when u posted this post overall i think is good.

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