We Have Feelings Too.

For many decades Asian Americans have been viewed to be successful and having highly skill professional occupations; given the image of model minority. What society sees are Asian Americans achieving the American Dream but in reality what’s behind that image. Is it a prestigious lifestyle were receiving recognition brings happiness or does it bring a negative image among Asian Americans. Mei Tang from the University Of Cincinnati stated that the model minority myth caused health problems for many Asian Americans (Tang 1). It showed that Asian Americans in school settings found to show lower sense of coherence and have fewer friends than other ethnic groups. Another factor that affects the Asian community, a study discovered that traditional values prevent them from expressing their social and psychological difficulties (Wu 1). Lucian Wang currently a student at Cal State Northridge said that the reason why the model minority myth has effect on many Asian Americans because a lot is expected from them especially from their own parents. He mention his parents always wanted him to achieve success in all his classes and failing to do so would only bring disappointment to his parents and be ashamed of himself. He conclude by saying that most Asian immigrants who came to this country to give their children a better life, expected their children to be successful which gives them pressure.   

The Model Minority myth affects Asian Americans in many ways were society views them highly intellectual people and therefore they have to fulfill that image. As one commented on a YouTube video (being Asian in American Schools) and said “I’m Asian, average, and I don’t go around thinking I'm the best and smartest. I hate it when people look at me sometimes thinking oh shit he’s smart, it pisses me off man”. A short documentary called “Model Minority" explains how the model minority myth has affected many Asian students. One of them explains how his father was a successful dentist and his family wanted him to do something similar but he had no interest in becoming a doctor, engineer, or lawyer, only to follow his dreams. This is an example of Asian Americans feel pressure to be successful because they do not want to disappoint their family.