Understanding of Model Minority

Based on NCA (National Communication Association), the most recognized stereotype dealing with Asian American students is the model minority stereotype. Therefore, Professor Qin Zhang, an assistant professor at Fairfield University, gives us her Perceptions of Asian American Students: Stereotypes and Effects. Asian American stereotypes are traditionally shown through variety of representations. “Asian Americans are proclaimed as a model minority for academic excellence, affluence, strong work ethic, freedom from problems and crime, and family cohesion” (NCA, 1). However, what creates these stereotypes that build up among Asian Americans? The model minority stereotype started and popularized in the 1960s. The model minority stereotype is known for Asian Americans’ academic excellence, strong work ethics, family cohesion, etc. They would be one of the few who are over achievers, with great amount of intelligence.

            The model minority stereotype can also cause psychological and mental distress, based on American Psychological Association's Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs (OEMA). One reason is because the society creates a certain views that all Asian Americans have to be smart and intelligent. By creating this false fact, it is no wonder many Asian Americans are stressed at such a young age. Therefore based on American Psychological Association, Asian American students consider suicide many times, due to many stress caused by this stereotype. Therefore, many should recognize how hard Asian Americans, especially students, suffer due to this unreasonable idea of all Asian Americans being smart and intelligent.

            In the television series, Heroes, there is one character acted by Hiro Nakamura, who plays a character who is quiet, shy, and humble, with a poor English accent. Many times, the model minority is always portrayed as poor communicators in many media mainstream. People believe it is all about work, mathematician, and no fun, because of what the media shows to the audience. This model minority stereotypes have to stop. It creates distress among many other innocent, fellow Asian Americans, especially students. Because of the continuous stereotypes, it disturbs Asian Americans in doing what they do in their daily lives. So let us forget all the stereotypes and live in equality.