The model minority myth explains the phenomenon of Asian Americans continuously being held to a higher standard and being perceived as “successful” simply on the basis of their race. And it may seem like a nice thought, to be considered educated and successful based on the way you look, but the consequences of this stereotype are plentiful. These “positive stereotypes” continue to place Asian Americans in a box where being educated and hardworking seem like some of the only options. This makes it extremely difficult for an individual to break out and become who they are separate from their racial identity.
Starting at a young age, Asian students are held to a higher standard than their counterparts as it is expected by teachers for them to be academically achieving at a higher level. Given that all children are completely different and intelligence isn’t inherited based on your race (nor should it be measured by how well a little kid does in school), this creates an undeniable pressure at such a young age. These expectations follow a child throughout high school and beyond. When obviously impossible expectations can not be met, it makes the children feel like failures. This, in reality, is not true because students might be excelling at the same level as other students in their class, but the issue is they aren’t excelling like an Asian student is expected to.
Beyond an inexplicable amount of pressure placed on Asian Americans to be the best in any setting, the model minority myth explains the stigma that Asian Americans are no longer faced with racism and have beat the system of inequality. Recent events in America show just the opposite as Asian elders have become subject to many racially motivated assaults and more serious crimes. In early 2021, video-surveillance was released of a 91-year-old Asian man being brutally pushed by a passerby, occurring during a time where Oakland, California received a horrific incline in anti-Asian hate crime. While the belief that Asian Americans have overcome racism transpires, statistics show the exact opposite. In the last year alone, the hate crime rate against Asian Americans has grown over 300 percent. Creating a false belief that racism against Asian Americans does not exist anymore takes resources and aid from a marginalized minority group in need. The model minority myth serves thus allows society to turn a blind eye when Asian American communities are suffering.
While the Asian American community continues to rapidly change the world and make its mark, it is important we remember that the community is one that has continuously faced racism and hate. By characterizing it as a group of successful individuals, we not only create an immense pressure on Asian American youth to succeed at a higher level than those around them, but we also purposefully ignore the many challenges forced upon the community. Moreover, the myth serves to devalue other minority groups in America and pit Asian Americans against people of color who face similar inequities. So, even seemingly positive stereotypes can cause negative effects for both Asian Americans and all Americans facing oppression.