It is popular belief that Asians immigrate into this country with empty pockets and high hopes. However, through hard work, and persistent studying they assimilate into American society and rise in status, equal to their white counterparts. This myth of success suggests that discrimination towards Asian Americans is non-existent in American culture.
The belief is that Asian Americans work hard to get good, reliable jobs and make a decent amount of money. In doing so, they remain quiet and focused at their own personal task at hand. They refrain from speaking out against a society that they believe to offer opportunities leading to success. However, looking closer at the different aspects of the model minority myth proves the very opposite. By examining economic statistics, the belief in meritocracy, and effects of the “glass ceiling” we can clearly see how Asian Americans clearly do not benefit from the supposedly beneficial model minority myth. Deceiving Asian Americans into believing that society is merely complimenting them on their work ethics and non-confrontational manner, the “model minority” myth also serves as a tool for American society to divide minority races.
American society offers this status of the “model minority” to Asian Americans as a token of privilege and acceptance to reward their silent and passive behavior. The quiet and conforming Asian American community thus becomes a buffer in the racial hierarchy between other minority groups and white Americans.Click Here to Read "Super Model Minority" Poem by Junichi P. Semitsu
Click Here To Read on About Affirmative As a Buffer and Divisive Tool
Click Here to Read About the Asians in Politics
Click Here to Read about the Glass Ceiling
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