Model Minorities and the Model Minority Myth

The term model minority is most often associated with Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) and is used to highlight APAs' seemingly successful assimilation into mainstream White American culture. This is often referred to as the “model minority myth,” because APAs' perceived success is frequently used to justify the claim that they do not experience race-based obstacles and do not need affirmative action.

The term model minority is thought to have appeared initially in two articles published in 1966. The first article—which discussed the ability of Japanese Americans to rise above the deep prejudice they faced during World War II and still succeed in economic, educational, and social relations—was authored by sociologist William Peterson and was published in The New York Times Magazine. The term was also mentioned in a U.S. News & World Report article that described the hard work and academic achievements of Chinese Americans. The two pieces defended the belief that equal opportunity actually exists in the United States and utilized the two groups as examples of minority communities that have thrived in a nation where racism and prejudice could be overcome by hard work, strong family values, and cultural assimilation.

The model minority myth reinforces the belief that the United States is a country with colorblind meritocracy, and where hard work and educational achievements can earn individuals well-paying careers and higher social status. The label of “honorary Whites” has been used to legitimize the model minority myth and backhanded compliments such as “out-Whiting Whites” have been used to limit APAs' acceptance as legitimate citizens.

The term entails much more than financial and educational success. Part of the stereotype portrays APAs as unwilling to play the proverbial yet ambiguous “race card.” APAs may be perceived as supporters of mainstream assimilation due to their strong desire to be like Whites and their support of reverse racism platforms such as antiwelfare, anti-public sector, and even anti-immigration legislation. APAs, however, like other historically oppressed minority groups, are disadvantaged and often do not benefit from race-based policies.

The success of some APAs is often used against other people of color to demonstrate that racism is not as pervasive as they claim; that other minority groups need only follow the “model” that APAs have pioneered, which partially entails refusing to speak out against White privilege and entitlement. The term model minority then conjures up animosity toward APAs as they are portrayed as the model for all other minorities to follow. Rather than being embraced as “model citizens” or “model Americans,” the model minority moniker keeps APAs at a distance, especially from other racial minority groups.