Model Minorities

Origin of Model Minority Stereotype

Coined in 1966 by the sociologist William Peterson, the expression “model minority” was first presented in The New York Times to highlight the upward mobility and success ofthe Asian American population in the United States. Peterson suggested that the Japanese culture's strong emphasis on work and education prevents Japanese immigrants and their offspring from becoming American's problem. Therefore, Asians, such as Japanese Americans, are able to succeed and overcome racial discrimination. This image was gradually generated in response to the civil rights movement, portraying Asian Americans as having succeeded in the United States through hard work and merit. The model minority stereotype spotlights the success of Asian Americans, consequently understating the prevalence of racism against them and other minority groups.

Characteristics of the Model Minority

The model minority stereotype is a multifaceted myth that is viewed from various perspectives. The characterization of the model minority image created a new set of stereotypes that was used to capture the achievements of the Asian American population. Many social scientists attribute the model minority labeling of Asian Americans to their strong work ethic and educational achievement. Others deem this image to be related to the continuing objectification, the “outsider within,” and victim images that Asian Americans have maintained throughout American history.

Asian Americans have filled labor pools in agriculture, low-skill jobs, technical and professional fields. As a whole, they have the second lowest poverty rate, the greatest proportion of immigrants who become U.S. citizens, the highest median family income, and lower crime rates than other minority groups. These factors all contribute to the ability of Asian Americans to succeed and aid in the perpetuation of unrealistic standards that constitute the model minority stereotype.

Stereotypical images of Asian Americans are conveyed through the mass media and primarily depict them excelling academically, socially, and economically in spite of adverse conditions. This portrait suggests that the characteristics of this particular racial group should serve as an example to other minority groups. Despite the positive association, it can be misleading and foster disproportionate and unrealistic standards for Asian Americans and other minority groups. The model minority image also eclipses the accounts of major crime, youth gang activities, prostitution, and drug extortion committed by Asian Americans in larger cities. Asian Americans who live in large, crowded cities have more barriers that make it [Page 530]difficult to achieve the unrealistic model minority success. Therefore, many who live in crowded areas tend to find other means of achieving success through gangs and criminal involvement.

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