Exposing the Model Minority Myth: Its Implications on the Self and Others
By: Madison Estrella
Tags: Model Minority, Mental Health, Asian, Asian American, Model Minority Myth

Exposing the Model Minority Myth: Its Implications on the Self and Others Madison Estrella Follow Jul 31 · 6 min read

Asian Americans are often praised for overcoming adversity and for working hard to be successful in achieving the “American Dream”. They are seen as intelligent, law-abiding, diligent, and persevering. But how is it that every single individual that identifies as Asian American can have these traits? These stereotypes encapsulate the Model Minority Myth, the belief that Asian Americans are more successful than other minority groups. This generalization attempts to paint a favorable picture of immigrant success, yet creates a singular narrative that ignores the rich diversity of the numerous Asian American cultures.

As an individual who identifies as Asian American, this phenomenon is something that I have personally encountered my entire life without truly knowing the extent of its detrimental nature. Having experienced these stereotypes, it has been difficult to grapple between the pre-existing notions that society holds versus the values and identities that I hold, especially when they are non-congruent.

Examples of the Model Minority Myth can be seen in every aspect of life, and these stereotypes are especially evident in the classroom. In many instances, being Asian is equated with automatic intelligence and success. From my personal experience, the Black student that got 100% on his quiz was called “Asian,” and even the Hispanic girl that got an A on her assignment was deemed “Asian,” too. However, when I, a Filipina, got an A-, I was told:

“How are you even Asian?”

Every time Asian Americans succeed or get a good grade, all of our hard work gets washed away by one simple phrase: “It’s because you’re Asian”. Such a pithy response to Asian success completely diminishes our work and effort that led us to our achievements. It feels like a slap in the face to us Asians, as well as our immigrant ancestors who went through numerous hardships to get us where we are today.

Being expected to always excel, in order to be worthy of our race, puts lots of pressure on Asian Americans to try to uphold the expectations of success. Some attempt to uphold society’s image of success by working themselves tirelessly and excessively, while others are left to question their identity and worth when they fall short of stereotypical standards. The unrealistic expectations of societal excellence imposed on Asian Americans is oftentimes burdensome and takes a toll on their emotional well-being.

With the Model Minority Myth associating the Asian ethnicity with success, people somehow feel they have the right to revoke our identity, simply because we didn’t conform to their absurd expectations of perfection. Nonetheless, we all worked hard for the grades we got. It’s just that for Asians, society invalidates our efforts by painting success as an innate quality of our ethnicity.

Because of the Model Minority Myth, our imperfections as human beings become inexcusable simply because we are Asian– but newsflash: Asians are humans too. We feel societal pressures and burdens like the boulder on Sisyphus’ back– we try to climb up the mountains of society, seeking recognition and acceptance, only to fall short of the unattainable Model Minority status that mocks us. We force ourselves to fit into the American-prescribed characteristics of Asian-Americans– smart, hardworking, successful– and their prestigious occupations, even if it may not describe us or perfectly fit our interests. And most of all, we feel frustrated with ourselves for not being “smart enough” to be Asian. Despite living in our own bodies and experiencing our own hardships, we may not feel like ourselves because of society’s stereotypes.

“Some [Asians] are super achievers, most are average citizens, and a few are criminals. They are only human. No more and no less.” — Phillip Chie

Societal pressures from the Model Minority Myth, cultural pressures from the home, and the overall struggle to find balance between our Asian and American identities frequently leads to mental health concerns. However, the strong stigma surrounding mental health in Asian American communities prevents them from seeking the help they need. In fact, the cultural stigma around mental illness exists in all communities of color, preventing people from vocalizing their needs and from seeking services. Asian Americans, in particular, are 3 times less likely to seek out mental health services than any other American. This can largely be attributed to the fact that in immigrant and Asian households, mental health largely goes unacknowledged and the Model Minority Myth promotes to society a false image of our invincibility and strength.

What many people don’t realize is that the Model Minority Myth is a double edged sword. It not only erases the hard work of Asian-Americans, but it also suppresses other people of color– particularly the Black community.

The term “Model Minority” suggests that Asian Americans are exemplary people of color. This in turn implies a hierarchy of race that turns people of color against one another despite us all being victims of white supremacy. By stereotyping Asians as the “successful minority,” the inequalities and racism experienced by other minority groups are invalidated. In essence, the Model Minority Myth suggests to other people of color, “If Asians can do it, why can’t you?”; however, this mentality ignores the numerous systemic barriers that barr the success of the Black community and other people of color.

To dismantle this myth, we must refrain from complying with the racist narrative that is ingrained into society via the Model Minority Myth. By acknowledging its harmful implications, we can recognize how these generalizations control our lives, actions, and mental health, as well as how it turns us against other communities of color. In acknowledging the roots of this stereotype, we can then challenge its oppressive influence by actively deciding to live by our own terms and being there for our neighbors.

As Asian Americans, we need to be careful about how we internalize racial stereotypes such as the Model Minority Myth. We, like other people of color, need to remind ourselves that we are more than what society perceives us to be. We have the right to be proud and satisfied with the hard work we have put in and the resiliency we have shown in the face of hardship.

“I don’t think people understand the model-minority stereotype is negative. You are boxed in. You have to untangle that to find your own path.” — Eddie Huang

Most of all, we don’t need society’s approval to be happy, and it is important to make sure you reach out for help when you begin to feel overwhelmed. Chat with friends or family about your mental state and don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional. When it comes to work and school, make sure you recognize your limits and acknowledge what your efforts aim to accomplish– Is it for your personal gain? Or to please others and live up to society’s expectations? This is your life, so don’t let other peoples’ expectations dictate how you live it.

So, in an unfair society that sees race before the soul, let’s be there for one another. Let’s support and acknowledge the successes and efforts of people both inside and outside our community, and offer our sympathy and compassion to those around us.