By Nuren Nawar
The model minority myth refers to the stereotype that a certain group or individuals in a minority group are more successful or victorious in various parts of life compared to the rest of the population. This stereotype of a ‘model minority’ is usually utilized when referring to people of Asian descent. The term "model minority" implies that certain people, who are usually Asian, are the ideal example or are perceived as such by others because they supposedly possess superior attributes that enable them to achieve more success.
This myth of a minority group being the standard for the rest of the population stemmed from an article written by William Petersen for the The New York Times Magazine named “Success story: Japanese American Style”. Petersen determined that the reason Asians were so successful was due to cultural impacts, such as family values which drove them to overcome racial discrimination and rise triumphantly in society, both financially and socially.
Although the stereotype appears to present positive traits such as an incredible work ethic or an impending desire to become successful in the future to impress their family, this causes those of the Asian community to often feel immense pressure if they are unable to meet the very high standards that society has determined they represent. For example, in an article written by journalist Florence Hwang for CBC Saskatchewan, the harmful effects of the inaccurate and overgeneralized term ‘model minority' is portrayed through a personal experience that the author had undergone in school. Hwang stated that as a result of not being able to measure up, “I didn't think I fit in as a Canadian-” and “My mental health suffered.” This is the case for Asian-Canadians in and around the nation, the high expectations leading to severe mental and physical health issues which negatively impacts their well-being.
The implication that Asians have overcome centuries of discrimination and selective racial oppression because their values and hard work are inaccurate and undermine the difficulties Asian immigrants face every day. He also suggested that other minorities should use this as an example to illustrate that good work ethic and forgetting about the oppression they faced in the past will also make them successful. This false narrative downplays the long treacherous history of racism and discrimination against Asians. By creating this hierarchy of one minority group being above all, the myth perpetuates competition between minorities and disrupts harmonious living.
Not only is this ideology harmful to the Asian population, it is also incredibly inaccurate. This myth generalizes all Asians into one narrative; a group of honorable and successful law-abiding citizens. Asian mothers are referred to as strict and stern and many claim that they force their children to become better than others, and fathers are workaholics holding a position at a reputable organization. The differences between the various types of Asians are eradicated when one chooses to believe in this stereotype. The diversity that is prominent in Asian cultures is erased and if one cannot fit the standards of being an Asian person, they are considered failures or said to not be trying hard enough.
The experiences of Asians differ from person to person depending on factors such as birthplace, race, or ethnicity. For example, in Canada, ethnic ancestry can play a large part in pay disparities. According to Statistics Canada, the racial pay gap between Japanese-born and Canadian-born citizens was 3.6%, with Japanese individuals being paid 3.6% more. Whereas, the racial wage gap between South Asians and Canadian-born people was -13.1%. Wage gaps are only one of the reasons that debunk the model minority myth. There are several factors that differentiate the experiences and way of living of Asians.
It is critical to debunk this myth because it uses the most visible Asian ethnic group to represent or even erase the hardships and experiences of other minority groups. Given the myth's detrimental consequences on Asians, there are numerous strategies to assist dismantle and eradicate it. One of the most effective ways to reach a broader and more varied audience is through activism and social media. Educating those who lack insight on this issue by having open discussions and learning about the history of oppression and discrimination orchestrated on Asian people can open the eyes of individuals, helping them make their own perspective on the issue. Leaning further away from the stereotypes created by society means not generalizing the strengths and struggles of a minority group, which will help erase some of the harmful impacts of the model minority myth.
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