After reading “Asian Americans are still caught in the trap of the ‘Model Minority’ Stereotype. And it Creates inequality for All,” it became obvious to me that the label “modern minority” is very unfair. Nguyen says to be a model minority, it refers to minorities who are doing well, and are not viewed as a “problem” to others. He says they are “invisible in most circumstances because they are doing what they are supposed to be doing.” The model minorities are considered good for the country, until they start to do “too well.” Once they threaten the majorities, they are viewed as a problem that must be taken are of.
This label of a model minority refers to Asian Americans succeeding in America. It can be a very dangerous because title because it puts all Asian Americans up against very high standards. It isn’t fair to look at all Asian Americans and say how come everyone isn’t up to the level of the model minorities. It is also a dangerous name for Asians because it labels them differently as opposed to being called “Americans.” They will always have this label of being the ideal immigrant, that no matter how many Asians contribute to the success of our country they still have a different title.
Nguyen says that the end of Asian Americans only happens with the end of racism and capitalism because since it is a capitalistic country, there is the wanting for “cheap, rationalized labor.” He is explaining how capitalism thrives when racism exists. Since people can basically force Asian Americans to work for cheap, the Capitalistic system benefits from that. If there were to be no racism and everyone was treated equally, then there would be no more “Asian Americans,” and there would only be Americans.
This essay challenges my thinking about minority groups in the U.S. because even if Asian Americans are viewed as the model minority, it doesn’t mean they don’t have struggles too. Many people may overlook their issues since they might think there are other minorities struggling more, but that is unfair to say. Just because there are some Asian Americans who are successful, it doesn’t mean they all are. There are some people who it’s not as easy for, and they should be given the help and attention they deserve.
I completely agree that those who are succeeding are considered the model minority until they are doing “too well.” When that happens, they are no longer invisible, but the clear target to be blamed. I also don’t think it is fair to put Asian Americans in the position where they are used to put down other minority groups. I think it is intriguing to think about one day where everyone is simply “American” because it is hard to imagine racism ever not existing.
I found your point about how model minorities are only accepted until they become too influential or successful. It is a unique way of viewing why the model minority narrative was created, to uphold the status quo in America. While I do believe Asian Americans should be more accepted in American society, I don’t necessarily believe the title, Asian American, is a bad thing. Similar to how we identify African Americans and Hispanic Americans, I think the designation for Asians is simply just that: an identifying factor.