Quick side note: I do not like the term minority when describing people who at a numerical discrepancy. As a black person of color I am not less than anyone and no one is above anyone either. I also want to add that this week’s blog prompt might be the best one yet.

After reading such a wonderful piece by Viet Thanh Nguyen, I was able to gain understanding over the issues Asian Americans face and how they relate to other people of color. Throughout the piece Nguyen utilizes the Hmong American police officer Tou Thao to discuss what it means to be Asian American and the battle that is present in America for them; being ‘American’ enough.

Throughout the history of Asian Americans they have been given the label of being the ‘model minority’ or ‘model POC’. They are better integrated in to the ‘whiteness’ or power structure of America. They have been viewed as smart, insightful, business oriented normally. Yet, whenever crisis is arises, Asian Americans are faced with blame. The model minority is known for being good enough to move society forward but not allowed to be better than the white elite.

This label may protect them from all of the trials present in other POC but it also opens them up to being under the thumb of those who oppress. It keeps Asian Americans successful but lacking their own identity and representation. Nguyen says the only way this can be stopped is with the end of capitalism and racism. Asian Americans have been blamed with other American stores closing down in the middle class in the past. This has led to race being the issue. Instead of blaming those who have the utmost power, those who are marginalized are blamed for the issues present in society. This forces marginalized people, especially the model POC, Asian Americans to be forced to dilute who they are and their potential reach.

Overall, the article really opened my eyes to the phenomena known as the ‘model minority’. Within each POC community this can also be seen. People from these groups who are educated, light skin and straight haired are viewed to be what POC people should strive to be. They are viewed as excellence but at the same time, they are forced to assimilate into ‘American culture’. POC are not monolithic in actions and beliefs. Each of us are different and deserve to be represented.