Since being introduced to popular media, the term “model minority” has been labeled a stereotype and a myth, as well as a stigma. Model minority exists based on the stereotype that Asian Americans, in comparison to other minorities, are perceived to have achieved a higher degree of success based on factors such as their higher level of education, professional occupations, and high incomes. The term “model minority” gives the illusion that Asian Americans are privileged when in reality they do not have that same privileges as an “American” would.
The model minority stereotype is dangerous because of the implications it carries against other minority races. The existence of this concept allows for racism and discrimination against people of color in America to be downplayed. It suggests the success of Asian American immigrants be the standard that every immigrant should strive toward. Essentially model minority presents Asian Americans as being “better than” other minorities. This has been used as a means to justify and perpetuate racism against those “other” minorities, particularly anti-Black racism. The model minority stereotype also downplays racism against Asian Americans. It gives the illusion that they are privileged when in reality they do not have the same privileges as an “American” would. The term ignores the anti-Asian racism that is ever so present in America, as was seen with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nguyen’s statement “the end of Asian Americans only happens with the end of racism and capitalism” stems from his belief that Asian Americans benefit more from capitalism than other minority groups. Capitalism is a perpetrator of the idea that one specific minority group (Asian Americans) is higher in socioeconomic status than the rest (Black, Hispanic, Indigenous). It suggests that if Nguyen’s belief is that Asian Americans should not exist in a land where everyone is equal because the mere existence of this “title” exemplifies the racial differences that ultimately lead to inequality and racism.
Being South Asian, I have always been acutely aware of the influence the model minority stigma had, especially on my upbringing. My parents were of the generation that believed in the “American Dream” and they fed into this idea that because they are contributing to society, it makes them “more American” and exempt from the racism that exists.
Both of my parents are immigrants who came to this country seeking to achieve the American Dream, just like yours, except both of my parents are white. My parents were able to achieve their American Dream through hard work, dedication, and the absence of racism and discrimination towards them. These labels and titles of minorities and model minorities really do nothing but add to racism and discrimination, and create divides amongst minority groups, thus, weakening the impact and influence of minority groups on our political system.