“Model Minority” was created in the 1960’s. It was used to stereotype and categorize Asian Americans as more intelligent and more likely to succeed compared to other minority groups. At this time, the U.S. preferred immigrants who were proficient in fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to improve the country and is general economy. The model minority ideal was used to identify “elite” immigrants while also undermining other minority groups like Hispanics and the Black community who were stereotyped as criminals and thugs. This trope furthered anti black rhetoric. It is evident that both opposite sides of the stereotype has dealt with different discriminations, it is without a doubt that this system is unjust, unfair and created to ultimately exploit people of color and benefit the white government per usual.
Affirmative Action moves tp create an equal opportunity platform fro minorities who are in pursuit of higher education. However, although affirmative action hold a great ideology, it has been poorly executed. Asians are commonly categorized as proficient in STEM fields. This expectation creates pressure to fit into what society feels you should be as an Asian American. This in return shuns people who fail to fit into the role that society has assigned. The rebirth of the model minority trope served politically fueled agendas that aimed to protect and serve the white system.
Hey Danielle,
I completely agree with you that this idea of preferring immigrants who were proficient in fields of STEM has unfortunately created an idea that is against other minorities such as Blacks and Hispanics. But not only that, it has unfortunately created a stereotype that has always plagued the Asian American community, and it is the idea that we’re naturally good at Science and Math when some of us aren’t necessarily good at that field anyway. Just like you stated and it is quite unfortunate.
I agree with you that people think that Asians are naturally better in the fields of STEM , however this does not mean that other groups are not good.
I think remembering what types of Asian-American immigrants were allowed to enter America and what standard they set is important. Since higher educated, wealthier Asian-Americans set a standard, this has really skewed perceptions and continues today. Immigrants of other nationalities may be from different historical backgrounds. When examining Black American history for example, it is excruciatingly clear the differences between where each group started and how it has effected how far in society they were able to ascend. Historical immigration truly has a direct relationship to this in both pragmatic and social constructs.