Asian Stereotypes Case Study

Asian stereotypes should be reversed. Although many would argue that all asians are smart, this is actually not the case. After all, asians are stereotyped as the model minority. Which means they’re thought to achieve a higher degree of success than the average population. A 12 year old girl recently reported that she loathed being asian. Because she was expected to get stellar grades by her parents. This is caused by the constant demand of people with asian heritage getting good grades. She knew that if she didn't, her parents would punish her by cutting her allowance and taking away her privileges. Due to this, she often felt pressured to do well and frustrated with the expectations made by other people.

Society tends to ignore the model minority stereotype. Complaints are dismissed with the claim that the stereotype which occurs to Asians is less important than or not as bad as the stereotype faced by other minority groups. Due to their success and the so-called "positive" stereotypes, many assume they face no issues in society and that their community is fine. But the truth is society uses their success to pit them against other minority groups as justification that the stereotype doesn't exist. The model minority stereotype is
detrimental to minority communities because it's used to justify the exclusion of minorities, as well as to understate the achievement of individuals within that minority.

What does the model minority stereotype mean for asians? It means that they aren't quite similar enough to be accepted but they aren't different enough to be loathed. Asians are in a perpetually foreign zone and society isn’t quite sure what to do with them. So they group them by the colour of their skin. They tell them that they must reject their own heritages so they can fit into society. They tell them that their foreignness is their only identifying characteristic. They strip away their identities one by one until they’re foreign but not quite foreign, individual but only when there are no other people from their native country around.

The model minority stereotype is emotionally damaging to many asians, since there are unjustified expectations to live up to stereotypes of high achievement.
The pressures from their families to achieve and live up to the model minority image have taken a tremendous mental toll on young asians. Failing to meet the standards of academic achievement can lead to feelings of shame, inadequacy, self-doubt and embarrassment. People are often surprised when asians don't achieve stellar grades and may even take glory in being better than them. The model minority stereotype creates a false illusion that asians are ideal students. The needs of these students are often neglected. Which can lead to feelings of isolation and
hopelessness. The model minority stereotype is an incredibly toxic mindset. But it doesn't have to be this way. In order to help alleviate these pressures it is imperative that asians first raise awareness, just like the problems of any racial group. They must speak up about the dangers of the model minority stereotype. Their voices should no longer be silenced by complacency. Next, they must turn to the media and demand more representation on asians. They must also create support networks so their voices will be heard. Reversing the stereotype will take time. It's certainly not going to happen overnight. It may even take generations. But if they start now, one day their grandchildren, or even children can be free to be who they want to be.