An Analysis Of The Model Minority Stereotype - 1676 Words

Clara Kang Shawn Bediako Honors 300 : Race, Science, Society 20 November 2014 An Analysis of the Model Minority Stereotype INTRODUCTION According to the 2010 United States Census, those that identify as Asian numbered more than 14 million people, approximately 4.8% of the entire United States population (SOURCE). Despite or perhaps due to being a relatively small population, Asian Americans are not exempt from stereotyping. While a stereotype does not technically have positive or negative connotations and is simply a widely held generalization of a particular group of people, they are often derogatory and convey negative impressions and attitudes. Many minority groups are portrayed in a negative and demeaning light: African Americans are†¦show more content†¦HISTORY OF ASIAN STEREOTYPES AND PERPETUATION The model minority stereotype is actually a relatively contemporary model, a strong contrast to some of the original portrayal of Asians. During the 1800s, Asians, particularly Chinese, were portrayed to be alien and insidious, these stereotypes strengthened by to fear of economic competition. However, the t rait of being hard working was present as far back as building of the transcontinental railroad. By World War II, these stereotypes did not vanish and were only reinforced due to Japanese involvement in the war, particularly those of being alien and other negative attributes. The term model minority was first coined by sociologist William Peterson in 1966 as praise for the achievements of Japanese Americans. Using that term, he proposed for other minorities to follow their example. (The â€Å"model minority†: Bane or blessing for Asian Americans? 38) Since the coining of the term, popular press and media have propagated this stereotype (asians as stereotypes 109). In the recent years, television series portray Asian Americans as holding high-status positions or as nerds (beyond minority model 23) The model minority stereotype is still strong in current American culture, even after more than 50 years since the coining of the term. Qin Zhang conducted a study that tested for pe rception of different races and racial stereotyping. Subjects were asked to rate the likeliness of the race of the