Description
The term model minority was introduced by sociologist William Peterson in his 1966 article in The New York Times Magazine about the success story of Japanese Americans in the United States. In the article, Peterson asserts that Japanese Americans—despite facing intense racism and discrimination (including internment during World War II)—achieved success in a way that other minority groups had not. In citing the reasons why he believes this occurred, Peterson contrasts Japanese Americans with groups he labels as problem minorities—those he says had failed to overcome the barriers placed on them by the majority. (Dictionary.com, 2021)
Critics of both the term and concept cite them as contributing to what they call the model minority myth: the false idea that all Asian American are equally economically and socially successful.
Research and address the following in 5–7 pages:
- What are some of the stereotypes built into the idea of the Asian model minority? Explain.
- Explain what effect this stereotype has on a person who does not fit society’s idea of being Asian American that are based on movies and television? Explain.
- Find statistics that paint a realistic picture of Asian American income, poverty, and problems in the United States:
- Read the following resource: Asian American Suicide Rates.
- Despite being the model minority, where do Asian Americans stand statistically as far as leading law enforcement agencies and police departments in America?
- Find statistics and examples (quantitative and qualitative examples) of the reality of diverse leadership in criminal justice for this cultural group.
Be sure to reference all 3 sources using APA style.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your textbook and all course resources.
References
Dictionary.com. (2021, June 11). Model minority. https://www.dictionary.com/e/historical-current-events/model-minority/
Office of Minority Health. (2021, May 19). Mental and behavioral health – Asian Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved September 12, 2023, from https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=54
