asian American “Success”: What Are the Dimensions, Causes, and Implications for Other Minority Groups?
OVERVIEW
We have seen in this chapter that the notion of Asian American success is a stereotype, an exaggeration, and, in many ways, simply false. Yet, the characterization is persistent and, for many, compelling. Sociologist Harry Kitano argues that the success of the Japanese in America is due in part to their culture and in part to their strength of character, resilience, and flexibility. Journalist Lee Seigel, characterizes Asian Americans as successful and attributes their success as “driven by will and resolve.” Sociologists Alejandro Portes and Min Zhou link the success of Chinese Americans to their enclave economy and also draw some provocative comparisons between Chinese Americans and African Americans, suggesting that the “thorough acculturation” of the African American community has weakened its economic vitality. Sociologist Pyong Gap Min points out that the image of success is harmful, both to Asian Americans and to other racial minority groups. Finally, sociologist Stacey Lee argues that the myth of Asian American Success has been developed to criticize other minorities, blacks in particular.
In the following video, the human experience of living under the model minority stereotype is discussed:
Questions to Answer:
1) What are the sources of Asian American “success?”
2) How accurate is this characterization?
3) What are the political and cultural implications of applying the label of success to Asian Americans?
4) Sociologist Stacey Lee argues that the myth of Asian American Success has been developed to criticize other minorities, blacks in particular. Do you agree or disagree with this argument? Why or why not?
5) What are your general thoughts concerning the Model Minority Myth video? Do you agree or disagree with the message? Why or why not?
