Asians have often been described as “model minorities” due to their purported success in integrating into western society compared to other ethnic minorities. Research from the University of Kansas explains how the phrase can be problematic, not least towards the self-identification and perception minorities have of themselves.
“In general, it is not a good idea to make assumptions about the experiences of Asian mixed-race people, as their identities and lived experiences are not monolithic,” the researchers explain.
In the middle
The authors explain that traditionally Asian Americans have been positioned as a kind of middle group in between white and Black Americans. This has resulted in them being perceived as “more white” than their Black peers, with Asian-white multiracial people similarly perceived as more white than their Black-white peers.
“We have started to see more varied images of Asian Americans in the popular media, some moving beyond, and challenging, the ‘model minority’ image—Awkwafina comes to mind,” the researchers say. “However, I feel that the model minority stereotype is persistent and hard to break. If it changes, it will not happen quickly.”
There are some key differences between Asian Americans and other racialized groups in the US, however. For instance, the researchers explain that the “perpetual foreigner” stereotype often results in discrimination that is not recognized due to the perception that Asian-Americans are a model minority.
Anti-Asian sentiment
Anti-Asian sentiment has been particularly prominent during the Covid pandemic, with the situation often exacerbated by comments from the Trump administration.
The paper explores how Asian Americans are often framed as being upwardly mobile and compliant, which positions them as a “model minority” that can easily absorb into white culture, and even the white racial majority itself through marriage.
“These premises in turn spring from the ‘straight line’ assimilation theory that Asian Americans as a whole want to ‘whiten’ and become assimilated into white middle-class society and culture if they could. Evidence, both from research and by writings from Asian mixed-race people themselves, shows neither is necessarily the case. Many report widespread experiences of discrimination and racism throughout their lives and do not necessarily incline more toward the white side of their ancestry,” the researchers explain.
The authors hope that their work will prompt a rethink of some of the attitudes societies have towards Asians and Asian mixed-race people, especially concerning any perceptions that they might have it easy or are predisposed to do well in society.
“The experiences of Asian mixed-race people are highly varied, depending on many different factors such as how they look, their level of ethnic cultural exposure/connection, etc.,” they explain. “In many cases, they feel the burden of being excluded not only from the white society but also from the Asian community for not being ‘Asian enough,’ as well as due to historical stigma of being mixed-race.”
