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Psychological Effects on being Perceived as a Model Minority for Asian Americans |
Tang Mei |
Abstract |
Asian Americans’ achievement in education and science/technology fields has dominated the mass media for several decades, leading to a label “model minority” for Asian Americans. A thorough literature review has been conducted to examine the impact this stereotype has on the psychological wellbeing of Asian Americans. This literature review illustrates (a) the diversity of Asian Americans in regard to education and professional achievement; (b) the challenges and issues facing Asian Americans despite the model minority label; and (c) harmful effects of the model minority stereotype on psychological wellbeing and it reduces services to Asian Americans. The literature review findings demonstrate that Asian Americans have a similar rate of psychological distress as the White American population, experience the same emotional and behavior problems, and undergo enormous pressure to excel academically. The model minority myth built on a few elite members of the group masks the diversity within the group in regard to socioeconomic status, occupational attainment, academic achievement, and need for services. The psychological stress experienced by many Asian Americans is ignored because of this empirically inaccurate discourse. The model minority myth also creates social isolation and discrimination for Asian Americans. In conclusion, difficulties experienced by Asian Americans become invisible to policymakers, and the model minority myth silences the needs and limits the resources to serve Asian Americans. |
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