Myth of the ‘model minority’

Is there such a thing as a good stereotype? For Asian Americans, the “model minority myth” characterises their group as academic over-achievers who are hard-working and successful. But is the idea of Asian success obscuring less-discussed issues faced by their communities, including poverty and gang violence? And how can high expectations for achievement negatively affect Asian Americans? 

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with: 

Ellen Wu @ellendwu
Assistant professor, Indiana University

Kristina Wong @mskristinawong 
Comedian
kristinawong.com

Ova Saopeng
Actor & writer
refugeenation.com

Suman Raghunathan @sumanSAALT
Executive Director, SAALT
saalt.org

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.