Effects of Model Minority Stereotyping
Asian Americans may also be commonly stereotyped by the general public as being studious, intelligent, successful, elitist, brand name conscious, yet paradoxically passive.
As a result, higher and unreasonable expectations are often associated with Asian Americans. Some educators held Asian students to a higher standard. This has the effect of those with learning disabilities being given less attention than they need. The connotations of being a model minority mean Asian students are often labeled with the unpopular "nerd" or "geek" image. They are often harassed or bullied due to this stereotype. Asians have been the target of bullying and racism from other races due to the racially divisive model minority stereotype.
The higher expectations placed on East Asians as a result of the model minority stereotype carries over from academics to the workplace.
The Model Minority stereotype is emotionally damaging to many Asian Americans, since there are unjustified expectations to live up to stereotypes of high achievement. Studies have shown that Asian Americans suffer from higher rates of stress, depression, mental illnesses, and suicide attempts in comparison to other races. The pressures to achieve and live up to the model minority image have taken a tremendous mental and psychological toll on Asian Americans.
Other minority groups also believe that due to the model minority stereotype, East Asians receive preferential treatment from the criminal justice system. One such example is the shooting death of Latasha Harlins by Korean shop owner Soon Ja Du. Soon was subsequently convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to just a probation term. This caused outrage in the African American community in Los Angeles and is cited as a major factor leading to the LA Riots in 1992. This incident also has led to a major rift between African Americans and Korean Americans in Los Angeles and tensions continue to this day between the two ethnic groups.
Read more about this topic: Model Minority, United States, Effects of The Stereotype
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