Does the “Model Minority Myth” Hurt Asian Americans’ Mental Health?

What is the “Model Minority” Label? 

Today in America, it is a term used to describe Asian Americans and their socioeconomic success, despite being a minority race. While this sounds like it’s a compliment, it’s really a term that is politically exploited by the media and politicians to put down other races. They point to Asian Americans and say, “If they can make it, then anyone can make it as long as they put in the work.” This drives a wedge between Asian Americans and other minorities in America, which is horrible in a time where all people of color need to stick together. 

What’s also wrong with the term is how manufactured it is. There are Asian immigrants who came to the US on refugee status, to be reunited with family, or something to that nature. While this is true, a lot of others were only able to come to the US because of the skilled labor they’re able to provide. In 1965, the US started prioritizing immigrants who were highly educated in order to greatly benefit the country. When you are selectively picking from top candidates instead of picking at random, it creates this illusion of perfection that doesn’t really exist. 

For more information on the “model minority” label, watch – https://youtu.be/14WUuya94QE?t=717

“Model Minority” and Mental Health.

While I hate the term “model minority” and it’s just a political ploy, I still feel pressured by it. There’s this feeling that I need to live up to this arbitrary standard that will always be just out of reach because the bar will always continue to be set higher. Thinking like this is toxic, but when you’ve been told since a young age that your success is tied to your race, then it becomes a habit. You aced the test? It’s because you’re Asian. You painted the most popular painting? It’s because you’re Asian. You beat that one guy at some random brainless game that doesn’t matter? It’s because you’re Asian. 

Your ability to do something does not correspond to your race. Saying that your success is due to being an Asian takes the feeling of victory out of an accomplishment. Instead, it creates this terrible mentality of needing to be great at everything that is unrealistic. “Perfection” is a myth, and striving for it 24/7 must be exhausting. 

Then there are the cases when you can’t do something. If you fail a test then others will say that you’re straying from your Asian ancestry and bringing shame upon your family, whatever that means. A failure feels like you’ve been completely defeated and you can’t rise up from this singular failure that might not even matter in the grand scheme of everything. 

When a myth is pushed by so many people, it’s hard to escape. You might not be thinking about it consciously, but subconsciously it will always be there in the back of your mind. I’ll admit that there are times when this “model minority” label has pushed me to do better. Is it worth it to lose sleep over an expectation that society has set for you though? I don’t think so, not at all. Live the life you want to live, don’t let society weigh you down with unattainable standards.