Many people don’t realize, however, that stereotyping Asians as smart and hardworking can also put pressure on Asian students to live up to the unfair standards of academic excellence others expect of them.

Lucy Liu

In the 1940s, two Black psychologists, Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark conducted a set of experiments commonly referred to as “the doll tests.” The experiments were designed to demonstrate the psychological effects of segregation on young Black children. The test involved using several dolls that were identical in every way except for the color of their skin. When Black children were asked to choose the doll they preferred, most of them selected the White doll. Their findings concluded that “prejudice, discrimination and segregation” negatively affected the self-esteem of Black children and caused them to develop feelings of inferiority. During segregation, children of different races didn’t interact with each other, leading to misconceptions about one another. Keep in mind that this experiment was conducted over 75 years ago. If the same experiment were conducted today using dolls of different ethnicities and children were asked to select the “smartest” doll, it would be interesting to observe their choices.

The Model Minority Myth is a harmful stereotype associated with Asian Americans. It emerged from the belief that Asian Americans are highly intelligent, naturally gifted with exceptional intelligence, excel academically, rarely complain, and possess superior mathematical and technological skills compared to other minority groups. However, this stereotype is false. The Model Minority Myth can lead to unfair expectations being placed upon Asian Americans, which can have harmful consequences. It applauds having a subservient mentality, where going along to get along is considered a model behavior. It is important to debunk these myths and avoid perpetuating them upon Asian Americans or any other minorities.

Despite the supposed benefits of the Model Minority Myth, Asian Americans are not model minorities. They still face discriminatory treatment in the workplace and limited chances for leadership roles. This pressure can negatively impact their mental health and overall well-being. The Model Minority Myth often leads to the underreporting of mental health issues among Asian Americans, as they may feel the need to uphold the image of the model minority. Asian Americans are also less likely to seek help for mental health issues.

In 2018, Asian Americans were 60 percent less likely to have received mental health treatment as compared to non-Hispanic whites¹. The harmful consequence of the Model Minority Myth can affect the mental health of Asians, especially young Asians. An even more alarming statistic is regarding suicides in the Asian American community. In 2019, suicide was the leading cause of death among Asian/Pacific Islanders ages 15 to 24².

This myth is also seen in the educational system. A recent 2022 study showed that teachers hold Asian American students to a higher academic standard than their peers³. It also shows that Asian students are more likely to be recommended for AP courses. It may seem like having high expectations is good, but when one’s academic performance deviates from the myth, it could cause an individual to question their abilities and worth.

The Model Minority Myth is an idea that forces individuals to conform to a standard of “Whiteness,” which is arbitrary and, in turn, can be problematic. The issue lies in the pressure to assimilate to an unproven template rather than embracing one’s own culture. This standard is often used to marginalize and discriminate against other minority groups. However, intelligence is not exclusive to any particular race or ethnicity. The ability to learn and excel is not limited to any specific group.

It is time to reject the harmful Model Minority Myth in our workplaces, schools, and society as a whole. This idea promotes harmful stereotypes that are not based on reality. Every person deserves equal support and opportunities, regardless of their profession, intelligence, or academic ability. Each individual has a unique purpose in life that they should pursue with passion while still embracing their culture.

In today’s society, we are often faced with a modern-day version of the “doll test,” where our self-worth is questioned in relation to the standards of others. Let us always remember that we are the standard! We should take pride in our cultural heritage and embrace our individuality. Even when faced with challenges that make us question our worth, we must celebrate our unique qualities with confidence and professionalism.