We Are Not Your Model Minority

Yewon Jo

February 13, 2026

The Model Minority Myth has often been used to refer to a minority group perceived as particularly successful, especially in a manner that contrasts with other minority groups. It has been increasingly used to refer to the Asian American population, who are often praised for apparent success across academic, economic, and cultural domains—successes typically offered in contrast to the perceived achievements of other racial groups. However, the Model Minority Myth does not provide any benefit to Asian Americans nor does it to any other minority population. Here is why.

First, it is incredibly inaccurate in its description and inherent personality. Even if a population is economically prosperous, that does not mean that it is being represented properly in terms of social conversation and media. It is almost preposterous how little representation Asian Americans have in the political scene and in various forms of media such as films and shows. We are always the side characters, doomed to never be the protagonist. We are never shown on screen, we cannot make the decisions regarding the land that we are living on. We are deemed utterly irrelevant. The unwavering yet peripheral dedication of Asian Americans striving towards making a living in the United States resulted in a high disparity between economic achievement and representation, causing a paradoxical phenomenon.

Second, it creates a perception that Asian Americans should be perceived through a white-centered lens. It is an extremely ethnocentric claim to evaluate and deem a human group as “model” according to certain individual standards. The fact that people of the predominant white race believe that they are above all other minorities to the extent where they can judge and rank them alone showcases the white supremacy that still persists in American society no matter how many times people wish to claim otherwise. Our race is not a pig presented at an auction nor are we anywhere near desperate to win the blue ribbon of approval from those who claim to be the leaders of a country that claims “all men are equal”. Is that a mere claim? Because it sure seems like it. We are not here to be judged, assessed, or be praised by those who claim to be superior above all others, when in reality, it could not be further from the truth.

Lastly, the Model Minority Myth is degrading to the blatant racism and hate Asian Americans still struggle with today. It minimizes their pain by stating that “Asians are privileged”, “Asians are the next Whites” - completely disregarding the fact that Asian American women are still fetishized and not taken seriously in private and in workplaces, the fact that Asian Americans are the race that faced the most hate crimes since the advent of COVID 19, that the we are the people who faced internment camps, exclusion acts, and involuntary military interventions in history and may very well in the future. The Model Minority Myth glorifies these struggles, causing people to believe that it is a magical band-aid that is supposed to heal generational trauma and discrimination. 

The Model Minority Myth is yet another tool that the white race is utilizing to silence, categorize, and limit Asian American populations. As long as silence ensues after the storm of hate, the detriment towards Asian Americans will continue. It is more important than ever to fight back, to rage, to scream, to say that we have a voice and we will use it. To say that we are not your “model” minority.