Model Minority Stereotypes

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Pages: 12

The socioeconomic success and identity of Asian Americans in the United States have been subjects of significant interest in recent decades. With Asian Americans being the fastest-growing racial group in the country (Lee and Sheng 2023), understanding their experiences and challenges in the workplace is vital for fostering a more inclusive society. While prior research has explored various aspects of Asian American identity and assimilation, there remain important gaps in our understanding of how regional differences within the U.S. affect the workplace experiences of second-generation Asian Americans. This literature review aims to provide context to the project I propose and to understand the history of Asian American identity formation and the challenges of negotiating …show more content…
However, Zhou (2004) argues that this “model minority” image actually masks the continued racism and exclusions Asian Americans face as perpetual "forever foreigners" regardless of their accomplishments. Zhou discusses the diversity within the Asian American population and the challenges of fostering a cohesive pan-Asian identity. Zhou also highlights the differences in national origins, timing of immigration, wealth, and settlement patterns among Asian Americans, which can affect the formation of a unified pan-ethnic identity. Furthermore, Zhou notes that while some Asian Americans may achieve socioeconomic success and move into predominantly white neighborhoods, they may still face challenges in being fully accepted as "white" by American society. Wu and Zhou’s papers raise important questions about how the regional context of an individual's upbringing and current work environment may shape their experiences of cultural adaptation and identity