You’re Asian, How Could You Fail Math? Unmasking the myth of the model minority
I’ve read and reread this article and continue to have new feelings about it. The myth of the members of the Asian culture seen as the “Model Minority” is well-known by all, no matter what race, class, or culture you associate with. I am sad to say that before beginning this program, I gave little thought to the detriment that could be caused by such a blanket statement for one culture, because it didn’t seem negative. Most people don’t consider the idea that one group of people who are considered overall to be more intellectually competent than most to be a bad feeling to have. Obviously, I now know enough to agree with Chang and Au in that there is no such thing as a “positive stereotype.” That in itself is a myth that I believe continues to be perpetuated by many in our society. To employ and entire way of thinking about any race or culture is simply unfair and ignorant.
In regards to the list of strategies given to teachers so that they may counter the myth of the Model Minority, it seems to me that this is simply a list of appropriate and effective teaching methods for any student, regardless of his or her culture. I do agree that we as educators need to take the time to get to know our students that are different from us and make valiant efforts to make connections between the classroom and the various cultures that are represented within it. However, I believe this to be a meaningful and necessary practice that should take place between ourselves and each of our students, no matter what their cultural background may be. This should take place at the beginning of every school year as you begin to establish a community within your classroom. This is a time when your students should begin to recognize that they all have a voice within the classroom and it is valued and supported by the other members.
We have a long way to go in unmasking the Myth of the Model Minority. As educators, we must continue to have honest and open dialogue about the myths that exist for all races. The more honest we are about these beliefs, that unfortunately still exist in today’s society, the more likely we are to recognize their unfairness and hopefully help those around us to do the same thing.
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I agree that there could never be such a thing as a “positive stereotype.” When steortypes are made, they usually have a negative impact on one or more groups. In my opinion, that kind of misconception benefits no group involved. I too never realized how much one “positive” statement could impact another group, culture, class, or race. It seemed that if it was positive, it was good. Sadely I never realized or looked at the “other side” so to speak. This article made me realize that I need to be more aware of this happening within our society.
Teachers do need to create a classroom community and it starts by creating dialogue in the classroom and letting others get to know one another. Creating a safe and positive learning environment has a lot to do with getting to know ones identity…this is evident to me now. The culture quilt activity opened my eyes to how much ones identity can bring a classroom together.
We do have a long way to go in unmasking the Myth of the Model Minority. Everyone has there own identity and each is equally important.
Christy
Wow, Corey…you were very insightful with your response to both articles! I totally agree with you that we need to continue to have honest dialogues regarding the myths that surround all cultures. I have always prided myself on not stereotyping people from different cultures; however, after reading the Myth of the Model Minority, I realized that I probably do stereotype to some degree because I was always under the assumption if you said good things about a specific culture then it wasn’t stereotyping. This article has really opened up my eyes and I realize I need to be more mindful of what I say, think, and do. It certainly is a travesty that we have become such a judgemental society. I wonder if we will ever become a society where we can simply accept people based on the individual traits they bring to the world?
Submitted by: Molly