Quote:
Originally posted by ladygreek
Minnesota has one of the largest SE Asian populations. At first they were considered the "model minority." The media constantly reported about their academic prowess, work ethic, etc. But now it is changing. Asian gangs have grown tremendously within the last 10 years, and the violence associated with the gangs has, too.
The family structure has also suffered, because while the parents are immigrants and follow the homeland culture, the kids are "westernized" and rebel against the old customs.
Then there is the issue of spousal mistreatment that has hit the papers because of the rise of domestic abuse and murder. Added to that is the tension among the various clans such that Asian service organizations have a hard time co-existing.
So it seems a whole new stereotype is being developed by the media. And that is a shame. Because as usual with communities of color, the negative is always highlighted while the positives are ignored.
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The impact that those negativities have had on the group's image is a direct result of the "model minority" stereotype. If the stereotype did not exist, people would not be so surprised by the spousal abuse and murder. This would not be such a media spectacle if people did not place Asians on a separate plane as a "model minority."
Similarity, there was once a rise in psychological disorders and suicide in Asian populations. The pressures to fulfill the "model minority" stereotype (both in the U.S. and abroad) has become too much for many youth and young adults to bear.