Forensic Psychological Myth of the Asian American as Model Minority: Is This Racial Profiling?

• In Event: Counterstories of the Model Minority Myth

Abstract

Despite a trend toward greater ethnic and racial responsiveness and efforts to encourage change, the researcher argues there are still stereotypes of this minoritized group that persist. For example, for more than two decades, media have portrayed Asian Americans as being a successful minority group. Asian Americans are labeled as having extraordinary achievements in education, career, and are believed to be problem-free in mental health and crime. However, evidence suggests that this stereotype does not accurately capture the experiences of Asian Americans. For instance, a study from Cornell University in 2004 indicated that Asian American college students were more likely to seek medical leave of absences; more likely to go on academic probation; and less likely to graduate in 4 years. Moreover, poverty is an issue for this student population. In 2004, 11.8% of Asian Americans lived below poverty line, experiencing the greatest rise in poverty among all groups. The objectives of this paper are five-fold. First, to discuss psycho-culturally-relevant research that explains factors associated with the Asian Model Minority. Second, to identify clinical and forensic psychological research that highlights an evidence-based assessment of the diverse Asian groups. Third, to identify high profile examples that can either reinforce or debunk the Asian Model Minority Myth. Fourth, to craft an evidence-based model that assesses the etiology of the Asian Model Minority in educational settings. Finally, to identify implications for practice, research, and training.
The authors searched Academic Search Premier, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect to identify published articles reporting the history and its risk factors associated with the American Asian model minority. There are four findings related to the myth of the model minority. First, Asian Americans are involved in high profile forensic cases that have not changed the model minority stereotype. Second, the mainstream perceptions of Asian Americans are not viewed for their racist overtones. Third, Asian Americans as model minorities are perpetuated most in educational institutions. Finally, psycho-cultural factors (e.g., social media and film) function to perpetuate myths regarding Asian Americans.

Authors

• Ronn Johnson, University of San Diego

• JoJo Yanki Lee, University of San Diego

• Nicholas Daniel Hartlep, Metropolitan State University