The Effects of the “Model Minority” on the Criminal Justice System

• In Event: Area XII. Diversity and Inclusion - Race & Ethnicity

Abstract

The model minority myth assumes all Asian groups excel academically and financially, which reproduces stereotypes towards Asian and Asian Americans. Scholars in other social science fields have pioneered research on the myth of model minority by deconstructing it and examining how the perception of this myth divides and harms the AAPI community and other people of color. Using Critical Race Theory, Asian Critical Race Theory, and reviewing articles that dealt with the myth of model minority from other social science fields, this paper discusses why the myth of model minority should be considered a criminal justice issue and how perception of this myth perpetuates harm in the criminal justice system. The findings provide a better understanding of Asian and Asian Americans’ living experience under the myth of model minority, expand this myth to police unbiased training, and call for more research on the myth of model minority in the field of criminal justice.

Author

• Jun Li, John Jay College of Criminal Justice