Growing up, I had all of these expectations set by my parents, my teachers, and my peers. I was one of the smarter students in my classes, I never found my work too difficult, and I spent free time being tutored outside of school to make sure I stayed ahead and my skills were sharp. My parents expected me to do well because they always pushed me to strive to be the very best I could be. Everyone else, however, assumed I would succeed because it was simply expected of “that smart Asian student.”
The Model Minority, as defined by teachingtolerance.org, is a myth based on stereotypes. In relation to the Asian American community, this defines us as individuals with gifted intelligence or skills, strong work ethics, and high obedience towards their elders.
That Smart Asian Student: The Model Minority
