Asian American [ey-zhuhn-uh-mer-i-kuhn, ey-shuhn-]

-Noun
1. a citizen or resident of the U.S. of Asian birth or descent.

-Adjective
2. of or pertaining to Asian-Americans or their culture.

Unraveling the Model Minority

Asian American Awareness Campaign

There are nearly 15 million Asian and Asian American citizens living in the United States. Although they comprise only 5% of the total U.S. population, they have done remarkably well in achieving the "American Dream" of receiving a high-quality education, working at an established job, and earning a good living of more than $64,000. Educationally, 86% of Asians and Asian Americans have graduated from high school, nearly half hold a Bachelor's degree, and about 20% have attained a professional degree. As a result, the image many people have of Asians and Asian Americans is that they are the "model minority"--an example of hard work and patience that other minority groups should follow. Some may even conclude that due to the success of Asians and Asian Americans, they no longer suffer from prejudice or discrimination; however, this holds false.

At first glance, the "model minority" stereotype comes across as a compliment to Asian and Asian Americans. The problem with this statement is the use of stereotype. Not all Asians and Asian Americans excel at mathematics or have abnormal driving habits. Not all of them are the same.

For this year's AAA Week, the campaign will focus on understanding and breaking Asian and Asian American stereotypes, namely the model minority myth that many members of this group face.

Show how you can support the change; reduce Asian and Asian American stereotypes, and leave with a better understanding of the issues that Asians and Asian Americans face as well as the ways they are overcoming these obstacles.

Activate the change.

You are the change.

We are Asian American.