Myth of the Model Minority: Asian Americans Facing Racism / Edition 1

by Rosalind S. Chou, Joe R. Feagin

Overview

With their apparent success in schools and careers, Asian Americans have long been viewed by white Americans as the "model minority." Yet few Americans realize the lives of many Asian Americans are constantly stressed by racism. This reality becomes clear from the voices of Asian Americans heard in this first in-depth book on the experiences of racism among Asian Americans from many different nations and social classes. Chou and Feagin assess racial stereotyping and discrimination from dozens of interviews across the country with Asian Americans in a variety of settings, from elementary schools to colleges, workplaces, and other public arenas. They explore the widely varied ways of daily coping that Asian Americans employ-some choosing to conform and others actively resisting. This book dispels notions that Asian Americans are universally "favored" by whites and have an easy time adapting to life in American society. The authors conclude with policy measures that can improve the lives not only of Asian Americans but also of other Americans of color.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594515873
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/30/2008
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Rosalind S. Chou, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Georgia State University, is the author of Asian American Sexual Politics and coauthor with Joe Feagin of The Myth of the Model Minority.

Joe R. Feagin, currently Ella C. McFadden Professor at Texas A&M University, graduated from Baylor University in 1960 and acquired his Ph.D. in sociology at Harvard University in 1966. Feagin has taught at the University of Massachusetts (Boston), University of California (Riverside), University of Texas, University of Florida, and Texas A&M University. Feagin has done much research work on racism and sexism issues and has served as the scholar in residence at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. He has written 53 books, one of which (Ghetto Revolts) was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. He is the 2006 recipient of a Harvard Alumni Association achievement award and was the 1999–2000 president of the American Sociological Association. He is also the 2013 recipient of the Arthur Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Association for Affirmative Action.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments 1 The Reality of Asian American Oppression 2 Everyday Racism: Anti-Asian Discrimination in Public Places 3 Everday Racism: Anti-Asian Discrimination in Schools and Workplaces 4 The Many Costs of Anti-Asian Discrimination 5 Struggle and Conformity: The White Racial Frame 6 Acts of Resistance 7 Reprise and Conclusions Notes Index About the Authors

Editorial Reviews

The authors show how the ‘model minority’ is a myth, too inaccurate to be useful. They reveal how it reflects invidious assumptions and is abused for political purposes. Anyone who cares about Asian Americans—indeed, who is interested in the dynamics of diversity—should be interested in this detailed critique. Very highly recommended.”

—Frank H. Wu, author of Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White



“Through a compelling analysis of white racism experienced by Asian Americans in their everyday lives, Chou and Feagin offer a powerful examination of the psychological and emotional burdens imposed by racism in contemporary society.”

—Leland T. Saito, University of Southern California



“Most Americans believe Asian Americans are content, do not suffer from discrimination, and are all in the path to whiteness. Bravo to the authors for bringing to the fore the racial oppression endured by Asian Americans!”

—Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Duke University



“This book captures how individual Asian Americans encounter racial hostility and discrimination in a variety of social and institutional spaces, and the distinct ways they strategically respond to such treatment. Some respondents resign themselves to situations while others challenge and actively resist stereotyping, inequitable treatment, and harassment. But as Chou and Feagin convincingly argue, all are both blessed and cursed with the ‘double consciousness’shaped by a pervasive ‘white racial frame.’”

—Michael Omi, University of California–Berkeley



“As an often invisible and silent minority, Asian Americans can at last find voice in this brilliant book that recognizes the reality of their experience. The courage, nobility, and honesty of the authors will assist all involved in the struggle for equity and inclusion.”

—Edna B. Chun, Broward Community College



“This work can be a powerful contribution to sociology and ethnic studies courses. …the power of this book is in its simplicity. … The careful documentation of Asian American voices provides rich data and clearly demonstrates the existence and persistence of anti-Asian racism.”

—Journal of American Ethnic History

From the Publisher