Description
The term model minority was introduced by sociologist William Peterson in his 1966 article in The New York Times Magazine about the success story of Japanese Americans in the United States. In the article, Peterson asserts that Japanese Americans— despite facing intense racism and discrimination (including internment during World War II)— achieved success in a way that other minority groups had not. In citing the reasons why he believes this occurred, Peterson contrasts Japanese Americans with groups he labels as problem minorities—those he says had failed to overcome the barriers placed on them by the majority. (Dictionary.com, 2021)
Critics of both the term and concept cite them as contributing to what they call the model minority myth: the false idea that all Asian American are equally economically and socially successful.
Research and address the following in 5-7 pages:
What are some of the stereotypes built into the idea of the Asian model minority? Explain.
Explain what effect this stereotype has on a person who does not fit society’s idea of being Asian American that are based on movies and television? Explain.
Find statistics that paint a realistic picture of Asian American income, poverty, and problems in the United States:
Read the following resource: Asian American
Suicide Rates. https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-asian-americans
Despite being the model minority, where do Asian Americans stand statistically as far as leading law enforcement agencies and police departments in America?
Find statistics and examples (quantitative and qualitative examples) of the reality of diverse leadership in criminal justice for this cultural group.
Be sure to reference all 3 sources using APA style.
You may use resources from the Unit 2 Discussion Board for this assignment.
Unformatted Attachment Preview
1
Model Minority Resistance
James Williams
Professor Sonia Stovall
CJUS625
January 11, 2024
Colorado Technical University
2
Model Minority Resistance
The constitutional issue challenged in Korematsu v. United States was the
constitutionality doctrine that was made by Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced
relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Fred Korematsu argues
that the order violated the Fifth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause because it targeted
individuals based on their Japanese ancestry. As a result, increased discrimination cases were
against the sufficient justification scope.
Korematsu’s behavior deviates from the stereotype of the model minority because it
actively resists compliance with Executive Order number 9066. Model minority stereotypes, in
this case, portray Asian Americans as obedient, law-abiding citizens who have effectively
excelled academically and refrain from challenging authority by all possible means (Odo, 2017).
Korematsu’s rebelliousness and efforts to avoid imprisonment through plastic surgery and false
identity contradict the conformist expectations associated with the model minority stereotype. It
was a way of avoiding the deep compliance of the law. Unfortunately, Korem went ahead with
changing the body structure to avoid the dictates of the law.
An advanced and yet modern policy addressing compensation for American citizens in a
situation where constitutional rights were violated, similar to those affected by Executive Order
9066, should outline a diverse scope. The development of law and regulation is to showcase
comprehensive and reflective of the historical injustices. In this case, compensation, while a
critical component, should be part of a broader framework. The framework should showcase
3
acknowledgment, restitution, education, and community involvement because there is a high rate
of diversity that comes along with it. The policy should officially integrate and acknowledge
the wrongdoing and apologize for violating constitutional rights (Roosevelt, 2022). On the same
note, a fair and transparent compensation mechanism should consider the nature and duration of
the violation process. On the same note, financial compensation should be part of this policy,
adjusted for inflation and reflecting the severity of the injustice.
In this case, non-financial forms of restitution, such as educational initiatives, community
programs, and memorialization efforts, can contribute to redressing the historical wrong. Public
education about the violations and their historical context should be integrated to ensure
awareness and understanding. Community involvement in the development and implementation
of the policy is crucial, respecting the unique needs and perspectives of affected individuals and
communities. There should be a constant review of policy, and it should be conducted to ensure
that people adopt and evolve societal needs. On the same note, this ensures continued relevance.
In essence, a modern policy should be multifaceted, where the scope combines financial redress
with broader measures to promote justice, healing, and prevention of future violations.
4
References
Odo, F. (2017). Memorializing incarceration: The Japanese American experience in World War
II and beyond. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of American
History. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199329175.013.358
Roosevelt, F. R. (2022, January 24). Executive Order 9066: Resulting in Japanese-American
incarceration (1942). National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/milestonedocuments/executive-order-9066
Purchase answer to see full
attachment
