The concept of the model minority, while initially seeming positive, is actually detrimental and reinforces negative stereotypes about Asian men. It overlooks the diverse experiences of Asian people and treats them as a monolithic group. Additionally, it is often used to pit Asians against African Americans, suggesting that the latter should be able to achieve the same level of success.
American history—law, economics, culture—has built different notions of masculinity (and femininity) for people of varying races and ethnicities. A trip through a century of pop culture and the stereotyped images that white supremacy has manufactured and attached to Asian and African American men. With scholars Tim Yu and Mark Anthony Neal and co-hosts John Biewen and Celeste Headlee.
Music by Alex Weston, Evgueni and Sacha Galperine. Music and production help from Joe Augustine at Narrative Music.