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Model Minority Myth

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Academics & Mental Health
The initial research topic was to focus on the mainstream media representation of model minority myth within the Asian American Community, but the broad scope and definition creates a challenge of conveying a personalize message through digital photography. The revised topic illustrates the mental stress and problems created from the model minority myth and cultural tensions. “[The Model Minority Myth] theory offered a promise of equality that could be achieved, not through political organization and community empowerment, but only through individual effort, cultural assimilation, and political accommodation.” (Robert Lee 268) The stereotypes characteristics of a hardworking immigrants, obedient members of society, …show more content…
Further, Laotians, Cambodians, and Khmer only have rates around 5%. The cultural stereotype that "all Asians are smart" puts a tremendous amount of pressure on many Asian Americans. Many, particularly Southeast Asians, are not able to conform to this unrealistic expectation and in fact, have the highest high school dropout rates in the country. Again, not all Asian Americans are the same. Those Asian Americans who are struggling tend to be immigrants who have limited English proficiency. Many people don't know that more than half, 60% in fact, of all Asian Americans are immigrants. Most are relatively fluent in English but a large portion are not. Therefore, similar to other immigrant minority groups, Asian Americans still have a need for bilingual education that is also culturally sensitive to their immigration experiences and family situations.” (C. N. …show more content…
However, treatment of mental illness is significantly affect due to the negative stigmas from the general public. Mental illness remains profoundly stigmatized despite numerous initiatives to combat the negative stereotypes. (Corrigan 1- 5) The negative stigmas is the byproduct of lack of knowledge, prejudice, and discrimination. There has been many campaigns to change the attitudes of the general public and medical professional. However, “College represents the only time in many people's lives when a single integrated setting encompasses their main activities—both career-related and social—as well as health services and other support services. Campuses, by their scholarly nature, are also well positioned to develop, evaluate, and disseminate best practices. In short, colleges offer a unique opportunity to address one of the most significant public health problems among late adolescents and young adults.”

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