Stereotyping of Asian American Youth: The Effects on Performance in Academics

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Introduction:
Throughout American history, the United States has been a cauldron where different diversities mix and mingle. In this hot pot of diversity, all of the ingredients (ethnicities) will not always conform to one and other; this could possibly lead to discrimination. This paper will be primarily focus on the discrimination towards Asian American youth of the 21st century and how it affects their academics. The research question guiding this investigation is “To what extent does the stereotyping of Asian American high school students as the model minority impact their performance on standardized tests such as ACT?” The focus will lead towards the stereotyping of Asian American students such as smart, math geniuses, or good at everything and how this has affected a student's academics. This will lead towards an investigation of the Model Minority Myth and Yellow Peril, tied into the two subjects will be the self fulfilling prophecy. It will also lead to an analysis of the statistics of ACT scores and the college readiness. This essay will not discuss the effects of stereotyping on academics of Asian students outside of America. The purpose of this document will be to prove; due to the stereotyping of Asian American youth; it has lead to a positive effect on the academics of the Asian American youth as shown through the ACT scores.

Stereotyping:
Stereotyping is defined as “an idea that is used to describe a particular type of person or thing, or a person or thing thought to represent such an idea”.When Asian Americans first immigrated to America they were stereotyped by Yellow Peril. This term was the irrational fear that Western societies had towards Eastern society, whom would attack and wage wars within the United...

... middle of paper ...

...play
• watch TV or play computer games
• choose their own extracurricular activities
• get any grade less than an A
• not be the #1 student in every subject except gym and drama
• play any instrument other than the piano or violin
• not play the piano or violin.”

Of course these principles do not apply to every Chinese mother. It has just been a stereotype cast upon the Asian community. These principles mold children to fit into the academic excellence model minority. Having to be number one in every core and in the entire class emphasizes that her daughters must have good grades. This is the characteristic of the stereotype people focus in this time period.

From interpreting these traits, one can come to a conclusion that culture and customs heavily influence how a family raises their children and this directly changes the outcome of the grades of said children.

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