One integral concept analyzed by Evelyn Hu-Dehart in her article "Introduction: Asian American Formations in the Age of Globalization," was the idea that Asian American individuals function as connections between America and their country of nationality. This article considered the types of Asian or Asian American identities individuals relate to as well as how much these identities represent America or not. Hu-Dehart discusses the term "model minority" as what Asian Americans are continuously perceived as, especially when they have become successful. It is interesting in that the "model minority" is known for qualities that are deemed "Asian" yet some of these same characteristics are found in other minorities and the majority. What makes the minority a 'model minority' are the qualities connected to merely being Asian. This concept thus challenges the notion of whether or not an individual who acts as a bridge between Asia and America will attribute their success to being American or to having Asian blood, despite the amount of Asian influences that affected their life. This brings up the question of how those individuals who do not reflect the qualities of being a "model minority" are perceived in their country of nationality and how do regular Asians or Asian Americans feel when an individual is 'claimed' or 'ignored' by Asia due to their achievements.
Sources:
Hsu, Madeline Yuan-yin. The Good Immigrants: How the Yellow Peril Became the Model Minority.
Hu-DeHart, Evelyn. 1999. "Introduction: Asian American Formations in the Age of Globalization."
No comments:
Post a Comment