model minority

[ mod-l mahy-nawr-i-tee, -nor- ]

noun

1. a minoritized racial, ethnic, religious, or social group, or a member of such a group, that is stereotypically viewed by the dominant group as being more successful or embodying traits more valuable to society than other such groups or individuals:

   Paradoxically, Asian Americans are perceived as both a model minority—happier, more successful, and more educated—and as perpetual foreigners.

Word History and Origins

Origin of model minority¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The Japanese American Citizens League: “This study perpetuates false stereotypes and the model minority.”

From The Daily Beast

By any measure, Diane Tran is that “model minority” Asian-American teen you think you already know.

From The Daily Beast

Shattering another “model-minority” myth, there are far more poor Asian-Americans than you might think.

From The Daily Beast

Indian-Americans are a much-touted model minority among the wider U.S. immigrant population.

From The Daily Beast