model minority

American  

[mod-l mahy-nawr-i-tee, -nor-] / ˈmɒd l maɪˈnɔr ɪ ti, -ˈnɒr- /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of model minority

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Finally, Vance's wife is Indian American, representing another "model minority" group reflected in such diverse figures as Kamala Harris, Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, among many others.

From Salon • Aug. 18, 2024

She reflects on what he can show us about the scourge of the model minority myth.

From Slate • Nov. 9, 2023

In “Peerless,” ruthless competition and the toxicity of the model minority myth are among the issues addressed.

From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2022

We should teach one another to identify abuses of representation politics, reject model minority appeals and see beyond surface-level political appeals to food and culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2022

“Café Con Lychee” switches stereotypes up for Asian Americans because it doesn’t rely on the model minority myth.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2022