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

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

From Slate • Nov. 9, 2023

Was that a deliberate choice to resist this kind of model minority, perfect character?

From Salon • May 16, 2023

“Beef” drives the Asian American model minority myth off a cliff.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2023

“It’s so tied up in the model minority expectation, of who’s allowed to be anything other than perfect,” she said.

From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2022

“I’m your quintessential model minority, right? Well, it’s not enough,” says Kathy Biala, a third-generation Japanese American who is a councilwoman and mayor pro tem in the Monterey County city of Marina.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2022