Chinese-Americans are often painted as the “model minority.” Due to severe language barriers and distrust of the government, the Chinese tended not to ask for a lot of federal aid. As a result, they are often seen as being able to “make something of themselves out of nothing.” This misconception that Chinese-Americans were able to achieve a higher socio-economic status in America without any help is false and has played into the idea of the “model minority” and larger social issues.
When people think about a Chinese-American, they often think about someone timid, soft-spoken, good at math, obedient, etc. and while these are not negative attributes, it promotes a picture that just is not true. Just like no ethnicity or race can be painted as just a handful of stereotypes, Chinese-Americans cannot all be painted as quiet, shy, and good at math. Everybody is different in their own right and we cannot base characteristics solely on ethnicity or race.
Especially when teenagers are easily influenced by what is said about them, it can be hard if they are “different.” They might not feel like they belong because they are bad at math or they are outspoken. The idea of being different from the stereotypical norm can have a huge impact. It is only when people realize that they do not have to play into the standards set for them that they can be happy. The tiny Chinese girl in the back of the class can be loud and have opinions. She can have horrible handwriting and hate school. She does not need to be able to play the violin.
