U.S. News and World Report’s “Success Story of One Minority Group in U.S.” and Peter Kwong’s “A Model Minority Community” describe the people and customs of the various United States Chinatowns. The two reports, although similar in theme, present the material in very different manners. U.S. News and World Report establishes a very superficial and shallow view of Chinatown. It describes Chinatown as a ‘model’ society where individual hard work and continuous studying can reap great benefits. Unfortunately, “Success Story of One Minority Group in U.S.” does not address the various concealed cultural and societal forces of Chinatown.

Kwong accomplishes what the “Success Story of One Minority Group in U.S.” did not. Kwong thoroughly elaborates on New York City’s Chinatown. He describes Chinatown as radically split between fine levels of poverty and affluence. Kwong also elaborates on the differences between the two classes of people. One interesting characteristic Kwong notes is the first class education of Taiwanese students and their ability to form the Uptown Chinese. Immigrant first class education has always been a common attribute of success. In fact, Kwong’s description of the Taiwanese reminds me of the Russian Jewish Americans. Similarly to the Uptown Chinese, Russian Jews were well educated, and as a result, quickly climbed the social ladder of American society. Their immigrant counterparts, however, did not – similarly to the Downtown Chinese.

Kwong uncovers the hidden truths of Chinese-American society. He looks past the superficial stereotypes of ‘naturally successful Asian immigrants” to reveal a complex and intricate web of Chinatown’s political and social tensions. Ultimately, Kwong displays a Chinatown of ancient Confucius ideals, exploited workers, and stressed youth.