Unpacking the Dangers of the Model Minority Myth
ACE Campus Talk: Unpacking the Dangers of the Model Minority Myth presented by Dr. Aeriel Ashlee from St. Cloud State University.
Program Description
The model minority myth is a pervasive stereotype targeting Asian Americans that has been used to uphold anti-Black racism and perpetuate white supremacy. In this campus talk, we will unpack some of the dangers of the model minority myth including the ways in which it problematically minimizes intra-Asian diversity, erases the historical realities of racism against Asian Americans, and divides and distracts Communities of Color by pitting them against each other.
Speaker Bio
Aeriel A. Ashlee, PhD (she/her) is a proud Asian American Womxn of Color mamascholar. Her professional praxis is guided by her desire and commitment to facilitating healing and liberation in higher education. Prior to her current role as associate professor and graduate director of the College Counseling and Student Development master’s program at St. Cloud State University, Dr. Ashlee worked in student affairs in higher education advocating for Students of Color and fostering brave space for bold conversations. Her research interests include Asian Americans in higher education, pedagogies of belonging, and leveraging identity interconnections in coalition building.
Goal, what are you expecting to achieve?
To bring education and awareness for our campus in developing a deep understanding of the model minority myth and its historical context and how it can help the campus become more aware of the stereotypes, biases, and systemic inequalities that affect Asian and Asian American communities. Recognizing these issues is the first step toward addressing them.