Myths Surrounding Asians and Asian-Americans
By: Blaeke Mitchell
Society has created some distasteful, offensive myths about Asians. The only way to end these inaccurate myths is for people to educate themselves about the truth about these topics rather than believing the stereotypes. One reliable action to disprove myths and stereotypes about people groups is to spread knowledge of the truth using proven, reliable facts. Therefore, we will explore some of the myths about Asians that are believed in society. Some myths state that all Asians excel at martial arts, math, and have abundant riches.
The myth that each Asian-American is gifted in the art of martial arts is false. Though some Asian-Americans might perform Chinese Tai Chi as an activity to maintain physical and mental health, that number is few. The reason that the number is few is because every Asian does not have Chinese heritage, nor does every Chinese-Asian practice Tai Chi (Paner).In the movie industry, most Asian actors are expected have experience in martial arts for a majority of the roles that they play. A few examples of movies that use the “Asian Martial Art Stereotype” include “Drunken Master” (1978), “Rush Hour 2” (2001), “The War Lords” (2007), and “Kung Fu Hustle” (2004). In “Rush Hour 2” (2001), Jackie Chan plays Lee, a respectful but ignorant Kung Fu master (Lu). Unfortunately, that specific Asian-American myth in the movies has not only stayed on screen, but has spread as gossip. In order to succeed in the career of acting in the movie industry in the past, Asian actors have had to succumb to acting as their stereotypes. On the bright side, Hollywood has recently taken strides to rid their films of stereotypes and to include Asian-Americans in many roles from each movie genre. Hopefully the gradual disappearance of stereotypes in Hollywood films will eventually erase the myths about Asian-Americans (regarding martial arts and other myths) in the minds of people who watch films or media (Lu).
Another myth depicts that each Asian-American only excels in the studies or careers involved in math or science. For instance, high school dramas or movies sometimes portray them as quiet, frail, nerdy, and socially awkward people group who’s wit, social absence, and strong work ethic have left them with plenty of time to study. Some people believe that Asians are smart enough to excel in the studies of math and science that could lead to potentially strong careers as adults (Lu). Asian-Americans can grow up playing sports successfully and receive a scholarship to college in order to receive the type of degree of their choosing. They can have excellent social-skills. Asian-Americans can build a wonderful career in the military, successfully start a business, or build their own rental property empire with no college degree. They can purse a career in politics, law, or even a career in the FBI. Asian-Americans have many social interests and can work to excel at any skills through athletics, businesses, universities and more.
The last myth states that every Asian-American is rich. Studies show that Asian-Americans do have the highest income out of all of the minority groups, including white Americans. “But Asian-Americans also have the highest income gap between people who make the most and those who make the least” (Kim). Asians have the highest poverty rate in New York City. Asians receive 1.4% of social service funds in New York annually. Percentages vary due to Asian immigration, age, gender, and the accuracy counting (Kim).
Asian-Americans have the same human capabilities as every individual on earth. At birth, every ethnic group is at an equal intellectual playing-field (unless they have mental or physical disabilities). Once born, each individual is molded by their surroundings and lifestyle. Some examples of influential surroundings and lifestyles include family, education, traditions, friends, hygiene, and physical health. Every individual in the world has similar qualities, but each individual has developed a unique identity that no other human-being shares. Using stereotypes against any individual is inaccurate. One step to rid our world of stereotypes might include studying the stereotypes that exist in the world in order to gain more awareness. Another step is to examine personal beliefs or opinions about certain stereotypes or myths. One way to rid the world of myths about Asian-Americans specifically might include personally asking an Asian-American about the myths and stereotypes that affect his or her life a regular basis. A person can stop allowing the stereotypes to influence their opinions and decisions. A person can also verbally react to discriminating or inappropriate comments spoken from a present acquaintance. The best way to disprove myths and stereotypes about Asian-Americans is to spread knowledge of the truth by using proven, reliable facts.
Works Cited
Kim, Monica. “Not So Crazy Rich Asians.” The Michigan Daily, 1 April 2019.
www.michigandaily.com/section/mic/not-so-crazy-rich-asians.
Accessed 7 Sept. 2019.
Lu, Fran. “6 Stereotypes All Chinese People Hate.” Culture Trip, 25 Nov. 2017.
www.theculturetrip.com/asia/china/articles/6-stereotypes-all-chinese-people-hate/.
Accessed 7 Sept. 2019.
Paner, Isabel. “The Marginalization and Stereotyping of Asians in American Film.”Honor
Theses and Capstone Projects, Sept. 2018. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9586/a8545373393f1ce7d67cb05aa3f6eb1d87c4.pdf. Accessed 8 Sept. 2019.
Williams, Joan. “The Problem With ‘Asians are Good at Science’.” The Atlantic Monthly Group, 31 Jan.
2018. www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/01/asian-americans-science-math-bias/551903/. Accessed 7 Sept. 2019.
