Week 3

Vivian Morales
Section A01
Week 3
4/13/14

In response to: "Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders In California: How Higher Education Diversity Benefits Our Communities"

The portrayal of Asian Americans as the "model minority" is misleading and even detrimental to the Asian American community because it assumes whiteness. Under the model minority myth, Asian Americans have the same access to resources such as higher education and professional careers. However, the article shows that “AAPIs still face ‘glass ceiling’ barriers in managerial sectors and in business and public contracting.” The model minority myth also assumes that Asian Americans would also benefit from Prop 209, which essentially prohibited affirmative action in higher education. This is problematic because there are still Asian groups such as Filipinos and Southeast Asians that are underrepresented. Affirmative action is still needed to give people from underrepresented communities more opportunities in higher education. I think it would also help facilitate the development of more cross-cultural coalitions that I think are vital to breaking down racial stereotypes and fighting against racial inequalities.  

Q: Do you think affirmative action helps or hinders Asian American and Pacific Islander participation in higher education?