title: Commentary: Persistence and Health-Related Consequences of the Model Minority Stereotype for Asian Americans.
abstract: Fifty years ago, the term model minority was coined to describe the extraordinary ability of Asian Americans to overcome hardship to succeed in American society. Less well-known is how the model minority stereotype was cultivated within the context of Black-White race relations during the second half of the 20th century, and how this stereotype, in turn, has contributed to the understanding and prioritization of health disparities experienced by Asian Americans. The objectives of this article are to define the model minority stereotype, present its controversies, and provide examples of its social and health-related consequences (ie, implications for obesity and tobacco) across multiple levels of society and institutions. A salient theme throughout the examples provided is the limitation of data presented at the aggregate level across all Asian subgroups which masks meaningful disparities. The intent is to increase the visibility of Asian Americans as a racial/ethnic minority group experiencing chronic disease health disparities and deserving of health-related resources and consideration.
authors: Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine.
authors: Stella S
authors: SS
authors: Yi
authors: Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine.
authors: Simona C
authors: SC
authors: Kwon
authors: Independent Consultant.
authors: Rachel
authors: R
authors: Sacks
authors: Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine.
authors: Chau
authors: C
authors: Trinh-Shevrin
mesh_terms: D001213:Asian; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008913:Minority Groups; D044469:Racial Groups; D013240:Stereotyping; D014481:United States; D044465:White People
keywords: Asian Americans; Discrimination; Emigrants; Health Care Disparities; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice; Immigrants; Minority Health