Asian Americans in Academia

During my senior year of high school, applying for college was quite intimidating. In addition to the hurdles of test scores, rising tuition fees, and ambiguous application essays, I came across one more barrier.

As I searched for scholarship opportunities, I discovered that many “Minority Scholarships” would not consider Asian American applicants. Despite our status as minority members in the United States, all Asian Americans were barred from these scholarships. I was extremely frustrated; how can I be a minority member and simultaneously denied consideration for a minority scholarship?

One explanation to this bizarre predicament is the “Model Minority.” Asian Americans have been called the “Model Minority” because of their historical ability to assimilate into American society. However, this category is saturated with fallacious reasoning and dangerous implications. Not all Asian Americans have been able to successfully assimilate into the United States. In addition, this perspective wrongfully denies Asian Americans their true minority status.

For more information, please check out: http://www.asianam.org/2006.htm