The term model minority is a label given to Asian Americans to congratulate their relative success on overcoming discrimination through determination, hard work, and academic success rather than political or physical confrontation.  Although its intentions are good, the idea of the model minority is a myth, which promotes and/or creates stereotypes that can pressure Asian Americans to live up to certain expectations such as academic excellence or characteristics emphasized in the Asian fetish which entails that Asian women should be submissive and thin – a breeding ground for eating disorders.

Unfortunately, the model minority myth further alienates Asian Americans, which pressures them to conform to Western culture and, therefore, going through an identity crisis.  The model minority myth is deceiving because although it is derived from positive characteristics, it is still a negative stereotype.