Chapter 4 by Steven Yudt https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51 The Impact of Stereotyping on Asian American Students en-us 2016-10-10 02:11:30 UTC 2026-03-18 23:07:07 UTC hello@padlet.com Summary of Chapter 4: Module Minorities and Perpetual Foreigners sy150829 https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/129390233 " The (whites) will have stereotypes, like we're smart,... and sometimes you tend to be what they expect you to be and you lose your identity... lose being yourself"
-High-achieveing Asian- American high school student

I thought it was important to begin this paddle with the quote in the beginning of Chapter 4 of our textbook. This is the world that Asian-American high school students live in today. There is a great deal of racial stereotypes that are directed towards Asian-American students within schools. Some stereotypes that Asian- Americans have to deal with are that they are bad drivers, martial artists, brainiacs, assumed to be valedictorians, and criminals.

Someone of Asian-American decent are typically seen as a foreigner no matter the length of time they have spent in this country.  Americans of European decent are often seen as "real" Americans, but Asian-Americans are often seen as foreigners no matter how many generations have lived in the US.  This stereotype has caused Asian-Americans to feel that they are not real Americans and only people of white decent are. Many of these stereotypes depict Asian-Americans as having no barriers to achieving the American dream and puts unwanted pressure on them to achieve success without the threat of obstacles.
 
Unlike most stereotypes relating to a person's origin, the Asian-American "Model Minority' stereotypes seems positive at first. Although this may seem positive at first it has damaging effects to both Asian-Americans and people of other color. This stereotype has been used as a tool to attack other minority groups. This stereotype puts unwanted pressure on Asian American students to do exceptionally well in school.  This stereotype lead to "underachieving" Asian American students to feel depressed and ashamed of their lack of accomplishments academically.  

The perpetual foreign stereotype and the model minority stereotype both lead Asian Americans to feel that they are not real Americans when they have earned the right to classify themselves as so. These stereotypes destroy the idea of equal opportunities within our own borders. It is causing turmoil for Asian American students within our school systems. There are ways in which schools can change this discrimination.

Schools can begin to more actively enforce a curriculum that challenge these harmful stereotypes. Students need to learn that these stereotypes are harmful and create an unequal educational environment for Asian American students and other races of students. Students need to be more educated about the long and storied history of Asian Americans within our nation and how they were a contributing force to the shaping of our nation. We need more tolerance in our school systems for all races.]]> 2016-10-10 02:14:02 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/129390233 Chapter 4Activity sy150829 https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/129394418 For this activity please choose to answer one of the following prompts:

1.) Provide an example of an Asian-American person that was able to overcome these stereotypes and achieve success in America. Attach an image of the example you provide.

2.) Provide at least three examples of how we as educators can work to eliminate these negative stereotypes for Asian Americans in your own classrooms.]]> 2016-10-10 02:58:46 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/129394418 D'Annibale https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130584986 There are a lot more than three ways that schools and educators but to start with the first three that come to mind:
1.  Embrace teachable moments.  When we hear racist comments that involve Asian-American stereotypes we need to stop what we're doing, put our lesson on hold, and educate the students as to why that's not acceptable.  There are times when I'll put my entire 45 minute lesson on hold and have a full period conversation with the kids about racists comments and social issues.  If the kids don't get that education from us, who will they get it from?  It is our responsibility to stop the cycle of hate and prejudice.

2.  Become students of our students.  Rather than judge students by the labels associated with them or how they look, we need to take the time to ask questions and get to know our students as actual people.  When students know that we care, they feel comfortable sharing more with us and also see more success in breaking stereotypes.  When we model having a caring attitude, that becomes contagious with our students.

3. Take the time to understand our own position within the racial power structure. For me, understanding my own white privilege is the most important thing for me in regards to how I treat members of other races around me, including students. Understanding that because I'm at the top of that power structure, I don't ever have to worry about stereotypes impacting my daily life, my professional life, or my academic life in a negative way. By first recognizing that privilege, we can start to understand the difficulties involved with breaking stereotypes for others.]]> 2016-10-13 19:19:36 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130584986 3 examples to help eliminate negative stereotypes about Asian Americans https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130630336 -Shayne Clark

First, include a-typical perspectives and stories into the curriculum, maybe talk about the hmong people? hmong are mountain people from Laos who fled to America after communist takeover. They don't fit the mold either the "perpetual foreigner" or the "model minority". I had a friend once who was a hmong, they were warriors and a clan based people. Just an example but choosing counter-factual examples to upset the stereotypes could help.

Second,  create dialogue between the students from different groups about how they see each other and then ask the people from each group if they think these stereotypes are true to their identity or not? It could to what D'annibale called "teachable moments"

Third, offer images of Asians in non-stereo typical roles such as writers, football players, artists, those who have decided to live life based on their own identity rather than pre-made stereo types.



]]> 2016-10-14 01:33:55 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130630336 What it takes to break the stereotypes. awbmwm33 https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130718524 My first inclination was to highlight one of two successful Asian-American comedians. However, even though both are successful their mantra is self-deprecation based on their ethnicity. So, I chose Doreen Woo, who is a successful business executive that has been a high-banking banker and a President and CEO of several organizations. In an interview she explains that unlike popular business people like Steve Jobs or Oprah Winfrey Asian business people are not household names. This is mainly due to branding. Woo further acknowledges that stereotypes play a role in creating obstacles to success. The most challenging is that of the humble, quiet worker that bends to the will of the powerful. Asians are raised not to have big personalities; however, this is an important attribute in some of the most well know business people. Also, Woo advises that Asian business people recognize that they are important executives that happen to be Asian. She also recommends that they welcome new challenges, be effective communicators and leaders, network, and understand, as well as accept the attributes that make a successful executive. Finally, Woo adds that business leaders should not let stereotypes get them down. Her advice is true for women, and any other racial stereotyping. In essence, Woo recognizes that stereotypes exist but encourages those climbing the executive ladder to not play them. 
Kang, K. (2012). "Asian-Americans can overcome branding challenges: An interview with Doreen Woo". Branding Pays]]> 2016-10-14 13:02:10 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130718524 Morgan Palombi  mpalombi https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130765268 Jerry Yang, cofounder of Yahoo, migrated to the United States when he was 10 years old. When he arrived to the States he only knew one word of English, "shoe", despite his mother being an English teacher. In just three short year in America Yang became fluent in the English language. After high school Jerry earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in electrical engineering from Stanford University. After completing his degrees, Yang pursued his Ph.D. However, he did not complete this degree. With the help of David Filo in 1994, Yahoo was born. By the time Yang was 35 he was named in the MIT Technology Review as one of the top 100 innovators in the world. ]]> 2016-10-14 14:53:19 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130765268 John Fullwood john_fullwood https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130800537  Michele Kwan is an example of an Asian-American person that was able to overcome these stereotypes and achieve success in America. Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in United States history. She is a nine time United States champion, a five time World champion, and a two time Olympic medalist. Throughout, her career she earned several endorsements and was cast in roles for a lot of different media outlets. Also, she is considered by a lot of people to be the greatest figure skater of all time. She overcame all the stereotypes and became a legend in her sport. 
]]> 2016-10-14 16:22:38 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130800537 Jonathan DiSalle https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130868278 Actor John Cho is an Asian-American actor who has had great success. He is best known for his roles in "Star Trek" and "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle." I found a video of him being interviewed by Larry King in which he describes his role is "harold and Kumar" as liberating because his role was so "against the grain of what you would expect" for an Asain-American character.
http://www.ora.tv/larrykingnow/2013/5/16/asian-american-stoner-john-cho-finds-freedom-playing-stereotype-0_3pu1v0pw]]> 2016-10-14 19:38:18 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130868278 Alexandria Ridderhoff https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130919430 The first person that comes to my mind is my dear friend Justin Cha. I met Justin at college and after a year he and I became close friends. There is a majority of whites in the student body and since that was the case there were always a little bit of racism in the air. Justin is extremely smart and a talented musician. He always said that he wasn't smart because he was Asian, he was smart and was Asian. He said that his parents were not traditional and never pushed him. He pushed himself and after quitting piano lessons at a young age he continued to teach himself. He was the top musician at our small college and is now at Boston University for a doctorate in Choral Conducting. ]]> 2016-10-15 15:00:24 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130919430 Lee Deeter LeeDeeter https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130925966 One of my favorite athletes is a terrific example of an Asian American who has found success and defied stereotypes. Hines Ward was born in Seoul, South Korea to a Korean mother and an African American father. He soon moved to Atlanta, where he was raised. His parents divorced when he was very young and he lived first with his mother and later with his paternal grandmother. Hines excelled at football and baseball in high school and was even drafted to play baseball for the the Florida Marlins. He chose instead to play college football, where he again excelled. He was considered a first round talent but a medical concern kept him on the board until the 3rd round where he went to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He went on to play 14 years, win 2 Super Bowls and become the first Asian American to win the Super Bowl MVP award. Along the way he also rewrote the Steelers receiving record book. He is also passionate about helping children, especially those in his home country.  He started the Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation which operates both in Pittsburgh and South Korea. In Pittsburgh this organization aides underprivileged and inner-city youth through literacy and other programs. In Korea helps it does the same for multiracial children. Hines Ward is a great example of an Asian American who does not fit the stereotypical mold and has excelled in a place where few others have been able to.


]]> 2016-10-15 16:50:48 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130925966 Working against stereotypes sarah_a_wolford https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130967114 One thing we do in my classroom, which is in the primary grades, is encouraging students and families to share their unique stories with us. Students are given opportunities to explain their background and tell us about special traditions and whatnot their families may have. We have a very culturally diverse student body, so it is nice to see students engaged and learning each others' stories.

I also think that educators should use culturally diverse examples in the classroom; including examples of people from all different races and backgrounds when teaching lessons. All students should see the important accomplishments of diverse people. History books in particular can include a white-washing of events that skims over the great impact of people of color. If teachers take the extra effort to show how diverse, for example, history is, than students will have a better understanding.

Educators also need to make sure that they don't have an racial bias and truly meet kids where they are. By setting the example of equality in your classroom, you are teaching you students to live with the same philosphy.]]> 2016-10-16 13:17:25 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130967114 tamifowler154 https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130996740 A stereotype of Asian-American students is that they are all super smart math whizzes and destined to become doctors and engineers. Just a short listen to Yo Yo Ma, a Chinese-American cellist, will expand this short-sighted thinking. Yo Yo Ma may well be a math whiz, I don't know. But I do know that he is an exceptionally creative individual. It would have been a great loss if he chose not to play, but instead to conform to stereotypical expectations.]]> 2016-10-16 20:31:02 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/130996740 stedina12 https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/131030683 I believe that there are a number of ways in which an educator can combat negative stereotypes for Asian Americans - certainly more than I could immediately list. Of what comes to mind though...

1. We need to encourage students to be open with and about themselves. This in turn encourages understanding, and, seeing as the root of stereotype tends to be ignorance, combats the stereotype reinforcement. If we assist our students in learning about each each other and understanding difference early on, as opposed to simply acknowledging that "everyone is different", we could make a huge change.  

2. Second we need to actively and constantly find a common ground with which to assess all students from. The second we start focusing on individualized public commentary and notice (ie. special treatment) is the second we start walking down a dangerous road. To do this, educators need to understand and know each and every one of their students, what affects them personally, and how to avoid singling them out.

3. Destroy the stereotype. Outwardly take time to combat it, but subtly connect it to the classroom. Don't point out that "Eddy is an Asian, so won't have to be like 'insert stereotype here', but instead assist the students in coming to understand themselves that that stereotype is harmful. The more we can help, instead of simply just "tell" the more likely we are to leave a lasting impression.]]> 2016-10-17 03:47:23 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/131030683 Allison Richmond https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/131540668 If there is one place to begin to eliminate the perpetuation of negative stereotypes, it would certainly be the classroom. Of all those impacted by stereotypes it is the adolescents who are the most heavily affected by the media and culture's ideas of who they are and who they should be. As teachers, it is our job to try to alleviate this instances. While I think it is impossible to completely eliminate this sort of thinking in our culture, there are several ways that  educators can try to get rid of these stereotypes.

1. A curriculum that focuses not on one side of history but on multiple sides will help to eliminate negative stereotypes. A multi-faceted history of all people's involvement and thoughts on an event or idea will ensure that no one is dominated by any of the others.

2.  When studying literature, it is also important to provide a broad spectrum of authors of many different nationalities and ethnicities. It is very easy to get bogged down with Western writers and thinkers, but it is necessary to expand the horizons of the class and of the students in order to see other greats from other cultures. In including the Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Dickens, it is necessary to also include Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Amy Tan.

3. In order to break such stereotypes, it is also helpful to introduce students to Asian-Americans who have broken the stereotypes surrounding them. When possible, include a discussion on great Asian-Americans such as Michele Kwan, Hines Ward, and so on, all of whom break the mold of being labeled only smart and nothing else.]]> 2016-10-18 16:25:38 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/131540668 Patrick Jennings  patjennings174 https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/131635071 Breaking stereotypes in the classroom can be hard, especially if you teach at a school that is very diverse or is all of one race. I think one of the most important and first things that should be done when breaking a stereotype is having the students get to know each other. This can be done on the first day and can be a small activity. 
The second thing that i would do is have lesson plans that familiarize these students with the asian background or any ethnicity period. Small lesson plans or incorporating it into your readings can show the students how their race isn't really different from one another. 
The last thing I would would is have the children get to realize how much of an impact stereotyping can have on a child's identity. This can done by even showing them what bullying can do to a child's self esteem and even cause depression. Showing the students that these stereotypes cause more harm them good and having them put themselves in those shoes can help prevent the kids from making fun of each other in all aspects of life.
]]> 2016-10-18 20:37:47 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/131635071 Success!  By Lee Alexander https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/132674652 Aziz Ansari is a successful Asian-American. He had a leading role in the hit comedy series Parks and Recreation. He is also a standup comedian (his stand up is not clean and not something I promote), however his role in Parks & Rec is hilarious! He plays an incompetent government employee who is absorbed by himself. He has starred in a number of different roles in TV shows and movies. He is an example of someone who has overcome the stereotype of being Asian and he often uses his race and the stereotypes as a platform in his comedy. ]]> 2016-10-24 13:01:59 UTC https://padlet.com/sy150829/v7sf8tafdf51/wish/132674652