Model Minority Myth, Al Sharpton, and Reverse Racism

The Model Minority Myth is active racism that is directly harming Asian Americans. It reduces a large group of the world’s population into a simple stereotype and places unwarranted burdens and expectations on Asian American and erases any who struggle to live up to them. This simple stereotype presumptions include academic (especially math and science) and financial, success, social/ political timidness, a strong work ethic, and strict parenting. In the chapter titled “But What if I Hate Al Sharpton” discusses different points of view on African Americans in the country fighting for equality and whether they are “nice enough” while doing so. Oluo says that black people deserve equality and therefore should not be criticized for the way they choose to fight for said equality. She tells readers that if they really care about equality, then they will support people’s efforts no matter the way they choose to stand up for themselves. She brings up the example of MLK and Malcolm X. While both were fighting racial oppressions, people rend to see MLK in a greater light and judge Malcolm X for his violence. Wanda Sykes refers to reverse racism as “karma”, because white people tend to get defensive when other races receive something or are “gifted” something that they are not. This relates back to white privilege, and how white people often think they deserve it all because that’s how society has acted for centuries. All three of these concepts connect because they all have to do with stereotypes and misconceptions that lead to a greater conversation and struggle regarding racial oppression and racial equality. Oluo urges readers to avoid using these stereotypes and thought patterns, because everyone deserves the same level of equality in this country.