Producing an Oppositional Gaze

Politicians and media created a “new myth” by celebrating Asian “success” The “model minority” puts an emphasis on education and work They are at the top of their classes and excel in school They preserve the “American dream” by living up to the bedrock values of America. Ex; religion, school, fiscal responses (financial, cooperation and love) The truth is there are low income Asian American families and they do not all fit the requirements of the model minority, household income is not properly accounted for

Tiger children are reinforcing stereotypes by attaining the highest GPA’s, gaining the appearance of assumed intellect Asian American children reinforce academia stereotypes by going through with the education pushed on them by parents Estrange themselves from peers to focus on academics, reinforcing the lack of social skills and passive personality stereotype

Success in private and prep high schools, leading to success in Ivy League post-secondary education Hard-working and submissive and doing what is expected of them to contribute to American society This leads to the back-lash and the rise of the anti-Asian, ex; alumni are concerned Asian Americans are taking “their” children's’ spots as well as the overt racial slurs from student peers

The bamboo ceiling is an invisible barrier that reinforces triangulation in the corporate structure “Asians make it to the junior levels while few make it above that to reach higher leadership roles” such as CEOs or high profile positions The problem is not whether their culture encourages a reserved manner but whether they have opportunities for social activities that have traditionally been the exclusive preserve of white men It is a part of the bitter undercut of Asian American life that meritocracy comes to an abrupt end after graduation “smiling is something I had to actively practice” JT Tran

“I am the child of Korean immigrants, but do not speak my parents’ native tongue.. I don’t believe our roots define us, I do believe there are racially inflected assumptions wired into our neural circuitry” Wesley Yang

Drawing upon the UCLA video, what is it that creates racial clash? What is the difference between Asian American success and Asian Canadian success? Is there a need to sacrifice social life for academics, particularly in Asian culture? Is “tiger mom” parenting common in today’s Asian Canadian Culture? As Wesley Yang says, “It’s my face. I can’t disclaim it. But what does it have to do with me?” Elaborate on the estranged face phenomenon Do you think the glass ceiling is a real problem in Canada? (hint; film, business or other media)

Ching Chong! Asians in the Library Song (Response to UCLA's Alexandra Wallace) old lady eats five dollars ( quiznos commercial ) youtu.be/nVK3eWjeOLkyoutu.be/nVK3eWjeOLk