1. Introduction to Asian American Studies
ETHN 14:
Introduction to Asian American Studies
Department of Ethnic Studies & Asian American Studies Program
California State University, Sacramento
Week 14 Session 2
Beyond the Model Minority Myth:
Health Inequities among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

2. Last Time Examine the Model Minority Myth
Discuss the Model Minority Myth and its Political Ramifications in Higher Education

3. Today Revisit the Model Minority Myth (MMM)
Discuss MMM and its implication on the health outcomes of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs)
Review health disparities & stats among AAPIs
Moving forward, what can we do!

4. What is the Model Minority Myth (MMM)
MMM is a stereotype that generalizes Asian Americans by depicting them (us) as the perfect example of an if-they-can-do-it-so-can-you success story.
Political strategy that highlights the success of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Indian immigrants with a specific professional and educational background.
A historical and presently used tool designed to protect institutionalized white supremacy and validate anti-black racism
The terms assimilation and acculturation wholly applies to the historical context of the MMS
“the model minority stereotype is not as flattering as it may first appear. The expectation of overachievement diminishes individual accomplishment and diversity amongst people of Asian descent by making them all seem the same. By portraying Asians as successful, it also effectively silences them and conceals racism against them.”

5. What is the Model Minority Myth (MMM)
Article by By David Brand Monday, Aug. 31, 1987
The term “model minority” was first introduced to the public by sociologist William Peterson in a 1966 New York Times article entitled “Success Story, Japanese American Style.” Peterson purported that the Japanese cultural emphasis on hard work was a mechanism for overcoming discrimination and achieving success post World War II.
Perpetuating Peterson’s views, U.S. News and World Report published an article called “Success Story of One Minority Group in U.S.” in 1968, and Newsweek published “Success Story: Outwhiting the Whites” in 1971.
In 1987, TIME Magazine’s cover headlined “Those Asian-American Whiz Kids” with a smiling group of young Asian-American students. The Asian-American community has for decades been presented as a homogenous group of people who 1) work hard 2) never complain and 3) live with above average success and satisfaction—a dangerous myth calcified by the media and ingrained in the minds of the public.

6. Implications of MMM on AAPI Health
AAPIs are often viewed as the ‘‘model minority’’ characterized as universally intelligent, successful, and at low risk for problem and health behaviors.
As result…
Little public health concern or research regarding AAPI health.
Lack of data on specific ethnicities and groups that can reveal health disparities that exist in our community.
Lack of services and policies to address health inequities among AAPIs.

7. Top 10 Leading Cause of Death
Leading Cause of Death Among AAPIs in 2010:
1. Cancer (AAPI is the only group where cancer is leading cause of death.)
2. Heart Disease
3. Stroke
4. Unintentional Injuries
5. Diabetes
6. Influenza
7. Pneumonia
8. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases
9. Alzheimer's Disease
10. Suicide

8. AAPI Health Inequities: Cancer
Cancer is the leading cause of death for AAPIs in the U.S.
AAPI women have the lowest cancer screenings rates
Usually diagnosed at a later stage compared to other racial and ethnic groups
Certain types of cancer includes: tuberculosis & Hepatitis B.

9. AAPI Health Inequities: Hepatitis B
AAPIs account for over half of deaths resulting from chronic Hepatitis B infection in the U.S. 
Vietnamese-American women have cervical cancer rates five times those of White.
AAPIs are 3 to 13 times more likely to die from liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B than Whites.
Chinese Americans are 6 times at higher risk
Korean Americans are 8 times higher risk
Vietnamese Americans are 13 times higher risk.
HBV is now preventable with a safe and efficacious vaccine; however many AAPIs are unaware of the vaccine.
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a virus which can cause
lifelong liver damage and even death. Not all
people with chronic HBV infection will feel
sick, but they carry the virus in their blood and
can pass it on to others. HBV was recognized
more than 40 years ago and is now
preventable with a safe and efficacious
vaccine; however many AAPIs are unaware of
the vaccine.

10. AAPI Health Inequities: Mental Health
Mental health problems in AAPI communities are disturbingly high, yet its services are inadequate. 
AAPI women aged 65 years and over have the highest suicide rate in the country compared with any other population in that age group.
AAPIs adolescent girls reportedly have the highest rates of depressive symptoms compared to girls of other ethnicities. 
Southeast Asian refugees (Hmong, Mien, Vietnamese & Cambodian) are at risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) associated with trauma experienced before and after immigration to the United States

11. AAPI Health Inequities: Health Insurance
Access to health care is significantly affected by coverage status. Individuals without insurance are more likely to lack a usual source of care.
Among nonelderly uninsured AAPIs (52%) lack a usual source of care, compared to Whites (45%)
The uninsured are less likely to have been to a doctor’s office in the past year.
AAPIs (39%) are more likely to have not had a visit to the doctor compared with Whites (51%).

12. AAPI Health Inequities: Language Barriers
AAPIs report not seeking medical care due to language barriers.
60% of Asian-Americans were born in another country, the highest proportion of any ethnic group.
More than 70% speak a language other than English at home and 1/3 of AAPIs have limited English proficiency.
AAPIs face cultural and linguistic barriers that may discourage or prevent them from accessing health care services available to them.
Many doctors do not understand AAPI cultures, religions, values – this puts constraints on an individual from seeking proper care and affects the way community understands health.
As a result, this contributes to the diagnosis of diseases in the later stages leading to untreatable conditions for AAPIs.
AAPIs comprise great religious diversity.
This includes, but is not limited to Filipino & Vietnamese Catholics; Lao, Tibetan,
Cambodian, and Burmese Buddhists; and Chinese Buddhists, Fulong Gongs and
Confucians.
The Asian Indian community alone includes Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and
Christians.
The Hmong have shamanism or ancestral worship and Chao-Fa.
Religious beliefs that the mainstream have yet to understand, but affect the way each
community understands health

13. How do we eliminate health disparities in AAPI communities?
Need DISAGGREGATED health data on AAPIs!!!
More research on the health of AAPIs to fully understand the needs of these populations in order to develop solutions for improved access to and quality health care.
Increase PREVENTIVE health education, screenings, interpreter services, navigator programs, and MORE thoughtful & deliberate community outreach to AAPIs.
Get involve with a local AAPI community non-profits, AAPI health organizations and community clinics who’s doing amazing work each and every day!

14. Questions?
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mai Yang Vang, MA/MPH
Cell: