A Model Minority

According to Time magazine, even American intellectuals acknowledged that Asian Americans had overcome American youth’s indifference and revitalized their spirit. They admitted that “Their presence is going to be a great blessing for society.” (p. 53). A Span magazine report (December 1987) quoted a middleaged New Yorker as saying: Thank God for the Asians. They are bringing back standards to our schools (p. 32). Asian Americans gained another advantage when they achieved economic respectability: their culture also began to be viewed with honour. Their national traditions started to be respected by Americans. These Asian Americans regard Confucius as their spiritual leader. When one admirable quality of Asian Americans became clear to Americans, they associated that trait with their national sage, Confucius. The exemplary conduct of Asian Americans brought attention to their religion and culture within American society. According to a Span magazine report, the president of New York University stated that: “When I look at our Asian-American students, I am certain that much of their success is due to Confucianism.” (p.32) In direct competition with ordinary Americans, Asian immigrants often proved to be overqualified. In this way, they became a challenge and a motivation for Americans. They inspired a new spirit of hard work among American youth. Because Asian immigrants solved their own problems