ABSTRACT
The popular contemporary image of Asian Americans as the “model minority” is of relatively recent vintage and the result of an amazingly rapid transformation in the American public’s consciousness that has only taken place over the past decade or two. Paradoxically, during some 150 years preceding this period, Asians in this country were usually depicted by dehumanizing stereotypes that conjured up visions of invading “yellow hordes.” 1 They were also victims of some of the most repressive, vicious and humiliating acts of racism ever directed against any minority group, acts which have been well documented. 2
