Communication ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-7-2022

Abstract

The model minority myth (MMM) is predicated on stereotypical perceptions of Asian Americans as subservient high-achievers who comply with the ideologies of meritocracy, whiteness, and capitalism. However, South Asian American (SAA) activists and community organisers, the focus of this study, are working to confront and abolish racist, heterosexist, and other exclusionary injustices, policies, and practices. This dissertation seeks to understand the historical influences of the MMM, the challenges SAA activists and organisers face, and the communication strategies they use to negotiate the MMM through their activism. Oral history methods and critical thematic analysis are used to elicit and analyse personal narratives of 20 activists and organisers. Divided into 12 themes and 24 subthemes, these anecdotes convey their abilities to unmodel the MMM by challenging ideologies of meritocracy, individualism, orientalism, and capitalism to reframe what it means to do better for future generations and break (or reduce) cycles of trauma.

Language

English

Keywords

South Asian American, Oral History, Model Minority Myth, Critical Intercultural Communication, Queer Activists, Asian American Studies

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Communication

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Communication and Journalism

First Committee Member (Chair)

David Weiss

Second Committee Member

Miguel Gandert

Third Committee Member

Jaelyn deMaria

Fourth Committee Member

Rupal Oza

Project Sponsors

The Organization for Research of Women and Communication

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