Although the model minority myth may seem like a positive representation of the Asian community, it fails to acknowledge the darker side of constant perfection
The model minority myth paints Asians as highly successful individuals due to their innate intellect. However, is their intelligence truly innate or does the pressure of conformity cause the Asian community to succeed in this standard? Society tends to view this community as perfect individuals that all racialized people should aspire to be.
However, is their intelligence truly innate, or does the pressure of conformity cause the Asian community to succeed in this standard?
However, the conceptualization of the Asian community as a "superior" minority group also isolates them from the broader racialized population.
This narrative has also been perpetuated in television as it reflects how society views Asians compared to other racialized individuals. For example, The Proud Family episode titled "Teacher's Pet" explicitly perpetuates this narrative that all Asians are high achievers with innate intelligence.
The model minority construct places the Asian community within a confined box where there is immense pressure to achieve success. Then to ensure success, Asian cultures tends to prioritize nurturing their child's intelligence, though sometimes to the detriment of other aspects of their lives, including their mental health.
Just as in any other community, there are those within the Asian community who may struggle in STEM-related subjects, while others may have challenges with the arts. However, for this community in particular, failure to live up to this myth can cause a disconnect between an individual's actual self, and ideal self, in turn further degrading their mental health as they may feel like they are not living up to their potential. Furthermore, to achieve this standard set forth by the model minority myth, people hide the areas they struggle in which leads to neglected mental health.
The model minority construct enacts harsher consequences on outliers, inducing stigma around mental health that prevents the Asian community from accessing the support they need. Additionally, this construct limits appropriate support for Asians as society sees their success and not their struggles. Why would an intelligent and successful population require support?
We also tend to overlook the socioeconomic barriers Asians face, hindering their ability to achieve the model minority construct.
The model minority construct especially can impact Asian individuals who experience adverse circumstances beyond their control; they are still expected to perform as well as their peers, or better, as the pressure to achieve perfection remains constant, even at the cost of their mental health. Success is the only option, leading their needs to be overlooked as society fails to see beyond the model minority myth.
However, by acknowledging that this myth often does more harm than good, we can work towards rewriting the dominant narrative and creating a safe space for people to relieve the pressures of perfection.
The Proud Family reboot, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, aired "Curved," an episode paralleling "Teacher's Pet." During the lunchroom scene, Penny frantically asks the Chang Triplets to join the debate club, thereby perpetuating the dominant narrative. As Penny is desperate to win the debate competition, it is implied that Asian individuals will give her the best chance of succeeding due to their intellectual superiority.
However, as we grow more aware of the dominant narrative, we learn to resist it. "Curved" demonstrates this as the Triplets confront Penny about perpetuating the model minority construct. Rejecting Penny's requests demonstrates that each triplet holds interests beyond stereotypically academic activities associated with the model minority ideals, reinforcing that society should recognize individuality rather than the stereotype.
Similarly, we can resist the dominant narrative by confronting and educating those perpetuating it. Creating alternative narratives that showcase contrast to the dominant narrative creates opportunities for society to change its perception of Western constructs.
By acknowledging that this myth often does more harm than good, we are working towards rewriting the dominant narrative and creating a safe space for people to relieve the pressures of perfection. By allowing the Asian community to explore their interests and be who they truly are as opposed to what society expects them to be, it also opens the conversation on mental health and accessing support.
Taqueria Marina is the above ground counterpart to Shaolin, the underground Southeast Asian restaurant with whom it shares a kitchen. The sister late-night food spots make up two thirds of the James Street North restaurants owned by Born and Raised Restaurant owner, Chef Vittorio Colacitti. You can order from both Taqueria Marina and Shaolin’s menu from Taqueria Marina’s space.
Once you walk into Taqueria Marina and pass the stairs leading down to Shaolin, a decorative couch sits on your right and the bar on your left. You seat yourself at one of the tables for either two or four. There is an exposed brick wall covered in photographs of notable Hamiltonians. The restaurant boasts low-lighting, exposed pipes and tasteful greenery.
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Taqueria Marina’s head chef is Sebastian Sanchez. The restaurant is named after Sanchez’s great-grandmother, Marina, who opened a fonda, a small, home-like restaurant, in 1912 in Autlan, Mexico. The menu at Taqueria Marina consists of shareable appetizers, tacos, cocktails, beer and an ever-growing and changing selection of tequila and mezcal.
True to its name, Taqueria Marina prides itself on its tacos. The tortillas are made from heirloom Mexican corn that undergo a 48 hour soaking and hand-grinding process. A wood-fired oven then roasts the ingredients for the tacos. With four very different tacos, there’s something for everyone.
Take the 5 or 51 from campus heading downtown for about 20 minutes until you reach Main Street West at MacNab Street South. From the bus stop, it’s about a 15-minute walk. Continue on Main Street West until you reach James Street North, where you turn left. Opposite Born and Raised Restaurant at James Street North and Robert Street, Taqueria Marina is also located on the left.
Tacos are $7 each. Shareable appetizer ranges from $5.00 to $15.00. Beer starts at $5 and cocktails start at $12. The tequila and mescal list is always changing. Check their socials for details on weekly specials.
Shaolin’s menu is a little more expensive, with prices ranging from $5 for Sweet and Spicy Nuts to $20 for an extra-large Wonton Soup. Drinks range from $12 to $16. Desserts are under $6.
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Definitely try the Mole de Coco, a shrimp taco with coconut-cashew mole and salsa verde. True to its word, the tortilla is delicious and the coconut-cashew mole works wonderfully with the shrimp, managing to be flavourful without being overpowering.
Flip your menu and peruse Shaolin’s options as well. I’d recommend the Shaolin Bao. With kung-fu chicken, pickles and scallions on a soft steamed bun, these addictive baos are well-seasoned and full-flavoured.
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I found the decor really interesting. It’s both casual and candlelit, with a brick wall meeting a metal ceiling. From the photographs on the wall to the painted pumpkins celebrating the Day of the Dead, there was always something to look at.
Taqueria Marina is a great place to go with a small group of friends. It’s casual enough in vibe and menu, but also feels intimate and special with its candlelit tables and cozy space. With the shareable items and the finger food, it’s fun, social and messy food.
The double menu also means that there’s something for everyone. There are vegan and gluten-free options and our server asked us if we had any allergies. The two cuisines produce a variety that will likely satisfy many individual tastes.
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