The Falcon • Thursday, December 10, 2020Opinion 2

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As the United States (US) continues to be a part of an ever-globalizing world, its cultural landscape is constantly changing and diversifying. However, as Asian culture has diffused into the American mainstream, Asian American communities have experienced a duality of both positive and negative impacts.

For example, the stereotype that all Asians are smarter and more industrious than their peers, a phenomenon known as the model minority myth, has grown in recent years. This myth has harmed many Asian American communities by not only creating a sweeping generalization about a diverse group of people, but by building a societal pressure or expectation to fit into this norm of success.

“The model minority myth [...] ignores the reality of systemic racism that Asian Americans continue to encounter,” the University of Southern California (USC) Pacific Asia Museum said. As USC explains, the model minority myth undermines the struggles and difficulties that Asian Americans face.

Furthermore, the model minority myth perpetuates the idea that Asian Americans are “better” than other minorities. This exacerbates racism against African American and Latinx communities by indirectly criticizing or blaming these groups for the social disenfranchisement they face.

In addition to the model minority myth and the

stereotypes Asian Americans face, underlying anti-Asian sentiment has been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. For example, as COVID-19 continues to take a toll on America, hate crimes and derogatory speech have increased dramatically.

“Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Asians and people of Asian descent have been targets of derogatory language in media reports and statements by politicians

as well as on social media platforms,” the Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported. Despite this

increase in anti-Asian sentiment, the federal government has failed to act,

compounding the problem. Much of this crime goes unchecked, allowing xenophobic and racist ideals to continue to grow.

However, the diffusion of Asian culture in America has not been without benefits for minority communities. As Asian pop culture such as Korean

Popular music (K-pop) and anime continue to be integrated

into the cultural mainstream, Asian American communities

see major societal benefits.As Asian culture becomes popularized,

it is increasingly recognized and appreciated by people outside of Asian American communities. This helps

to decrease the marginalized feeling that many minorities face when their customs and practices seem cut off from society.

The popularization of Asian culture in the US has increased recognition of Asian American customs, while simultaneously perpetuating negative stereotypes that surround Asian communities. Despite this, Asian American culture continues to grow and prosper, playing an increasing role in the US.

By CONNOR EUBANKCopy Editor

EvEnt Coordinator

With the arrival of fall comes a flood of holidays, a notorious one being Thanksgiving. While some individuals may question why this holiday would be labeled as notorious, The Falcon staff recognizes that this ignorance is one of the many problems facing our country: a lack of proper education on the history behind Thanksgiving.

Since elementary school, students have been “educated” on the subject of Thanksgiving. However, the ways in which the holiday’s background is presented are often misleading.

Our country’s education system prides itself on teaching others about the United States’ (US) rich history. And yet, when it is expected to bring light to American faults, our system fails us.

This improper education on the true history of unfortunate events, such as Thanksgiving, has actually proven to be harmful to ethnic minorities, one being the Native American community.

According to an article by National Public Radio, “62 percent of people [say] that they [are] unacquainted with Native Americans, and most underestimated the degree to which Native Americans experience discrimination.” The article continued by claiming that this disassociation has caused people to rely on common stereotypes of Native Americans such as the idea that they are noble or savage warriors. Not only do these misconceptions dehumanize Native people but also drive Americans further from learning the truth about the full history behind Natives and their improperly-celebrated past.

After considerate discussion, The Falcon has compiled some suggestions for ways in which the US can better recognize its truthful founding. in addition to its clashing with Native Indian culture on holidays such as Thanksgiving.

One of the main problems that contribute to the way in which students are educated on the topic lies in the fact that the actions of English colonists are often glorified and inaccurate; this is done in hopes to instill patriotic pride in young pupils. While it is understandable how harboring

a sense of confidence in one’s country from a young age can be powerful, The Falcon believes that the pursuit of patriotism should not serve as an obstacle for learning real and historically accurate information about Thanksgiving.

The staff proposes that, starting as early as preschool, teachers should slowly introduce the idea that colonists did have many negative impacts on Native Americans. As pupils grow in age, instructors can relay more of the events surrounding English and Native relationships in a truthful manner. In this way, students are able to form their own opinions about the founding of the US while also being taught facts that are appropriate for the maturity level of their age group.

In a final effort to show a factual representation of Native American struggles and the non-idealization of English colonialism in America, The Falcon believes it necessary to bring attention to Columbus Day, which celebrates the arrival of Christoper Columbus and the “discovery of America” in 1492. While it is easy to observe this date in history as the start of American civilization, it is vital to recognize the existence of Native Indians prior to Columbus’ feat. Celebrating Indigenous People’s Day instead of Columbus Day could bring needed awareness to current Native American struggles, as well as call attention to the mistreatment of civilizations throughout America’s past.

In analyzing US holidays, it is crucial that we, as American citizens, use historically-correct information to evaluate the status of America. In doing so, we can both offer opportunities to uplift and amplify marginalized groups, as well as foster a spirit of learning from past mistakes and progressing, united as a nation.

For more information on how you can give back to Native Indian groups this season, visit:

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