Explorations in Ethnic Studies
Orginal Publication Date
1989
Journal Title
Explorations in Ethnic Studies
Volume
12
Issue
ees/vol12/iss1
First Page
27
Last Page
28
Abstract
The author of "Asians, Jews, and the Legacy of Midas" presents a provocative comparative analysis of Asians and Jews. Spector utilizes both a cultural and economic basis for understanding the function of Asian stereotyping and applies his analysis to the Jewish situation. While the American context provides the locus of his research, he does present his argument in an international context. Spector illustrates how the categorization of Asians and Jews as the "model" for economic success is dehumanizing as such a perception "drain(s) the life out of human beings and concretizes them into non-human statues." The conclusion of this author's work in dealing with oppression based in stereotype is actually a starting point which scholars should begin addressing. To be sure, the model minority, as applied to Asians and Jews, has generated numerous articles and papers, and yet scholars have failed to develop analyses which reflect an interdisciplinary and historical approach to the reasons for propagating such stereotypes.
Rights
Copyright, ©EES, The National Association for Ethnic Studies, 1989