Early Career Scholars Talk by Dr. Jacqueline Yi (Univ of Washington) at Haverford College

"Beyond the Model Minority: Pathways from Internalized Racism to Antiracism for Asian Americans"
Dr. Jacqueline Yi (Univ of Washington Bothell)
Mon, Nov 2nd, 4:30pm in Sharpless Auditorium (Sharpless Hall, Haverford)

Abstract: The model minority myth portrays Asian Americans as a homogenous, “problem-free” racial group that has overcome racial barriers through hard work and cultural virtues. Although often framed as a positive stereotype, this narrative obscures Asian Americans' experiences of oppression and minimizes the role of structural forces that shape racial inequity. In this presentation, Dr. Yi examines how the model minority myth contributes to internalized racism among Asian Americans and explores its consequences for psychological well-being and antiracist engagement. Drawing on meta-analytic evidence, Dr. Yi will first present her research on the psychological toll of internalized racism for Asian Americans (James & Yi, 2026). She will then share her quantitative and qualitative work on how internalizing the model minority myth can shape Asian Americans' responses to racism, including reduced engagement in antiracist practices (Yi & Todd, 2021, 2023). Dr. Yi will conclude by discussing implications for clinical and community-based interventions that promote critical consciousness, psychological healing, and collective liberation for Asian Americans and other marginalized communities.

Sponsored by the Haverford Psychology Department and the TriCo Asian American Studies Program. Generously funded by the Early Career Scholars Fund in the Office of the Provost at Haverford College.