An unlikely hero: American Born Chinese challenges the model minority myth
This has implications for an average teenage boy Jin Wang (Ben Wang), the protagonist of the Disney+ series American Born Chinese (2023).
- This has implications for an average teenage boy Jin Wang (Ben Wang), the protagonist of the Disney+ series American Born Chinese (2023).
- American Born Chinese has attracted the attention and praise of major news outlets such as The Washington Post, The New York Times and The Atlantic.
- American Born Chinese focuses on Wei-Chen (Jimmy Liu), son of the Monkey King.
- American Born Chinese is a recent addition to stories of young people who grapple with what it means to be successful.
Success, youth, and the model minority stereotype
- He doesn’t fit into the model minority stereotype which essentialises Asian Americans as hardworking, docile and family-oriented high achievers.
- The model minority can be found in films such as The Joy Luck Club (1993) and young adult novels like Girl in Translation (2010).
- However, they are unlike stereotypical Asian American “tiger” parents because they do not pressure him to do well at school.
- It is only when he stands up for his wife at the principal’s office that their relationship improves.
A hero without superpowers
- Freddy tells him,
a hero doesn’t always have to have superpowers. - A hero is someone who goes on a journey, shows courage, helps others.
- a hero doesn’t always have to have superpowers.
- A hero is someone who goes on a journey, shows courage, helps others.
Redefining Success
- Our research on conceptualisations of children and success in Asia has shown that media representations about young people have moved beyond narrow definitions of achievements as academically oriented.
- It encompasses the cultivation of positive personal qualities and good morals for the benefit of the community.
- In the season one finale, Jin embraces a new definition of success.