EP117: The Model Minority Myth with Dr. Sumun L. Pendakur

In The Margins

In this episode, Diverse host Ralph Newell sits down with noted DEI expert and strategist Dr. Sumun L. Pendakur.

Named one of the top 35 women in higher education by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine, Pendakur speaks to the racist framing behind the label “model minority,” the chilling and silencing effects of red state legislation, and why protesting affirmative action is opposition to the promise of education.

KEY POINTS:

• Why the “model minority” label is so problematic
• How the model minority myth masks the experiences of Asian American students
• Challenges facing undocumented Asian students
• The importance of targeted spaces and cultural centers
• Is anti-affirmative action really just anti-racial justice?
• Racial battle fatigue on the already marginalized
• Unseen DEI barriers in higher education

QUOTABLES:

“The model minority naming is designed to create division. It’s designed as part of a design, divide, and conquer strategy.” - Dr. Sumun L. Pendakur

“There's no good stereotype, because it creates a narrowing of possibility.” - Dr. Sumun L. Pendakur

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About Dr. Sumun L. Pendakur: http://www.sumunpendakur.com/about

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In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)