Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
When I graduated high school, I was voted most likely to attain a PhD.
All my friends thought it was amazing to be recognized since it was very plausible.
I was at the top of my class.
Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight
I was thinking about pursuing one too; however, I felt conflicted.
Why didnt I want to be known as the smart one in the class?
Why didnt I want people to think I have the ambition to pursue such an accomplishment?
As an Asian female, I fit many stereotypes.
I am introverted and quiet.
I have a strong work ethic.
I did well in school and didnt like being in the spotlight.
But there are many stereotypes I dont fit.
I speak English fluently without an accent.
I can lead and Im definitely not a bad driver.
I knew what negative stereotypes were and how they made me feel.
But these seemingly positive ones made me feel just as horrible.
Being Depersonalized and Feeling Undifferentiated
I knew what negative stereotypes were and how they made me feel.
But these seemingly positive ones made me feel just as horrible.
Being grouped with all the other Asians meant I didnt have a chance to stand out.
I might as well accept my fate and blend into the sea of soy sauce.
They are such good and hard-working people.
I love their food.
On the inside, I want to scream, Im Chinese, not Vietnamese.
I dont know the Nguyens.
Im sure theyre great people.
Im here on a trip with some friends for a few days and Im out.
But then I push those feelings down and internalize my frustrations.
Ill convince myself to act indifferent, justifying their ignorance by their lack of exposure to different cultures.
Its the small-town charm, right?
Do Positive Stereotypes Lead to Other Stereotypes?
One of my first real jobs was as a research assistant.
I jumped to my feet and immediately rushed over.
I wanted to prove myself, give a good impression, and was eager to help.
I entered his office and looked at the screen.
It was a relatively easy issue to fix.
I did my thing and he thanked me.
I felt proud of myself as I walked back to my office.
I sat down in my chair and I looked around.
I shared the space with three other research assistants, all non-Asian but with very similar educational backgrounds.
Excel is something I am proficient in and had in my CV.
Then I started pondering whether I was also being negatively stereotyped.
Does he also think Im a worker bee?
Does he also think I wont speak up during meetings?
Does he also think I cant lead and will only follow instructions like a robot?
Will I be at the bottom of the list for promotions and management positions?
Constantly questioning why I was being recognized affected my confidence and self-esteem.
What If I Don’t Live Up to Those Standards?
Youre supposed to be smart and successful, right?
It showed that those who were exposed to these conditions had trouble concentrating and ended up with poorer results.
What happens when an individual cant live up to these standards?
In my life, Ive had threeanxiety attacks.
I was in the 10th grade when I experienced my first.
I was in math class and I couldnt solve the first question on a pop quiz.
I couldnt put anything on paper because I didnt know what to write.
Anything that came into my mind felt like the wrong answer.
Thefear of failurecompletely took control of my body physically, emotionally, and mentally.
My heart was pounding faster and faster.
Czopp AM, Kay AC, Cheryan S.Positive stereotypes are pervasive and powerful.Perspect Psychol Sci.
2000;11(5):399-402. doi:10.1111/1467-9280.00277
