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Report proves model minority myth is just a myth

June 16, 2015

San Diego’s large Asian American population is debunking the model minority myth according to a new report. Students at San Diego State University students walk on campus in San Diego. (AP file)

By Brian Han

Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group in Southern California’s San Diego County, and more and more of them fall outside of the model minority myth says a new report.

“Often times, people think Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are successful economically and socially, but when you look at the data through ethnic groups, you see that is not the case,” said Kristin Sakaguchi, a research analyst at Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles states in the study.

Furthermore, she suggests that they might be the largest growing group in the nation.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles utilized data from the 2010 census to see if this rapid growth equated to growing success among Asian Americans.

As it turns out, unemployment numbers have risen within these communities during that span and rose approximately 95 percent for Asian Americans between 2007 and 2013.

“Many are struggling and among the poorest and have the lowest educational attainment,” Sakaguchi said.

In fact, 56 percent of those Asian Americans in San Diego County are living below the poverty line.