Can stereotypes ever be good? - Sheila Marie Orfano and Densho

Explore the model minority stereotype, and discover how it became a label for Asian Americans and is used to enforce racial hierarchies.
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In 2007, researchers surveyed 180 teachers to understand if they held stereotypes about their students. The most commonly held opinion was that Asian students were significantly more industrious, intelligent, and gentle. This might seem like a good thing, but treating this stereotype as reality can cause a surprising amount of harm. Sheila Marie Orfano and Densho dig into the model minority myth.
Lesson by Sheila Marie Orfano and Densho, directed by Léon Moh-Cah.
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Animator's website: leonmohcah.com
Educator's website: densho.org
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Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Phyllis Dubrow, Ophelia Gibson Best, Paul Schneider, Joichiro Yamada, Henrique Cassús, Lyn-z Schulte, Elaine Fitzpatrick, Karthik Cherala, Clarence E. Harper Jr., Vignan Velivela, Ana Maria, Exal Enrique Cisneros Tuch, Tejas Dc, Khalifa Alhulail, Martin Stephen, Dan Paterniti, Jose Henrique Leopoldo e Silva, Elnathan Joshua Bangayan, Jayant Sahewal, Mandeep Singh, Abhijit Kiran Valluri, Kris Siverhus, Devin Harris, Pavel Zalevskiy, Karen Goepen-Wee, Brad Sullivan, Karen Ho, Filip Dabrowski, Barbara Smalley, Megan Douglas, Tim Leistikow, Ka-Hei Law, Hiroshi Uchiyama, Mark Morris, Misaki Sato, EdoKun, Boytsov Ilya, SookKwan Loong, Bev Millar, Lex Azevedo, Noa Shore, Michael Aquilina, Jason A Saslow, Dawn Jordan, Prasanth Mathialagan, Samuel Doerle, David Rosario, Dominik Kugelmann - they-them, Siamak H, Ryohky Araya, Mayank Kaul and Christophe Dessalles.

[@vido7027]

I like how boxes are used in this video, every interaction with a box is uncomfortable for the people.

[@valhatan3907]

Owh, so that was the reason why Squidward hated box.

[@ethandew1768]

They're being "put in a box" with a stereotype

[@Wowlookthereman]

This is good, cuz that's how people feel about stereotypes whether they're positive or negative.

[@GlaciesYin]

Stereotypes in general assume groups to be monolithic, which then results in the entire group taking "responsibility" when one person does for something that goes wrong or is difficult etc. Stereotypes also get worse when the group is generalised further to larger communities. Here's to hoping that we can just be ourselves without feeding into narratives of stereotypes, whether or not we conform to or deviate from those expectations.

[@TouchofShunshine]

" results in the entire group taking "responsibility" when one person does for something that goes wrong or is difficult etc." applies to all groups except 'whites.' When individual white people do wrong it is not blamed on all white people.

[@palody_en-ja]

When my Japanese mom travels, she likes to say that she's representing Japan (therefore be on her best behavior and not do anything embarrassing). Ah, shame culture 😌

[@TouchofShunshine]

@@palody_en-ja it's a shame that all Japanese people didn't act like your relatives.

[@XOPOIIIO]

Why should you care about what people think? I don't understand. You can behave as you want and what you want, it doesn't mean people should make first glance judgements based on their experience.

[@nearby222]

@@TouchofShunshine Yeah that's because it's their background you get judged upon. White is considered the normal in most social circumstances and anything outside of that is subject to stereotyping.

[@bokkun9808]

the amount of times i've heard "how did you fail your test? you're asian, that's impossible" by my classmates makes me feel like i don't deserve anything i've worked hard for since "it's because i'm asian"

[@hanneknutsen886]

If you've worked hard for it, you've worked hard for it. Give yourself the credit you deserve for your work!

[@genekendrick679]

😂😂 don't worry kid you'll pull through

[@phreedomx5035]

-_- people really can't take anything anymore, wow.

[@jackgoff4859]

The stereotype of asians is that they literally work harder than others. What credit do you deserve for failing all these tests exactly? lol

[@bamb8s436]

Don t worry man. U r asian. U ll figure it out (jockin lol)

[@micahbush5397]

Let's take a moment to acknowledge that the "model minority" concept doesn't really apply to Asians generally, but to East Asians specifically (Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese). Southeast Asians, Central Asians, Indians, and most people from the Middle East are also Asians, yet they suffer their own challenges and stereotypes.

[@ghostderazgriz]

"Model minority" can apply to any race friend. but yeah, of course that different groups have their own stereotypes.

[@jomjomaa]

exactly! i was quite disappointed that they didn’t clarify this/make that distinction in the video

[@Stilllife1999]

That's another bias in itself (I don't know if bias is the right word, maybe someone can suggest the correct one). Thinking that Asian are only Japanese, Chinese and Korean. Forgetting about the Indians, Bangladeshis, Bhutanese, etc. Asia is a huge continent with 30+ countries and numerous racially and ethically diverse groups.

[@andreizonga4611]

@@Stilllife1999 I think what you are trying to suggest is cherry picking: thinking only about groups that prove your statement (or, in this case, stereotype) right.

[@Stilllife1999]

@@puffy_jr7521 yep. I'm sure that's the case with a lot of people. Or it's their job to do research and know that as educational content creators? Regardless, I think it's safe to assume that the creators of this video will know Asia more than a few countries. And yet they used Asian just to refer to a few groups of interest. I'm not saying we should or shouldn't be mad about it or something. I'm just agreeing and building on what op said.

[@imachickencake5812]

I agree, this “positive” stereotype is still a harmful one nonetheless. In my case, I believed (and still sort of do) that everything I’ve accomplished academically/musically is not deserved, and people just expect it anyways, which makes me feel like an imposter. Justice for people who DO fit the stereotype; I am a ‘stereotypical Asian’ in many ways but I’m still me and don’t want to lose my sense of person by being put in a box. Cool vid!

[@XOPOIIIO]

Hard work shouldn't be denied but neither genetics.

[@sophialin1802]

Same. I feel pressured to be good 'cause it's "expected" of me, but also pressure to break the stereotype -- which means do mediocre work. Most non-Asians don't realize how difficult having to juggle both feelings at once is.

[@thegoodthebadandtheugly579]

I am not Asian but I am still expected to work hard and do my best 😂 perfectionism and judgement is embedded into my family’s culture and it has nothing to do with the culture of my home country or the nation or the history.. to all the Asians who feel they are being pushed more than others - are you sure it’s not just a family thing instead of a race thing? Do you know any asian people who are not in a similar situation like you? Whose parents are actually much more relaxed? What’s the proportion? And how many non-Asian people do you know who are either hardworking or not? I personally really hate identity politics and thinking about human fellow beings in those generalised terms. Yes, you are Asian, but no - you can be anyone you want and choose and fight to be. And by the way - whether you are Asian or not, other people (including family, friends, institutions, colleagues, strangers) all try to make you into someone who you probably are not, or at least are not trying to be or see yourself being.. that’s not a race thing, that’s just how society and human interaction works..

[@FeuchteGurke]

i- i- im- imp imposter??? sus?

[@animewatcher102]

@@thegoodthebadandtheugly579 It can be a family thing but "you are supposed to do well because your Asian" is a separate societal pressure layered on top of it and will apply to you by people you have just met regardless of your actual academic ability.

[@datcatcatcat]

"If you do not have a stereotype, the government will assign one to you"

[@ProduccionesKCras]

I'm an "anti-vaxxer" just because i don't trust criminal companies, like Pfizer. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@l.n.3372]

@@ProduccionesKCras Then all that says is that you don't trust doctors, scientists, medicine or academics

[@hemlock42069]

@@ProduccionesKCras I have never wanted to be infected with covid and hug someone till I saw your comment.

[@ProduccionesKCras]

@@l.n.3372 I understand that there are a lot of corrupt doctors, scientists and academics. I'm not saying that I trust no one. Learn to read between the lines.

[@l.n.3372]

@@ProduccionesKCras Yes, clearly as an anti vax person, you don't trust logic or science or reasoning. You clearly believe you're smarter than medical professionals and academics with decades more knowledge and study than you have. It's not about trust, if you believe you know better than experienced doctors and medical professionals. It's your own arrogance.

[@maddieb5787]

Probably would be pretty interesting to ask waitresses at restaurants about stereotypes and what they think.

[@mikemaloney1289]

Bingo

[@mg4361]

Are there perceived differences between how different ethnicities behave in restaurants?

[@gopenguin8879]

@@mg4361 I waited tables a couple years back in college. 98% of the time I could accurately guess my estimated tip before they were even seated.

[@CommanderCodey]

@@gopenguin8879 I honestly feel like estimating tips gives you a feedback loop. If you think you’ll get less tip from a table you won’t try as hard to keep the table happy which will give you a less tip. And vice versa. But if you tried the same with all of your tables you might find out that in fact you can’t estimate tips.

[@gopenguin8879]

@@CommanderCodey I treated all people the same, even knowing what was likely going to happen. Culture trends absolutely affect people's actions. Stereotyping individuals is not a good thing, but it doesn't mean stereotypes don't exist just because they are inherently bad. The worst tippers we're actually teenagers, because they have no money already and surely don't want to give more of it to their server.

[@SteveSilverActor]

It's important to recognize the distinction between cultural stereotypes and cultural differences. I lived in Japan for ten years, and there are significant cultural differences between Japanese and American societal expectations. However, a culture is made up of diverse individuals who may choose not to follow societal norms. Stereotypes, however, tend to exaggerate such cultural characteristics, or even distort them for political purposes, as was mentioned in this video. I also appreciated the mentioning of the fact that there is no monolithic "Asian" culture. While there are some common cultural characteristics -- mainly coming from the historical influence of China -- there are significant cultural differences. Anyone who has spent time in Korea and Japan can tell you that the respective cultural norms are quite different.

[@TheWchurchill4pm]

@SteveSilver I'm curious could you give a summary of how Japanese societal expectations differ from those of the United States?

[@hallooos7585]

India also greatly impacted Asian cultures more than China did, many Asian countries follow Indian religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, China only impacted East Asian countries

[@binibini2600]

@@hallooos7585 then there's southeast asia with influence from the two 😆

[@hallooos7585]

@@binibini2600 Chinas influence in Southeast Asia was recently when Chinese immigrants migrated to Southeast Asia during the 16th century but Vietnam was the only SEA nation that was influenced by China while India influenced the entire continent for thousands of years when India and China discovered each other

[@AdwinLauYuTan]

And the distrust between them does exist. My Singaporean Chinese grandparents still have some level of distrust of Japanese culture, possibly from the trauma of the Japanese Occupation.

[@ShortHax]

To me, there are no “positive” or negative stereotypes. They’re just stereotypes

[@user-qh8vm1me5w]

Exactly

[@idontlikeuidiot2060]

Agreed

[@airplanes_aren.t_real]

I think that stereotypes are neutral, it's how react and act around these stereotypes that defines if they are bad or good

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

Go visit Chuckie Cheese in West Little Rock on a Saturday afternoon and you'll change.

[@Duvmasta]

I agree. Even if a stereotype is a “good” one, it is still a stereotype and causes just as much harm.

[@brileymoreno4108]

I could watch this style of art/education for hours.

[@maggiemakri9798]

Ted Ed must be translated to all the languages and be more in schools.

[@oktayyildirim2911]

It reminds me a bit of School House Rock

[@sagittarius5466]

@@maggiemakri9798 propaganda in schools? no thanks

[@maggiemakri9798]

@@sagittarius5466 stereotypes are not propaganda. Indeed they are a false idea we people think about others. For example, I am greek and I live in Greece. A "positive" stereotype we have its that all the Greeks are having fun and going out all the time etc. Yes it is common for the Greek people but we can't apply that to someone just because the nationality he/she/it has. I know many Greek people that stay inside for the most of their young lives and not going out. You get my point?

[@blueberrychocolate4238]

I hate having the stereotype of being smart. It makes me feel as though I need to base my self-worth on my academic achievements. And if I don’t get perfect scores (which I often don’t) I feel inadequate.

[@lelyyaa]

That's exactly how I'm feeling!

[@blueberrychocolate4238]

@@lelyyaa Sorry you’re going through that

[@klaudinegarcia8932]

Same here! 😞

[@Kitty294_]

I feel you 😔 I eventually developed an academic validation mindset because people commonly perceived me to be smart, specifically in STEM subjects (which I am not good at) and because I’m not good at that it feels like I’m not doing enough

[@CW91]

Yes, when the minimum expectation on us is set so high, there is no way not to fail.

[@relaxium3618]

That's precisely the same, when it comes to disability, especially, physical one. Two main 'positive' stereotypes are type A) a kind, meek, naive ball of sunshine, who will be forever at childhood stage of emotional maturity; and type B) a struggling hero, whose only dream is to become able-bodied and who is constantly overcoming various difficulties. A strong-willed person who took themselves and made anew, building all their dreams and goals into reality. Both are seemingly very positive, but many people just break emotionally under the pressure, because if they are not entirely either of above, they are often deemed basically useless.

[@PaulAllPro]

TED is a good example of how to make subtitles properly.

[@mit3da9yo]

As an Asian growing up in white neighborhood my friends always thought I should be good at math because of my ethnicity. They always wanted to compare answers with me whenever they were stuck on a math question. So I tried hard to be good at math to maintain my 'status' as a math guy by studying more. It drove me to become an engineering student and eventually an engineer. I'd say it helped me a lot for my case.

[@khoatran-pc6tb]

Well if being an engineer makes you happy then sure! You do you… …but take it from an asian who don’t want to be one…it sucks

[@thehanghoul]

@@khoatran-pc6tb Right. The issue is often that stereotypes tell you have to fit in certain boxes or be a certain way to be seen as successful. But successful how? These stereotypes only drive people to compare themselves to their peers, instead of themselves and their own personal beliefs and desires. Someone should be considered smart aside from his race, class, appearance, or creed. There should be no "but he/she is Asian". Like anything, intelligence takes effort. And that's the worst part about the stereotype: It takes away credit from the individual to a loosely defined norm, a norm not even defined by Asians themselves.

[@Ikajo]

@@thehanghoul I'm not Asian or even American. But. If someone expected me to be good at math, there would issues. I'm not good it. Basic stuff, sure. Beyond that? I never really grasped it. Now, if you need something to be written, I'm your gal. But I became a writer because I like it.

[@dasoyee]

According to a Purdue study, only 27% of the Hmong-American population, an ethnic group of Southeast Asia, have a high school diploma. How can we group all Asians together and say they’re successful, when there are clearly groups that still need help through programs like Affirmative Action? At the very least, don’t lump all Asians together when there are such huge differences between them.

[@XOPOIIIO]

Because they usually do not differentiate Hmong and Chinese.

[@JP-br4mx]

PUrdue?

[@mobilegamesonly3170]

except these groups are being harmed by affirmative action, not helped. Affirmative action doesn't help anyone no mater their race, it stops them from being put in areas they can actually handle.

[@n4ttyyy]

Mobile Games Only im sure you, user Mobile Games Only, have the best opinion on this!

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

NO group 'needs' affirmative action or any sort of well-meaning but detrimental discrimination.

[@yuhansun2008]

I remember once I was about to take an important English exam, for a certificate, I was nervous and a friend just told me:"Don't worry about it, the Asian buff will help you" This made laugh and gave me courage before the exam and turned exquisitely. Although constant exterior expectations, as I would learn later, are truly a burden and crushing for one's mentality.

[@ThatBoyRide]

Haha I can relate.. Sometimes we Asians can be better at English than white Americans lmao.. and that’s because we Asians do the most hard work. That’s what makes us smart.

[@jofx4051]

Lmaoooo Asian Buff 😂

[@KxNOxUTA]

I love this! It plays into the concept of toxic positivity, too. Basically, whenever people cannot fully be themselves, there are problems. Because in either way problems are buried and once they resurface, they're huge. Actually, when repressed for what appears to be "good reasons", once they surface for real, it can be almost too late. Because expectations to endure unhelpful positivity are higher! So people get way way more worn out eventually, before they cave in under the pressure and little strength is left for picking themselves up again. Glad we're talking about it! It matters. Mental health is as important as physical health! They're very very closely intertwined anyway!

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.” ― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

[@DeathCrunch]

Hey look, this guy read the Wikipedia entry for exsactly one book. Doesn't he look educated. 😍

[@ghostderazgriz]

Ok but stereotypes are also untrue and statistically impossible even in practice.

[@gef56]

@@ghostderazgriz There wouldn't be any stereotyping to begin with if there wasn't at least a small amount of truth in it.

[@ghostderazgriz]

@@gef56 Generalizing an entire group of people because of a few regular instances stemming from intense cultural discourse is not truth; that's confirmation bias.

[@mmike10720]

@@ghostderazgriz You seem to completely agree with the quote here, and yet are fighting it for a reason I cant identify. Perhaps its a misunderstanding. Regardless, No one, especially NOT this quote, is saying that taking something true in the micro and mass generalizing it into a stereotype is some sort of accurate depiction of a culture. Edit: Perhaps if you were familiar with the brilliant Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie it would help. We are all on the same side here.

[@ShawnRavenfire]

Some "minorities" seem to have disappeared completely. Irish and Italians used to be considered separate from "white" people, but nowadays, are seen as just part of the white "race." The few who broke through (such as the Kennedys) are held up as a kind of proof of accomplishment. And yet, this ignores the fact that wealth is hereditary, and even if no one is actively discriminating against Irish or Italian Americans today, there are certain privileges to having been descended from people who were privileged several generations ago.

[@Duvmasta]

A Chinese-American once said “We are human. No more, no less.”

[@NidhiSharma1975_]

TED-ED videos always contain quite interesting facts

[@funkydiscogod]

They also leave out some quite interesting facts, too.

[@XOPOIIIO]

But it's not a fact, it's a lie. And they actually presented statistical fact that Asian are more successful in math as a myth.

[@XOPOIIIO]

@@ravi.k.t How statistical fact is a myth?

[@XOPOIIIO]

@@ravi.k.t But you couldn't claim it's not genetics either.

[@XOPOIIIO]

@@ravi.k.t How do you know that?

[@ryuk5432]

asians individuals always being described as "intelligent" just puts them into more pressure. ive always had this constant feeling of fear where I just feel like ive not been trying my best when I have been. I was always told that "you're not up to par" "these students are all smart. you've got to fit in". half of these students that they take as examples are also just individuals being pressured to fit in with this stereotype. so no, being constantly termed as the "smart Asian kid" doesn't do good.

[@meabby6816]

I'd like to thank TED-Ed for giving light on this matter. Racial discrimination among Asians is often overlooked.

[@TEAforMIND]

I think we need generalizations, which means we are attempting to look at the behavior of many people and note similarities... They are simply descriptions, they can be flexible and open to new information and differences. So generalizations are neccessary for intercultural communications. For example: "People from Country X tend to have an indirect style of communication." But stereotypes are more like making judgments and sometimes hurtful because they are resistant to new information, and they tend to "lock people into categories with the idea of limiting that group." "Everyone wants to be seen. Everyone wants to be heard. Everyone wants to be recognized as the person that they are and not a stereotype or an image." - Loretta Lynch.

[@soorian6493]

I mean looking at Asian as a useful category to make generalizations about is a bit far fetched. We're taking about half of all people here. It's not like you can make many useful generalizations about Continental Americans because Canada and Ecuador don't really have a ton in common.

[@TEAforMIND]

@@soorian6493 I agree with you. I will make another example. Thank you!

[@ghostderazgriz]

@@soorian6493 Yeah generalization is never a good idea. At least I can't think of a single good outcome from applying a generalized viewpoint, even on a small group of people. At best, they can be funny to point how ridiculous they are. "When I came to America I learned all these things about being Asian. Like, Asian are good at math. I didn't know that. I didn't know the square root of 7 was supposed to be hard. I just did it." - Ronnie Chang, Destroying America; 'Stereotypes in America'

[@Yorick257]

I think generalization is great for processing large volumes of information. Employers do it all the time "have a degree, N years of work experience". However, today it gets easier and easier to automate information processing. When I was applying 6 years ago to the university I had to do a test, present my school diploma, write a motivational letter, and have an interview. Two of these (test and diploma) are fully automated and the interview had a predefined set of questions. Tl;dr: Generalization is natural for humans because we can't process that much info, but we don't need to rely on it anymore so much anyway.

[@madelineliu1102]

I think there’s a slight nuanced difference between simple generalizations and stereotypes. While both do make broad simple statements about groups of people, stereotyping kind of crosses that line causing people to assume that *everyone* fits into that generalization. While with generalizations, you can make an accurate generalization and be open minded to those who don’t fit into that generalization. For example if a 90% of people in a given community speak both French and English, it would be appropriate to say that generally speaking, most people in that community speak French and English. Say you met someone and they said that that are from said community. You would have grounds to believe that they *probably* speak both English and French, due to the generalization that most people from that community speak those languages. However, it would be stereotyping to say that therefore this person *must* speak both languages, because you’re closing yourself off of other possibilities.

[@katherineknapp6604]

I don't stereotypes of any kind, they can lead to negative thoughts of people, racism, homophobia, abelism, etc. So I thank @TedEd for making this video to raise awareness, keep it ya'll!

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“Show people as one thing, only one thing, over and over again, and that is what they become.” ― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

[@XOPOIIIO]

How long mainstream media should brainwash you to believe that all groups are completely the same so that start to become a reality? It doesn't work this way. You can't brainwash people to believe they are genius so they start to be one.

[@jaydaksy4094]

@@XOPOIIIO The quote flew completely over your head.

[@XOPOIIIO]

@@jaydaksy4094 My answer to the quote flew completely over your head.

[@Ranting4Rent]

The moment a stereotype is labeled no matter what it is that basically eliminates the possibility of it being the other way for that individual

[@ktttttt]

There is a difference, however, between stereotypes and cultural differences. Not _all_ Asians are hard working, but most are so, presumably because of the environment they grew up in, or their parents', and I assume something similar goes with other races too

[@aimfulRenegade]

the message of this video is basically that all stereotypes are harmful, and if you see a stereotype then you know it's harmful without needing to know about the complexities of it.

[@samiulbashir9252]

I love the animation so much! It's simple yet elegant ✨

[@devansheepens2087]

The essence is that understanding history should take place of painting your perspective with labels

[@Duvmasta]

What are you talking about?

[@devansheepens2087]

@@Duvmasta I meant understanding history of different cultures instead of labelling them as Shy Asian or Materialistic White etc.

[@bruhmoment1271]

As an asian I can relate to it... One thing, I want to add... Asia is now messed up by politicians, media & etc

[@perfectpinterestgarden]

as an asian i also can relate

[@airplanes_aren.t_real]

Like how some politicians are using Asian hate crimes as a reason to raise police funding?

[@joshchristopher551]

tao nghi đây là 1 đứa ns đểu nào đó

[@CharlesDickens111]

"Now" messed up? So it wasn't messed up in the past with the slavery, caste systems, constant wars and civil wars, lack of human rights, lack of freedom and incessant invasions?

[@MANGLORIOUS]

Yup, it’s very much messed up over here

[@chloecantanymore]

As an Asian I was always scared to be “not smart” and tried to rebel against this stereotype. My motjer also used to tell me to behave because non asians and others might think that all Asians are like me

[@august5447]

just gotta leave a comment because the animation is so beautiful and well-made

[@shen-qf9mc]

tw: very bad mental health issues :/ when i reached grade 7, i stopped being able to fit into the "perfect smart chinese kid" role. i stopped getting As, my social skills dropped to the point that i never talked to people i didn't already know, and i thought about killing myself every single day, which i almost succeeded in doing. while i don't agree with everything in this video, the model minority myth is, without a doubt, a terrible stereotype that turns people into machines, incapable of fault. hopefully we can move past it one day

[@acookie7548]

hey, from one chinese kid to another, i can empathise with what you’re saying. hoping you’re in a better position now 💕

[@shen-qf9mc]

@@acookie7548 thanks :)

[@mangg0879]

sometimes, I just wish I wasn't Chinese

[@Mustafa70116]

I am surprised they ignored the Middle Eastern and South Asian minorities. They aren't grouped with Asians when stereotyping. That is reserved for east Asians

[@goldenvulture6818]

You forgot to mention "Southeast Asians" & "Central Asians"

[@zlatewzlate3003]

Just goes to prove that all stereotypes are bad, no matter how “positive” they are

[@phreedomx5035]

Nope, they're not. Not only that, they're very natural for humans. It helps us to divide this complex world into comprehensible parts. Stereotypes often originate from somewhere and often carry a certain truth in them. It is however on any individual themselves to not act upon one when it's not appropriate. But again, many are useful and thus not negative. This video is far away from the truth and just propaganda.

[@myouniverse0613]

@@phreedomx5035 You're an antivaxx aren't you

[@phreedomx5035]

@@myouniverse0613 Nope, fully vaxed. But you giving that as an argument already tells me all I need to know about you

[@myouniverse0613]

@@phreedomx5035 I have no argument. What argument are you talking about.

[@phreedomx5035]

@@myouniverse0613 Yes

[@MrCheesecake1928]

Its crazy how people in the USA are so obssesed with race. I mean being a latin american person with many friends with different etnicities and backgrounds, it amaze me how much of their daily basics is based on races. Being such a diverse country, they should be way more open and embrace that pluriculturality.

[@Blue2x2x]

We tell ourselves how awful we are and overcorrect everything to feel better.

[@little.reader_]

Yes!! I’m friends with many Asians and whites… tho I don’t know any more Mexicans even though I live super close to the border of Mexico in the USA

[@monicawilson8075]

Most ppl go through their day without race iincident. I suppose it depends where you live and who your around. The media is constantly mentioning race more than it is mentioned in every day life. Does that make sense?

[@emberhermin52]

In a small town in America as kid it wasn't like this. It seemed to blow up in recent years and it's a big deal in the city...

[@KangaPanda]

As a Brit, it's nice when foreigners assume you want a cuppa.

[@chew7656]

But dont you want a cuppa

[@KangaPanda]

@@chew7656 I usually do tbf

[@SteveSilverActor]

Another distinction between understanding cultural differences and believing cultural stereotypes is how these are utilized. The former is used with the intention of broadening knowledge of a culture in order to communicate with people from that culture more effectively. Stereotypes often work in the opposite way, shutting out any knowledge which might not fit the preconceived ideas one has about another culture.

[@rishavsarkar525]

Thanks Ted-ed for throwing light on this matter. Hope this video spreads more awareness among people about Asians and other minorities.♥️

[@GiRR007]

Not good or bad Just neutral Sometimes they are right sometimes they are wrong Ya live ya learn

[@seriousnesstv7902]

Yeah like as Hispanic, how is it wrong that people think I’m most likely into soccer. Am I to be offended by someone making a false guess?

[@Joel2Million]

Bad Not neutral They're never right, name a single stereotype that's right if you disagree Ya live ya learn (that stereotypes are whack)

[@GiRR007]

@@Joel2Million plenty of stereotypes are partially true. Stereotypes don't just come out of no where they have basis in reality most of the time, now sure they can never apply to EVERYTHING the stereotype is talking about but if its mostly true its worth listening to. Like would you ignore the stereotype that snakes are dangerous animals just because some snakes aren't ? You really wanna role that dice ?

[@bananaforscale1283]

@@Joel2Million The thing about them is that they are mostly right

[@Joel2Million]

@@bananaforscale1283 I asked for an example, if your statement was true then you could provide one but you couldn't.

[@nagsen4921]

I really like animation of TED talks

[@manumuniz.mp4]

great video, but like… can we talk about how absolutely stunning this animation and art style is

[@RabbitMouseCat]

The animations are amazing as always

[@MrTodnem]

Very usable in the classroom for students to understand the harm of "model minority" stereotypes. Thanks for this.

[@acrowsnest_t6630]

Stereotypes are a byproduct, a usefull one by our ability to create and use abstraktion. For example, language: Under the word city, you immedietly understand that it has hospitals, schools, people etc. Abstraktions are a main factor in our cognition, processing speed, perception, oreintation, ethics, religion and communication. You cant go without it, and it will create what we call stereotypes. A stereotype is an abstrakt idea like any other, by seeing and speaking to 20 germans, you will have somewhat of an idea of a german, and its better for your orientation and judgement, then to consider them aliens from another planet. A disability in abstraktions is a main factor in what makes schizophrenia so defestating. For example they might mistake the ww2 saying: "Loose tongues sink ships" for a huge kraken with big kissy lips sinking a ship like in pirates of the karabean.

[@michaellee4841]

This video's title proposes a question, but it only looks at one example, and concludes that all stereotypes are bad.

[@myouniverse0613]

Exactly my thought.

[@shenangela9225]

This video is amazing for our current time! The art is so lovely for this video :)))

[@mittelego1098]

The animation was outstanding again!

[@rpm381]

This was a cool, well-made, and important video. However, it did not address the question posed in its title. I thought it would address why our brains are prone to creating bias and stereotypes in the first place, and the role they have played in human culture and development through time.

[@rpm381]

@@kenechiachusiogu1717 I disagree, they have compelling evidence for why stereotypes are bad, and how even seemingly harmless or “good stereotypes” can still be harmful. They did not, however, delve in any detail or nuance into the question. The title is misleading that’s all, still a great video.

[@rpm381]

@@kenechiachusiogu1717 Imagine I made a video titled “Can sugar be good for you?” and spent the video discussing how sugar is bad for you, and how even seemingly “good sugar” like you’d find in fruit, can still be harmful if overdone. Interesting and helpful info, still doesn’t answer the question or consider any situations where it could actually be good, which would be interesting because it goes against intuition.

[@andylu7265]

@@rpm381 wow, great work. At first I didn't agree with u but u swayed my opinion with ur second reply using the "sugar" example proved to be a solid argument. Just wanted to mention this since I never thought I would have my mid changed by a KZbin comment

[@rpm381]

@@andylu7265 This was wholesome lol have a great day

[@amgm1996]

I dont think the comparison woth sugar is valid. Nutritrion os evidencial, countable science. What the video discuss is people, individuals and social commentary. So at the end, the question was answered, though not using yes or no. But the video states that Stereotypes can not be good. Now about the title, they have to work in ways that attract views. It was not ckear how they would approach the subject onky by the title, but it was not misleading nor clickbait.

[@shinthant4717]

Wasn't expecting Myanmar(မြန်မာ) to be presented in the video. Appreciate your effort, guys. Commenting from Burma.

[@nicksmith3746]

Asians are generally more chilled.

[@PotatoZOA]

Agreed with the notion about stereotype is harmful either bad or good. But I also believe that stereotype will never be eradicated from earth. It's just how human brain works. Our ancestors did stereotype everything to assist their survival ability. While it is bad, it is not to be erased. It is to be dealt with and suppressed to a healthy level

[@danieldionne2037]

When you have to teach your audience how to be adults.

[@soorian6493]

Are you complaining about a literal education channel, whose videos are shown in high schools, teaching people to be adults?

[@junconglin]

@@soorian6493 it seems more like a jab at the people who need this

[@XOPOIIIO]

How to be brainwashed and can't be able to think for yourself.

[@airiquelmeleroy]

"Can stereotypes ever be good?" Yes. But every example of them being good will grant you the universal response "well that isn't really a stereotype"

[@dom8398]

I'm Chinese, stereotyped to be good at martial arts. I took pride in that because it's my culture and heritage plus if people know I'm good at fighting they wouldn't mess with me or mistreat me in any way. Not all , but some stereotypes are good to be proud of and we can use it against racism

[@eshanjadhav265]

How do you hv KZbin??

[@dom8398]

@@eshanjadhav265 how do I not?

[@bruhmoment1271]

@@eshanjadhav265 😂😂😂dude, that's messed up comment but funny at the same time

[@bruhmoment1271]

@@dom8398 most people thinks Chinese government doesn't allow their citizens to use widely known media app(outside of china) cuz they censor their citizens... That's his stereotype/prejudice

[@deadmike2]

@@bruhmoment1271 yeah but its not only a stereotype but also a fact.

[@alkasaket379]

0:01 yes, that's true for Hiccup.

[@SonnyTo]

Is it possible to recognize/perceive race without forming stereotypes?

[@sollertia_]

We naturally form stereotypes as an attempt to process large amounts of information, in this case traits of a group of people. Nevertheless, it is important to realize and recognize when we are stereotyping to avoid the drawbacks as mentioned in the video.

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

Not in southwest Little Rock Arkansas

[@Jorge-xf9gs]

No.

[@kurtlindner]

Yes, but not for humans. Stereotyping is a heuristic, and heuristics have been a big part of our survival as species. It's all about proper application.

[@sanasdate3421]

Stereotype is just bound to exist no matter what, as long as the idea of association to any sort of collective group exist.

[@clarencedun3146]

Reason why I love watching Ted-Ed, because their videos are mostly 4-5 minutes

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.” ― Albert Einstein

[@ghostderazgriz]

That is absolutely false though. It's common sense that gravity pulls objects towards the center of the earth because gravity swells in objects with greater mass. Even before people knew gravity existed they knew objects fall downward, that's not prejudicial.

[@zodiacfml]

but this stereotyping culture is actually fading away, especially teens or kids of today who experienced youtube and social media apps.

[@seriousnesstv7902]

This video really dances around wether or not a stereotype can be good. It mainly tries to push that stereotypes are bad no matter what.

[@roflmywaffles1313]

Agreed

[@seriousnesstv7902]

@@roflmywaffles1313 Not to mention they made the stereotype that people only stereotype about race when stereotypes are in regards to multiples groups of people.

[@Joel2Million]

yes, that was the point they made, I felt that was clear. They are bad no matter what, I agree with the video on that.

[@roflmywaffles1313]

@@seriousnesstv7902 kinda funny considering one of the most stereotyped people are Russians and it's not due to race lmao

[@yiumyoumsan6997]

@@seriousnesstv7902 The video used racial issue in The US as an example to imply that stereotypes are just plainly bad; even if the stereotype is deemed positive.

[@Gamesaucer]

Good video, but a misleading title. I was expecting a video on the psychology of stereotypes and an overview of their effects, be they positive or negative. Instead I got a video about racial stereotypes specifically, answering the question "Can positive racial stereotypes be harmful?", not "Can stereotypes have a positive effect?". I'm glad I watched the video for the content that it does have, but I've been let down by its inability to answer the question the title poses.

[@alonespirit_1Q84]

It's always an existential blunder when someone lives in an image of reality and considers it absolute rather than the Life itself.

[@Rida_H_A]

I think it is so interesting that this topic can be applied in the view of stereotypes in every country. Because this conversation can be had around the world. - non native, born in Europe

[@Space0fox]

Which part of Europe? It is very important when talking about streotypes

[@cefalopodo5717]

Very US centric. They danced around the question and only talked about the issue as applies specifically to the US and not in general. I expected better than "wypypo bad" If you ask me stereotypes just "are". Some are good and some are bad, in any case what matters most is the attitude you take towards them.

[@BlackJeansxx]

if all you took away from the video was "whypypo bad" then you misunderstood the whole video. bravo.

[@gopenguin8879]

The video says stereotypes are bad while grossly stereotyping white people.

[@BlackJeansxx]

@@gopenguin8879 bravo, you misunderstood the video as well.

[@gopenguin8879]

@@BlackJeansxx bravo, you misunderstood the video as well.

[@Sheeshening]

@@BlackJeansxx the central framing here is based on some non existent oppression by white people and the alleged utility of pocs forming alliances. It actively avoids that more often than not, stereotypes are true, independent facts about how groups decide to act on average.

[@elvixpro7693]

Japanese people: *exist* America during ww2: You simply have less value.

[@jokehu7115]

The rest of the worlds: *exist* Japan before and during ww2: you simply have less value.

[@elvixpro7693]

@@jokehu7115 America: Noooo you cannot just destroy our base in the pacific ocean Japan: Haha kamikazes go brrr

[@ChadetteIsDead]

anyone: *exist* humans: You simply have less value.

[@oldoddjobs]

Won't somebody think of the Japanese

[@jessicawood421]

The title: “Can stereotypes ever be a good thing?”, led me to believe it’d be about how & why humans began to stereotype. Something along the lines of how our ancient ancestors best survived in numbers, necessitating interpersonal skills which grew in complexity in conjunction with society/culture growth; how we’ve retained much of our basic animal instincts, such as making quick judgments on if someone is friend or foe, & if this has influenced our interactions with those outside of the known, therefore trusted, community?

[@khorkienjoo5292]

In conclusion, stereotypes can never be good.

[@jazybomber]

Very insightful video. Thank you Ted-Talk. I always learn alot from this platform.

[@MrJayehawk]

Canadians have a reputation of being friendly and polite. Of course it's not possible for ALL citizens to be that, but it's generally a positive opinion to have for a collection of people. Seems like a pretty good stereotype to have.

[@UserOfTheName]

I'm Canadian and I really hate the Canadian stereotype

[@NisarKhan-jm1uh]

@@UserOfTheName I am Pakistani and I am also fed up with how prevalent Canadian stereotypes are in the media. Its like they are trying to portray Canada as Northern colder California

[@UserOfTheName]

@@NisarKhan-jm1uh I live in british Columbia which yeah pretty much is colder cali nut thats cause we are right on the west coast go to alberta and its nothing like cali

[@NisarKhan-jm1uh]

@@UserOfTheName yeah but what I mean is that Canada now is portrayed like how California was many decades ago

[@UserOfTheName]

@@NisarKhan-jm1uh ahh as like a utopian society

[@wizardadmin]

What's wrong with being gentle, respectful, compliant? Obviously those traits should and will be rewarded Knowing that was common sense not long ago Challenging status quo by doing what? Rioting? Destroying someones property? Killing innocent people? Some other ways Intelligent people show disagreement, like peaceful protests? Nope, haven't heard of that... There is only one place for those challenges - jail

[@xng_xing5136]

Yeah StayC's Stereotype was a good song😌✨

[@corydorasl]

Omg🤣

[@divya4651]

YASS

[@louiseferrer2943]

wrods right out of my mouth

[@dangerof_living7452]

wait, was that in the video lol that I missed or just a reference

[@louiseferrer2943]

@@dangerof_living7452 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp7blKGcZ9uSndU youre welcome

[@albertximperial]

It might be a late comment (but if you see please give a heart). I have a question that how your narrator reads the script? its amazing that i couldn't skip a single second....😆 please reply @TED-Ed its a humble request

[@FoxHay]

I thought this video would objectively talk about stereotypes and how they are a harmful, but useful heuristic in society and history, but instead it discussed only racial stereotypes in a manor of fewer angles than one may desire.

[@akarohit9290]

Love the animation, TED-Ed always bring new thing in animation. Animation is simple but impressive.

[@thegoodthebadandtheugly579]

Yes, they can be - and these are called “archetypes” or “ideals”. They help you set aims and achieve those aims, they are what “role models” are based on, they live in your ancestral collective consciousness (according to Jung), you unwillingly look out for them and follow / repel them. Knowing archetypes helps in your social life.

[@little.reader_]

Mexicans/Spaniards: *baby I’m not even here I’m a hallucination~*

[@lukekim2570]

Yuko Kawai says that model minority is a prelude to yellow peril - thus, when Asian Americans are put into comparison with other marginalized racial groups, we become the "model minority", but when placed into comparison with white Americans, we become the "yellow peril". One doesn't need to look further than how the introduction of Chinese workers in 1800s because of their supposed "industrious and efficient nature" was eventually morphed into a justification for violence as soon as this "industriousness" was perceived as a threat by White workers.

[@lukekim2570]

even though we might be "stereotyped positively", we are always rendered as alien which makes our "acceptance" precarious and fragile at best, and easily revoked at the slightest disturbance to expose us to racialized violence

[@OnnaBlade]

I'm Filipino I love watching anime and American stuff or european etc. I was sicking tired ridiculous because stereotypes is unfitting becuase whatever I want to stay here in our country I want

[@kevinhazekamp]

I think stereotypes are not really harmful. It's just a label you put on something and that you then give value and weight based on what you believe. I can enjoy some stereotypes, whether they're true or not, since I still treat the individual that might be part of the stereotype as an individual. Only when I know someone well and if they know mee will I humor and joke about the stereotypes, since that is just something we all have subconsciously and should lighten up about instead of trying to shame it into suppression. Because that's when things might become spiteful about them.

[@kinkyink4227]

That’s good for you but you cannot know everyone personally, jobs, school, and other institutions like welfare and free food only goes by what you are, and since they see Asians as high earners, they are less likely to get scholarships, get help from teachers and prolly be refused free lunch programs. :(

[@sumitup8109]

@@kinkyink4227 Asians are higher earners- they are racial group that pursue the most college education and bachelor degrees.

[@jonathanstern5537]

I have this friend who is Chinese American, and he was in the remedial math class. The first day the teacher looked at him, then the student sheet, then him and said, "Are you sure you're in the right class?"

[@SpinzoLynxYT]

TED-Ed is very amazing and creative their awesome!

[@Syphorce]

Excellent piece by TED!

[@sophieberen883]

Mrs Jane is legit and her method works like magic I keep on earning every single week with her new strategies

[@jessykalins6079]

I think I'm blessed because if not I wouldn't have met someone who is as spectacular as expert Mrs Jane. I think she is the best broker I ever seen

[@antonellina4596]

Thanks for introducing me to Mrs Jane. My first investment with Mrs Jane gave me profit of over $24,000 us dollars and ever since then she has never failed to deliver and I can even say she's the most sincere broker I have known

[@billybyrd397]

Yes I' m also a living testimony of expert Mrs Jane.

[@billybyrd397]

Mrs Jane has changed my financial status for the best.all thanks to my aunty who introduced her to me

[@valeria2295]

Mrs Jane is obviously the best, I invested $3,000 and she made profit of $28,000 for me just in 15 days, Her success story is everywhere

[@lofnme]

I watch numerous ted-ed video, and I always educated (and inspired). Knowledge is so fun if delivered with this ways.👍🏻

[@fortune_roses]

Not if it puts people in boxes & destroys their individualism... but if it's actual *patterns in data that are recurring* and if that information can be used to improve things... that's different from "stereotyping"

[@theolacompagnon1261]

The graphic designs are amazing. Wow.

[@eighttrigramspalm1]

A very instructive and visually creative video.However , I have a question: at 4:50 it is stated that "this stereotype carelessly groups all asians under the same umbrella". Doesn't the same happen when they refer to all groups of white people as "white"? Or is it only for the purposes of the video?

[@casud9439]

Not surprised by the information said in this video. Very well put and digestible

[@michaelobrien5891]

This reminds me of how I hate when people praise me and express that they are proud of me. Even though it isn't negative per-se, I still take it as them judging me. I'm just who I am.

[@isingwer]

This video was entitled are stereotypes ever good and then the entire video was about one stereotype that isn't good and never Revisited the question

[@panpanorama2699]

Seems like the animators had their fun

[@guillermoelnino]

Stereotypes arent about being nice. Theyre about admitting the truth.

[@RabbitMouseCat]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the animations

[@kurtisbrown4208]

This TED talk does bring up a great point where people usually do mirror what their expectations are. In today's culture we keep saying that you're oppressed. Even if this is true you shouldn't act like you're oppressed this is the road to failure and entitlement

[@kinkyink4227]

Your oppression is what leads you to failure. Everyone has basic human needs that need to be met. Everyone is entitled to a happy life, with food they like to eat and a roof over their head. Everyone should get propped education and the is prison system is legalized slavery. Some of these needs aren’t met. If these needs aren’t met- your brain chemistry changes into survival mode. That can be detrimental to your health. If some one makes it their life to stop oppression because we are ALL entitled to a happy life- that won’t led them to a road of failure- everyone is entitled to live a healthy life. Idk how you “act oppressed” but if your talking about ppl being activist or about what they have to stuggle with then that’s just you being rude and hateful. Surround yourself with rich white men if you don’t wanna hear it.

[@vivienyeung8043]

I was hoping to get archetypes in there like nerds, yanderes, or mental health illness labels. It's not just about Asians.

[@tile-maker4962]

To the contrary, there is a psychological phenomenon called "Mirroring". It means some people act like others to get them to like them or express similar interest. The only time it is harmful is when it is done with bad intention. Perhaps someone acts like a "nerd", you like them so you act like them. Your intention is to coerce them in to talking to you. So stereotypes may have negative macro connotations but on smaller mutual scales it can create solutions.

[@bubbly_plays3734]

I can drop out of school and watch Ted-ed until I get kicked out of my moms house. That's how educative this channel is. 😂

[@phreedomx5035]

Except this video couldnt be further away from the truth. But yea, cant expect much from people who just absorb anything that's presented to them.

[@lowgpu1687]

@@phreedomx5035 Lol that's so true.

[@sumitup8109]

@@phreedomx5035 Agreed

[@EvTheBadConlanger]

@@sumitup8109 How so?