I can see how my wording might have made it seem like I ' m not familiar with the term . I am , but I only ever hear it being discussed when the concept and the policy implications of it are being criticized . Additionally , the fact that it ' s an established sociological concept does not mean that it isn ' t controversial to use that label . From the wikipedia article you linked A common misconception is that the affected communities usually hold pride in their labeling as the model minority . The model minor ity stereotype is considered detrimental to relevant minority communities because it is used to justify the exclusion of minorities in the distribution of assistance programs , both public and private , as well as to understate or slight the achievements of individuals within that minority . Furthermore , the idea of the model minority pits minority groups against each other by implying that nonmodel groups are at fault for falling short of the model minority level of achievement and assimilation .