When Jonathan Stern tells the Shahs to play into the "model minority" myth what is he really asking of them?

When Jonathan Stern tells the Shahs to play into the "model minority" myth because they are "well integrated into American society," what is he really asking of them? If the Shahs agree to this narrative of the assimilated immigrant family, do you think they are giving up a part of their culture or identity? What would you do in their situation?

Stern wants them to be ideal in work ethic and actions, to move upward and prove their worth. They are perhaps giving up some of their identity and culture, but they escaped a caste system that wouldn't have allowed them the success they found in America. I think one can retain some of their original culture and beliefs, yet assimilate to their new country. However, it can be a fine line.

He wants them to show that they have assimilated and are slowly giving up their originating culture and identity, and becoming more “American”. If I was in that situation, it would be hard not to agree to create this appearance when your child’s future is at stake, but I wouldn’t want to keep up a facade after things normalize.

The above responses are valid but I am wondering if Jonathan wanted the Shahs to appear more American so they could relate to the jury. I think he had their interests in mind so their neurodivergent son would be cleared.

Americans have often bragged about assimilation as proof that America is best. It however requires the newly arrived American to forgo relying on things that gave them security and self-worth. Assimilation has the effect of “putting them in their place”. This may be changing as America becomes more diverse and accepting of not only other cultures but of what other cultures can offer. There is however a huge resistance in many quarters to the existence of other religious and cultural beliefs present in America. Jonathan Stern’s advice was to encourage the Shahs to try to appeal to even the most resistant groups that might be represented on the jury as reasonably interested in being like mainstream white America. The advice was well-intentioned, perhaps, but extracts a heavy price if aggressively followed.

I think he was asking them to show that education was a priority, that they worked hard, and for them to be deferential to the white population.

I would think that in any situation where you have to win people over - to convince them that your son who flew a drone in restricted air space and refused to cooperate with the police was really just a scared special needs kid who didn't understand either that what he was doing was wrong or why the police were concerned - you would make an effort to do that.

Regardless of the truth of the situation, the police could not have known any of that at the time of the arrest - and Ajay's size, demeanor, and behavior were highly suspicious - in a time of concern about terrorism. Demonizing the police and screaming discrimination is not a helpful response at this point.

Just as a counterpoint - had Maya been arrested when she stole the $300 necklace - would it have been helpful to claim that was discrimination by either the shop owner or the police if she had been arrested? But in that case, even Ashok would have realized that she did something wrong. Well Ajay also did something wrong. The difference is simply that Maya knew her behavior was wrong and Ajay didn't - but again, the police wouldn't have been able to make that distinction at the time.

Playing into the "model minority" idea meant for them them to show their community/police/potential jurors how they had assimilated to US culture & were hard-working, tax-paying people but that they weren't necessarily a "threat." The so-called "model minority" is a racist idea about immigrants/non-white people who supposedly take advantage of the United States by sending undocumented kids to public schools, using welfare/food stamps to support kids, taking "our jobs," etc. Anyone who refers to undocumented immigrants collectively as "illegals" probably thinks that way.

I was torn and angry with Jonathan Stern's instructions to the Shah family once the press became aware of the situation. The first paragraph on page 158 starts, "We have to paint a different picture for the public"......and ends, "We need to show the public you are the model minority and you're well integrated into American society." On the one hand I know he was just trying to help them weather the storm, but telling them to do things that were superficial: go to temple and display an American flag. Really?!
My big question is: What is the definition of American society? Once again I commend this author for telling a story that everyone should be able to relate to.

Ok so I admit that my comments are a bit emotional so I want to acknowledge Paulagb's response as making my point but in a more constructive way :)

However, I do believe that Ajay's ethnicity did play a role in how aggressively he was handled.

To act more "American"

I think the term "model minority" referred to Asians because, it was perceived that despite coming here often with nothing and having to learn a new language (even a new alphabet) they managed to out achieve everyone else - even whites who were always assumed to have the advantage over everyone.

This has caused a lot of resentment. Here in Northern Virginia, Thomas Jefferson High School - a school for gifted students in science and technology (where an entrance exam was required) was overwhelmingly Asian - well in excess of their overall representation in the population. Apparently, this was unacceptable under DEI philosophy.

Havard also decided they had too many Asians.

Suddenly, working hard to achieve is unfair somehow.

I think the anger generated by Asians - as a group - doing better than other minorities (and even whites) is that if they can do it, why can't others?

So, in many ways, playing into the "model minority" may anger people more than win them over.

First, he was saying to make it clear that they were not Muslim. He wanted them to paint a picture of themselves that nobody on the jury would be prejudiced against or feel threatened by. The specific stereotype he was warning against was that of appearing to have the possibility of being a terrorist.

I know he was just doing everything he could for his client but he was also pointing out that a lot of Americans distrust immigrants even though they have been Americans for decades.