Model Minority Couplets
Newton Tran
The Achievement Runway: Couplets on the Model Minority Myth
It’s hard to scowl at my dad for bragging about me,
When this is the first I’ve seen him smile in months.
You let my grades, my money, my achievements speak for me,
And I can’t utter how much I don’t even care about them.
Who am I, if not stressed?
What am I doing, if not beating my heart?
I think I’m fighting for my life in this library,
But my parents actually fought for their lives.
I can’t remember the last time my parents and I had a real conversation,
Only the last 4.0 celebration.
My dad and I often joke about me pursuing English,
When he got a D in the class.
I’ve grown to be proud, loud about my Viet food,
Like the smell kids used to point out.
My family laughs that I’m dark like a Mexican, but
I act like a mi chang (white person), and I wonder if that’s a relief or betrayal.
Did I grow up with a toxic academic culture,
Or was it just my culture?
My parents always suggested I try tutoring people,
Never that I try tutoring.
It’s like I don’t hear the I anymore.
A love you.