THE MODEL MINORITY IS A MYTH!

THE MODEL MINORITY IS A MYTH! is an interactive billboard created in celebration of AAPI Heritage month and inspired by the Gospel Billboards that are placed alongside roads across America that loudly encourage those who drive by to call the displayed number “FOR TRUTH.”

While driving cross country in 2018, I passed so many gospel billboards that eventually I gave in and decided to try calling one. A man named Ralph who lived in Virginia picked up the phone. We discussed religion, God, marriage, enlightenment, and the church. Although I didn’t agree with all of Ralph’s views, I left the call with a deeper understanding of where he might be coming from.

So, when For Freedoms approached me to contribute a billboard design in celebration of AAPI Heritage month, I considered the billboard’s original purpose. Billboards are a medium for manipulating the mind, they clamor for the attention of those driving by in hopes of convincing them to do, buy, or think about what is advertised. Considering this, I felt compelled to design a piece that might extend beyond the billboard itself and offer a chance for interaction, education, and conversation around a topic that deeply affects the Asian American community’s experience: The model minority myth.

Call me!!!!!