Asian American Resources is giving Asian and Asian-American students the opportunity to express themselves at a discussion group held Mondays from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Campus Life Building, Room 110.

The group was developed in part by Michelle Bringas, program coordinator for Asian American Resources, to raise awareness about the issues facing Asian and Asian-American students at NIU.

Mubarak Asmi, a technical assistant for Asian American Resources, said Asian and Asian-American students often are faced with stereotypes of their culture, behavior and physical appearance.

According to “Working with Asian-American College Students,” a book used by the group to spark discussion, Asians and Asian-Americans often are labeled as “the model minority.”

This label sometimes leads non-Asians to expect Asians to achieve outstanding academic success, love math and engineering, be computer whizzes and have vast knowledge of the martial arts.

“Because of this model minority stereotype, Asians often aren’t considered as having to face racism, but the truth is that they have to struggle like everyone else,” Bringas said.

Asmi and Bringas both said they think the discussion group will be a great help to participants.

Bringas said the group provides a safe environment for the students to express their feelings.

Asmi said the group helps students not to feel so alone and to be exposed to possible solutions to the problems they experience.

The group has six members, but Asmi would like to see the membership grow to 25 or 30 people.

NIU faculty, staff and non-Asian students are welcome to join the group.

For information, call Asian American Resources at 753-1421.