Contemporary Manifestations & Psychological Legacies

Students will recall key contemporary mental health statistics affecting South Asian men, terminology such as somatization, alexithymia, and hypervigilance, and the dual stereotypes of “model minority” and “terrorist.” They will also remember major media examples and figures in South Asian male representation.

Learners will explain how intergenerational trauma manifests in modern mental health crises, describe the double bind of contemporary stereotypes, and summarize the psychological impact of symbolic annihilation in media. They will also understand barriers to mental health care in South Asian communities.

Students will apply mental health frameworks to self-assessment exercises, use media literacy tools to decode stereotypes in film/TV, and practice emotional literacy techniques to identify and articulate feelings. They will also apply historical trauma concepts to analyze present-day family and relationship dynamics.

Learners will analyze media representations of South Asian men for stereotypes, omissions, and narrative control. They will deconstruct the model minority myth and its socioeconomic and psychological consequences, and examine how code-switching and performance are used to navigate racism and expectation.

Students will evaluate the effectiveness of mental health interventions for South Asian men, critique media portrayals for authenticity and harm, and assess community and clinical responses to stigma. They will also judge the ethical implications of stereotyping and its real-world impact on dating, careers, and self-worth.

Learners will design mental health outreach materials tailored to South Asian men, create counter-narrative media content (e.g., short stories, scenes, social media campaigns), and propose community-based strategies to challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and promote emotional wellness.