There's something to it, if 'white' is code. A model minority is no longer a minority -- especially not with shyt like this:
Asian-America women outstrip the earning power of not only white, black and hispanic women, but also of black and hispanic MEN. Asian-American men outstrip everybody period.
Asian-Americans don't really form partnerships with the 'other' traditional minorities when it comes to combatting social and economic ills. The shyt doesn't touch them in the same ways. In some parts of the country, they aren't touched at all, so they get the 'benefits' which come with being considered a traditional disadvantaged group and needing a hand up in order to compete fairly, as well as the benefits of being a well-advantaged group who should be doing the handing up (but don't).
So.. they're not white. I think they could be honorary white. They could even be more white than white in some sections of the country.
Asian-America doesn't fit the old rules. That's just how it is. So what happens?