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The "model minority myth" that suggests all Asians and Asian Americans are well-off and don't need assistance can actually do more harm than good. In New York City's Chinatown, some residents shared struggles to use their kitchen stovetops after going six months without cooking gas.

Donna Chiu, housing director for Asian Americans for Equality, told NBC News that these issues were not uncommon and could be indicative of a "growing trend."

"Take Back" is a five-part series on "NBC Asian America Presents...," a digital video channel that will feature original content centered around themes and voices found in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. "NBC Asian America Presents..." videos can also be watched on NBC Asian America's Facebook page, NBC News' official YouTube channel, and the NBC News app available on mobile devices, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

Catch up on more videos online at NBCAsianAmericaPresents.com.

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