Hmongs New Year Festival

There is something about other ethnic groups and cultures in American that never fails to fascinate me! As a child of immigrant parents, I’ve always had a keen interest in other people’s culture, and especially their “immigrant experience”. A few months ago, I re-read The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. This book not only gave me a glimpse into the Hmong’s rich culture and identity, but sparked my interest in Hmong Americans. The first time I read it, I could not Pictureput it down as I wanted to see the finale of the book. This book was even richer the second time around, as I was able to make connections to smaller details. Anne Fadiman captures Hmong culture and identity like a snapshot. This is the story of a Hmong American family as they struggle to raise their daughter, Lia, who has epilepsy. This book explores the struggles that Hmong parents deal with in the health care system in Merced, California. The Hmong have a different way of viewing Lia’s medical condition, “the spirit catches you and you fall down”, than the American doctors who view her illness from a purely scientific stance. Culture clashes prevent Lia from receiving certain treatments, resulting in a battle between her parents and her American doctors. Although Fadiman is definitely sympathetic of the Hmongs, she provides us an honest perspective from both sides.

The Hmongs are an ethnic group from the mountainous region of Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand) that resettled here in the early 80’s. They fought against the Pathet Laos (Secret War in Laos) during the seventies and were singled out for retribution when the Pathet Laos took over the Laos government in 1975. Tens of thousands fled to Thailand and many came to the U.S.

Seattle’s Hmong population celebrates the Lunar New Year at the Seattle Center on November 7, 2009 as part of the Safeco Festal series. Everyone is invited!

I loved reading The Latehomecomer: a Hmong Family Memoir by Kao Kalia Yang, because Yang does a wonderful job by not only transporting us to her life, but also to the life of her family way before she was born. Yang tells the story of her family, from the jungles of Laos, to their dangerous journey out of Laos, into the refugee camps in Thailand and ultimately into the United States of America. Funny, heartwarming, and just plain sad at times, Yang takes us through the refugee and immigrant experience through her family’s plight to America.

Gran Torino (director, Clint Eastwood)

This movie is not really about the car, but it makes for a great title! Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), a Korean War veteran, is an old and grumpy retired auto worker. He is one of the last white residents on his Detroit Street, which is now populated by the Hmongs. He is not happy that his new neighbors are a Hmong family, which includes a teenage boy and his teenage sister. Problems in the neighborhood arise, resulting in a forced relationship between Hmong family and Walt. This story evolves from Walt’s pure ignorance and racial remarks of the Hmong, into a keen affection, admiration and understanding for his Hmong neighbors. This film explores the Hmongs in America, including their struggles and experience, particularly among their children, who are raised biculturally and bilingually. Overall, a good film with excellent performance from Clint Eastwood!

Here are a few other books about the Hmong that you may enjoy:

~ Tina M, Beacon Hill

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Seattle Public Library