The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

Instead of depending entirely on interpreters and financial support from the agencies, the Hmong should have been helped with jobs and communication skills. The doctors especially should communicate with the patient and the patient's family effectively and clearly. I also think that if the Hmong were more aware of the situation they were being thrown into, it would have been much easier for them to make a transition into a living in the United States. This feeling rises due to simple ignorance and a lack of understanding. The Americans should have been made aware of the origin of these refugees. However, the mere cultural understanding between the doctors and the villagers, make the situation far less complicated than the situation described in this book. However, the Americans and the Hmong would have to work together to change these circumstances. The Hmong fought bravely and many were injured and many died. They felt unheard and misunderstood. This does not mean they have to forgo their beliefs or traditions; however, it does require of them to be considerate and aware of their surroundings and be more acceptable and open to the culture they are now sharing. They should have realized that the Hmong considered their animism and ancient rituals to be very important and guarded these traditions just as strongly and religiously as the doctors guarded their science. During the "quiet war", The Hmong soldiers guarded them, carried them when they were wounded, wrapped their bodies when they were killed. The Hmong were refugees in the United States, and hence had the mentality that they were forced to live in this foreign land. Many of them were recruited by the CIA to fight for the United States in the secret wars in Laos. Lia's family was among the many Hmong refugees who were brought into the United States during the 1800's.