In chapter 14 we really get into how the Hmong would be integrated into life in the US. One thing we must keep in mind about this particular population is that they were not technically voluntary immigrants into our country, but rather came her out of desperation and lack of alternatives. It almost seemed as if the Americans were planning the fate of Hmong civilizations as if they had no ability to make these decisions on their own. They were divided up into several different cities which was making it impossible to keep track of who was being sent were, or to communicate with people they might know. It was culture shock for these people, a complete change of lifestyle starting from even before their planes left the ground. Once they arrived in the US, everything had to be learned; from using toilets to asking before picking a neighbors flowers or fruit.
Chapter 15 Despite the doctor’s best efforts little Lia was now in a vegetative state and doctors were expecting her to go home to die.…show more content… It’s sad that they felt so unwelcomed by the American people in the small town of Merced, especially after the economic downturn. 79% of the Hmong population was on welfare and this hurt the town immensely. In their culture life was about “all for one and one for all”, but in America, we are more “individual effort” driven which is what seems to have made it difficult for the Hmong’s. This quote pretty much sums up the sentiments: “I am the chameleon animal. You can place me anyplace, and I will survive, but I will not belong. I must tell you that I do not really belong anywhere.” Jonas
