Hmong history examined
Speaker at Hmong Culture Fest addressed group's situation in Thailand, United States
Rob Hanson
Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: News
Many Hmong were brought to safety in the U.S., but many remain in hiding. Vang said 2004 was the last effort to bring more of those trapped in Thailand over to the United States.
The purpose of Vang's speech was not only to encourage students to speak up in an effort to continue humanitarian efforts, but also to inform the public about whom the Hmong people are and why they have come to the U.S.
"I believe the American public does not know very much about the Hmong," he said. "The Hmong played a crucial role with the U.S. government in the 1960s and early '70s. And the U.S. government did not have a plan or policy to bring the Hmong to this country."
Since many of the Hmong refugees settled in Wisconsin, Vang said that it is important for people in the state and the region to get a glimpse of the Hmong culture.
"Even though the Hmong have been in this country for 30 years, only the American public knows them within areas where Hmong settled," Vang said. "For example, if you go somewhere else to a community where there is no Hmong, nobody knows about the Hmong. I don't think they care much about the Hmong."
Vang also reiterated the message of cultural pride and the mutual debt between the Hmong and the U.S. government.
The presentation material proved eye opening for some students.
"(The Hmong) are really kind of ignored, it's basically not told," senior Dana Thompson said. "I thought (Vang) brought up some really excellent points. I didn't personally know anything really, so he did a pretty good job of it."
For some Hmong students, the presentation was a piece of their history they had never been told.
"My parents had told me a little bit about the history and the genocide that's going on in Laos and all," junior Mai Nhia Vue said, whose parents were brought to the U.S. in the 1970s from Laos, "but I wasn't too well informed about it.
"I do get approached a lot about 'Who are the Hmong people and why are you guys here?' Basically 'What's your nationality? Are you Chinese?' That's the question I always get, so it's nice just inform other people about it so they know us or why we're here."
Vang's solution to the slaughter of the Hmong, although he said it will not be easy and will take many years to achieve, is a surrender to create safe passage for the Hmong out of the mountainous regions.
This solution, he said, can only be achieved by cooperation by the U.S. and Laotian governments as well as parties from around the world
community.
Whether his solution solves the dilemma or not, Vang insisted that above all, any solution should be a peaceful one.
"It's shocking," Vang said. "Here we are in the 21st century, 2008, and this is still happening to people around the world."
The purpose of Vang's speech was not only to encourage students to speak up in an effort to continue humanitarian efforts, but also to inform the public about whom the Hmong people are and why they have come to the U.S.
"I believe the American public does not know very much about the Hmong," he said. "The Hmong played a crucial role with the U.S. government in the 1960s and early '70s. And the U.S. government did not have a plan or policy to bring the Hmong to this country."
Since many of the Hmong refugees settled in Wisconsin, Vang said that it is important for people in the state and the region to get a glimpse of the Hmong culture.
"Even though the Hmong have been in this country for 30 years, only the American public knows them within areas where Hmong settled," Vang said. "For example, if you go somewhere else to a community where there is no Hmong, nobody knows about the Hmong. I don't think they care much about the Hmong."
Vang also reiterated the message of cultural pride and the mutual debt between the Hmong and the U.S. government.
The presentation material proved eye opening for some students.
"(The Hmong) are really kind of ignored, it's basically not told," senior Dana Thompson said. "I thought (Vang) brought up some really excellent points. I didn't personally know anything really, so he did a pretty good job of it."
For some Hmong students, the presentation was a piece of their history they had never been told.
"My parents had told me a little bit about the history and the genocide that's going on in Laos and all," junior Mai Nhia Vue said, whose parents were brought to the U.S. in the 1970s from Laos, "but I wasn't too well informed about it.
"I do get approached a lot about 'Who are the Hmong people and why are you guys here?' Basically 'What's your nationality? Are you Chinese?' That's the question I always get, so it's nice just inform other people about it so they know us or why we're here."
Vang's solution to the slaughter of the Hmong, although he said it will not be easy and will take many years to achieve, is a surrender to create safe passage for the Hmong out of the mountainous regions.
This solution, he said, can only be achieved by cooperation by the U.S. and Laotian governments as well as parties from around the world
community.
Whether his solution solves the dilemma or not, Vang insisted that above all, any solution should be a peaceful one.
"It's shocking," Vang said. "Here we are in the 21st century, 2008, and this is still happening to people around the world."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Chuck Mahoney
posted 7/16/08 @ 10:49 AM CST
I have been married to a Hmong for the passed 3 years. I have been with my wife for almost 9 years. She is very Hmong( ha ha ) and many mis-understanding have happen to us. (Continued…)
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