The book offers many opportunities to explore a series of fascinating
questions that will be taken up in a series of informal discussions
led by faculty members. The following questions can be found in
the back of the book.
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1.
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What do you think of traditional Hmong birth practices (p.3-5)?
Compare them to the techniques used when Lia was born (p.7).
How do Hmong and American birth practices differ?
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2.
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Over many centuries the Hmong fought against a number of
different peoples who claimed sovereignty over ther lands;
they were also forced to emigrate from China. How do you think
these upbringings have affected their cultures? What roles
has history played in the formation of Hmong culture?
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3.
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Dr. Dan Murphy said, "The language barrier was the most
obvious problem, but not the most important. The biggest problem
was the cultural barrier. There is tremendous difference between
dealing with the Hmong and dealing with anyone else. An infinite
difference." (p.91). What does he mean by this?
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4.
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The author says, "I was struck...by the staggering toll
of stress that the Hmong exacted from the people who took
care of them, particularly the ones who were young, idealistic,
and meticulous" (p.75). Why do you think the doctors
felt such great stress?
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5.
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Dr. Neal Ernst said, "I felt it was important for these
Hmong to understand that there were certain elements of medicine
that we understood better than they did and that there were
certain rules they had to follow with their kids' lives. I
wanted the word to get out in the community that if they deviated
from that, it was not acceptable behavior" (p.79). Do
you think the Hmong understood this message? Why or why not?
What do you think of Neil and Peggy?
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6.
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Dr.Roger Fife is liked by the Hmong people because, in their
words, he "doesn't cut" (p.76). He is not highly
regarded by some of the other doctors, however. One resident
went to far as to say, "He's a little thick." What
do you think of Dr. Fife? What are his strengths and weaknesses?
The author also speaks of other doctors who were able to communicate
with the Hmong. How were they able to do so? What might be
learned from this?
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7.
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How did you feel about the Lees' refusal to give Lia her
medicine? Can you understand their motivation? Do you sympathize
with it?
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8.
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How did you feel when Child Protective Services took Lia
away from her parents? Do you believe it was the right decision?
Was any other solution possible in the situation?
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9.
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Were you surprised at the quality of care and the love and
affection given to Lia by her foster parents? How did Lia's
foster parents feel about Lia's biological parents? Was foster
care ultimately to Lia's benefit or detriment?
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