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The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down By Anne Fadiman

Good Essays

The history of the Hmong people is long and complicated, but that history is what makes the Hmong, Hmong. Throughout the existence of the Hmong, tradition has always been important and hundreds have died to protect the Hmong way. Traditions are taught to each new generation, and with these traditions came the believe that Hmong are free and you must never betray your own people because Hmong protect Hmong. This ideology has helped the Hmong survive persecution from surrounding peoples. The preservation of Hmong tradition and customs is what has caused the Hmong to fight enemies or migrate to other surrounding areas. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman helps highlight the Hmong history and their struggle with preserving traditions and the Hmong culture as a whole. The Hmong have always united and stayed connected because in times of struggle or hardship, they cling to their traditions and ways. When the Hmong came to America, Americans wanted the Hmong to assimilate to their culture, and that not only contradicts what the Hmong fought for but also insulted them. There are dozens of Hmong traditions. Their traditions like most traditions began for political or cultural reasons. They protect and support personal customs and preserve culture. Most people have traditions and rules that are followed by everyone in their country; however, the Hmong do not have a country of their own so the only ones who know about and practice these traditions and rules are

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