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The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down Chapter 1 Summary

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The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down Chapter 1 Summary
Cindy Copeland

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

Chapter 1
“Foua never thought to ask, since she speaks no English, and when she delivered Lia, no one present spoke Hmong.” (pg 6)

I cannot imagine being somewhere where no one spoke the same language – let along receiving medical care and/or delivering a baby without anyone speaking the same language. That must have been not only a scary experience, but a lonely one too. To have no one there and no one there that spoke my language – I would have been terrified! I also cannot imagine not having an interpreter available. I was not aware that this was, or even could be, an issue in America (naïve of me). Foua first experience giving birth “Western” style must have been terrifying – completely different than what she was accustomed to, unable to communicate, and receive/follow directions. How difficult and frustrating for Foua and her family and for the medical staff. With the apprehension of the Hmong of Western medicine, it is no wonder that lack of communication and direction can precipitate this belief.

Chapter 2
“The history of the Hmong’s yields several lessons that anyone who deals with them might do well to remember. …show more content…
They feel they have no voice and no vision because American culture is a different type of prison than they have ever known. Welfare is the only way of life because they do not know the language and do not understand the culture. The only way of life the Hmong has known has been lost and they feel helpless to figure out what else is possible. At least in the Lee’s case, this mentality has not been given to their children. It seems that their children are adapting well to the American culture. Maybe it is due to them having more opportunities with schooling and such. It is sad that the Hmong feels this way. Each person has a voice. They just have to know how to use
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