The Spirit Catches You Exam Flashcards

Cultural Collision

• Culture is central to understanding the Hmong and their beliefs surrounding health and illness, impacting interactions with Western medicine.
• Hmong traditionally resided in mountainous regions of Laos, practicing agriculture focused on rice, vegetables, herbs, with occasional pork or chicken consumption.
• Most ailments are believed to stem from spiritual causes; traditional healing methods include skin rubbing, vacuum creation with ignited alcohol, and soul retrieval by shamans (tvix neeb).
• Cultural clashes arise due to Hmong beliefs about disease origins, taboos against certain medical procedures, and familial power structures conflicting with Western medical practices.
• Incidents of animal sacrifice for spiritual rituals led to misunderstandings and tensions with American neighbors, amplifying cultural misunderstandings.
• Lia Lee's experience exemplifies the tragic consequences of cultural collision, highlighting the need for improved cultural understanding and cooperation in healthcare.

Cultural Compromise

• Fadiman promotes a model of cooperation between doctors and patients, focusing on understanding personal narratives related to health.
• Hmong perspective values both Western medicine and spiritual healing through shamanic practices, as emphasized by Foua’s beliefs about the influence of the soul on health.
• The refusal of doctors to allow spiritual practices and medication adjustments created barriers to engaging in cultural compromise.
• Lia Lee's former hospital adopted cooperative practices in an effort to improve relationships and outcomes between Hmong families and healthcare providers.

Power

• Hmong refugees face diminished power and autonomy in the U.S. compared to their independent lives in Laos.
• Economic dependency on welfare limits self-sufficiency; job opportunities are scarce without language skills.
• Fear of the American legal system differs markedly from traditional Hmong practices, impacting parents’ authority in healthcare decisions.
• Hmong parents lost the ultimate decision-making capacity regarding their children's health to medical professionals wielding state power.

Knowledge

• Power dynamics exist in the valuation of knowledge, with Western medical understanding often viewed as superior to Hmong practices.
• Fadiman acknowledges that while she empathizes with the Lees, Western medicine is still a more privileged knowledge framework despite potential flaws.
• Acknowledgment of possible medical mistakes leading to Lia’s condition raises questions about the best interests of patients regarding knowledge prioritization.
• The long-term care provided by the Lees contradicts the notion of medical superiority, suggesting that emotional support can be as impactful as medical interventions.

Family

• Lia's story highlights the profound strength of familial bonds in Hmong culture, contrasting with typical American practices.
• Unlike many American families, the Lees dedicated 26 years to caring for Lia at home, maintaining her dignity through meticulous daily care and annual birthday celebrations.
• Their commitment and love exemplify the cultural values surrounding family and caregiving within the Hmong community.

Test your knowledge on key concepts from 'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down'. This set of flashcards focuses on cultural aspects of Hmong history and their significant impact on the narrative. Ideal for anyone preparing for an exam or wanting to deepen their understanding of the material.