Analysis of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

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Recommended: Problems of interpersonal communication in a multicultural society

Tradition is defined in the dictionary as the handing down from generation to generation of the same customs and beliefs. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, I believe has two main topics addressed: the traditions of the Hmong people, and the dangers of being unable to communicate. The misunderstanding of these two consequential points, I believe caused the majority of conflict that arose.

Can tradition prevent open-mindedness? Lia's parents reasoning of her seizures as "not so much a medical problem as a blessing", I think helped them have the ability to cope. However, I believe that it also got in the way of proper treatment and caused severity of her medical condition in increase.

I have learned that tradition can be a magnificent bestowal, however one must be aware and still maintain an unbiased realization that other alternatives exist.

Rumors can cause reification if not clarified. The canards the Hmong people had heard about the United States and the medical practices had been the origin of some of the conflict. This chapter lead me to ponder the obscure rumors I had heard, and to consider how they had impacted my views, mindset, and even influenced decisions.
The example of Conquergood's success working with medical treatments in the Hmong community was inspiring, and taught me that by being knowledgeable and sensible of another's culture can help make large progress.

In my life I have seen how even while speaking the same language there can be communication problems. Adding the inability to speck the same language and then the complexity of describing medical conditions, I can see how the situation could turn out poorly and cause troubling effects. This chapter has helped me better understand why the Hmon...

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...iguing and gruesome at the same time. My entire life I have been blessed with the ability to invasion the scenes of a book and be able to have a mental picture of the events. While reading this passage, I had a difficult time because I could visualize the gory depictions described. While I respect the rights to practice ones own beliefs, I find it hard to comprehend being able to witness the animal sacrifice. While I respect Lees view and beliefs, I feel as though the rituals surrounding their beliefs are superstitious.

I thought the remark you made was profound convening whither it was symbolic or the real thing, when you said "....to a devout Roman Catholic, the bread and wine are not a symbol of Christ's body and blood but the real thing". This leads me to believe that just like the Catholics, the Hmongs believe that their ceremonies are the "real thing" as well.

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