“Between Two Worlds”: The Hmong Shaman in America A Film Wednesday, September 6th

For next week: Anne Fadiman’s book The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down The book is an amazing read. If you can, please read the whole thing. You will find it a rewarding experience. You are responsible to have read the following chapters in time for section (this amends the syllabus): 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18. Again: please have material read IN TIME FOR YOUR SECTIONS! Discussion guide is being distributed to you now.

Hint on preparing segment paper topic #1 Whether or not you are arguing that the hospital needs to make special accommodations for the Hmong, you need to show that you have knowledge of the traditional Hmong view of illness and healing.

Questions to think about while watching the film When the shaman is shaking, what do you think he might be experiencing? Do you think he might be “putting on a show”? Why or why not? Does watching the shaman’s ritual make you feel uncomfortable in any way? If so, in what way, and why? How do you feel about the Christian missionary’s attitude toward traditional Hmong beliefs? Why do you think some Hmong are converting to Christianity? Why might others be resisting conversion?