Split Horn Video Notes Flashcards
What functions(psychological,social and/or ecological)do shaman rituals have for the Hmong?
Shaman rituals serve to heal people, connect with ancestors, balance the spirit world, and to send off people when they pass away.
Why are the continuations of the Hmong rituals and shaman practices in the US so important to Paja Thao, the father?
He identifies as a shaman healer. Also, the rituals and practices keep him connected to his culture and to his family that has passed away.
Compare American norms and values with the Hmong norms and values. How have the family members in the documentary assimilated to life in the United States?
The older son still at home, seems like an average American teenager. He has a girlfriend and hangs out with his friends, all of which are not Hmong or even Asian. He also has a job and doesn’t really engage in the Hmong rituals.
The older sisters both left home and married without their parents knowing.
The dad is still very set in the traditional Hmong ways.
All the older siblings have left the traditional Hmong rituals. The parents are sad about this.
