To Be and Not to Be: Hmong-American Culture

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of traditional Hmong culture (at least in Asia over the last 300 years)? Refusal to assimilate to the dominant culture Distinct ethnic characteristics when compared to other groups in the region A copious body of written literature Rural life in the mountains

2. Another remarkable facet of Hmong identity has been their traditional religion - a variant of what ancient practice? Zoroastrianism Shamanism Mithraism Buddhism

3. One of the more salient features of Hmong metaphysics is the idea that a person has more than one soul. True False

4. Hmong language is noted for its economy. There are very few polysyllabic words, and many terms take on different meanings. For example, which of these is NOT a common usage of the term “dab neeg”? Spirit that helps the shaman Folklore Household spirit An umbrella used in marriage ceremonies

5. As in most societies, music plays a substantial role in Hmong culture. Which of these is a staple Hmong instrument that is prominent in a number of social and ritual settings? Didgeridoo Qeeg Mbira Calliope

6. As in most societies, Hmong marriage and courtship practices are circumscribed by a number of social strictures. The most problematic may be the Hmong incest taboo, which precludes marriage within one’s own clan/surname. This is observed very rigorously, even though the relatively few Hmong clan names (14-20, depending on how one counts) make it difficult at times. True False

7. As befits a patriarchal society, Hmong brides are utterly absorbed into their new clans, taking on an entirely new name after marriage. True False

8. One of the most distinctive outward signs of Hmong culture is its highly distinctive textile design and technique known as “pa ndau”. Which of these techniques is not typically used in making pa ndau? Batik Tie-dying Cross-stitching Appliqué

9. In the 1970s, thousands of Hmong fled Laos for the United States (among other places) after their support of American anti-communist efforts in Southeast Asia made them targets for persecution. Which of the following describes Hmong settlement patterns in the U.S.? All of these The Hmong have integrated very quickly into the American mainstream; their ethnic communities are barely discernable today The Hmong have settled in tightly-knit enclaves in a few U.S. areas, despite government efforts to disperse them throughout the country Most Hmong have returned to Laos; their stay in the U.S. was only temporary, and very few Hmong émigrés had children during their time in America

10. As one might expect, a number of elements in the modern world have worn away at the distinctive cultural aspects of the Hmong who fled their homelands in the 1970s. Which of these is NOT commonly cited as a divisive issue in contemporary Hmong society? Widespread conversion to Christianity Changes in gender roles Dependence on social services Difficulties in immigration due to the “War on Terror”