Hmong vs Western Culture
Anne Fadiman unfolds her novel The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by establishing and keeping the reader fully aware of the differences the Hmong and western culture withhold. The differences between the Hmong birth practices and western birth practices are analyzed in the first couple chapters to remind the reader throughout the novel that both cultures are really different from the beginning. Fadiman’s approach in commencing her novel with birth practices acts as a symbol for the Hmong culture and is reflected through birth rituals, beliefs, and values. Hmong culture believed that the safest way to deliver a child was in their own hands. No birth attendant was present when a Hmong woman gave birth; if for any reason she needed a cup of water, her husband was allowed to enter the room and grant her with one, but had to deviate his eyes from her body. American culture believes that it is unsafe to have a child in your home without a certified doctor. ... Doctors in American culture are highly regarded and are usually called upon at the beginning of a pregnancy.