Global Youth

I also interviewed a young Hmong man in my town, age 24, a college graduate. Jason is the youngest of six siblings. His parents are farmers, born in Laos, not fluent English speakers. He reports, “I’m proud of being Hmong. I’m different and yet I’m still accepted by everybody, able to speak another language.” He added, “I respect my parents and elders; when they grew up they never had much freedom, had to work so much as kids. I appreciate what they did to take care of us, what they had to go through each day.” He also had to work hard as a child; “When I grew up they had me help with the farm. It was hard work and I was well disciplined through that process, but I wouldn’t have my children do that. I feel I lost my childhood, didn’t have time to do things like a regular kid. I’ll spend a lot of time with my kids and make sure they succeed.” His family attends a Hmong-speaking Christian church, but also participate in ceremonies where shamans cure illness by removing evil spirits. Jason says, “I prefer to pick my own wife, my choice. If things don’t work out, it’s another lesson learned.” He feels people are the same and doesn’t focus on the differences.