How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The professor of French who told me this story said, "Fish Soup. That's the essence of the Hmong." (2.2)
Basically, the Hmong believe in the interconnectedness of all things. It doesn't matter if it happened one million years ago or on the other side of the planet—everything affects everything.
Quote #2
They never evinced any interest in [...] Chinese culture, preferring to keep to themselves, marry each other, speak their own language [...] and practice their own religion. (2.4)
Yup, that's just about the definition of insular. It's pretty clear that the Hmong have a long history of refusing cultural assimilation. In fact, they've been persecuted for their customs so often throughout their history that the sense of being persecuted practically becomes hardwired in their cultural DNA. With this in mind, it's no wonder that they don't exactly blend into the giant melting pot when they arrive in America: they don't want to. It's as simple as that.
Quote #3
The leader called the head of the family's clan; the head of the clan called the father's father; the father's father called the father; the father talked to the mother. (5.32)
Hmong clan structure is alive and well in Merced, California. While it's frustrating for their doctors—not to mention any feminists lying around—sticking to this rigid hierarchy helps the community adjust to life in a new country. In fact, you could argue that this is yet another defense mechanism fostered by the Hmong's history of persecution.