Rss Feed
  1. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

    Friday, January 17, 2014

    This was actually an ethnography I had to read for my Cultural Anthropology class this past semester, but it was so fascinating to me that I had to share. Don't think of it as a dry textbook! It is easy to read and very worthwhile. 

    The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down:
    A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures
    by Anne Fadiman

    Check it out on Amazon!
    Judge the Cover:

    I was put off by the long title and concerned about the chubby child wearing the funny hat and pencil-drawn clothes. But fear not! That yellow circle means people like it! Lots of people! Smart people! You will like it too!

    What's Going On:

    This is the True Story (hint: this means it is going to be really interesting!) of a family of immigrants from the Vietnam area, living in California with a baby who has epilepsy. In Hmong culture epilepsy is not considered a life-threatening illness; it is a spiritual distinction and honor called "qua dab peg" which means "The spirit catches you and you fall down", an issue that can be remedied with the right shamanic rituals and sacrifices. The American doctors at the county hospital have a different opinion about how to deal with the situation, and this is the story of how two different perspectives on what is best for little Lia Lee affect her young life.

    Optimal Reading Scenario: The Library

    Between the extremely long title and odd illustration, you're going to get some funny looks reading this anywhere but the library. The library says, "I'm reading this for a reason" so no one will give you any trouble, the peace and quiet will be necessary for concentration, and if anyone interrupts you to ask you what you are reading, it gives you the added bonus of making you sound scholarly and intelligent which will impress those you wish to impress, and intimidate everyone else. Win-win.

    Crack it Open:

    "Our view of reality is only a view, not reality itself." -Anne Fadiman

    The book is written in first person from the author's perspective, which gives a great sense of "being there". Anne Fadiman goes into the situation as a journalist knowing absolutely nothing about Hmong culture or the anthropology behind cultural views of health and illness, and I think this is why it makes it such a great book. She is able to take the reader along her journey of discovery in a way that is completely accessible, interesting, and emotionally captivating. The chapters alternate between the development of Lia's story, and some history of the Hmong people that sheds light on why her parents do the things they do, and what they are thinking.

    Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, the author is able to inject a lot of humor into the universally relatable topic of cultural misunderstandings. She has a dry wit that seems to come out of nowhere to catch you off guard and unexpectedly tickle your funnybone. Nevertheless, Fadiman obviously has great respect for the people she writes about, and she never points fingers or lays blame. She simply tells the story and uses it as a tool to help people understand why it is important not to judge, but to always strive for understanding, especially where cultural differences are concerned.

    The history sections felt a bit tedious at times, but they were necessary and enlightening. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Spirit, and recommend it to anyone interested in culture, North American medicine, or true stories. This is an amazing work on a little-known subject that sheds light not only on foreign cultures, but our own.

    Regis Reads Rating: * * * *

    Mischievous Monkey Rating: 0

    Have you ever read an ethnography before? Have you ever thought of North American medicine as having a "culture" surrounding it?

    Disclaimer: These are my own opinions; I am not getting compensation of any kind for reviewing this book. Dangit.

  2. 3 comments:

    1. Kriss said...

      Any chance that because it was for school, you own it? I'd love to read it. Dry wit sounds delightful!

    2. Jill said...

      I do indeed own it! You are welcome to borrow it any time.

    3. Mumsy said...

      I just finished an ethnography (I think) written by Bo Caldwell called The City of Tranquil Light. I learned much about the Chinese culture in the early 1900's through the words of a young American missionary couple. The book alternates between his view and hers (through her journal). It was a fascinating read; so glad it was recommended to me.

    Post a Comment

    Leave a comment, recommendation, or constructive criticism!