7
*
H
hh-mong? What’s
that?” This is a com
mon reaction of people
who are unfamiliar with
the Hmong culture.
Usually, if a Hmong
person is present,
he/she will politely correct the pronunciation by
explaining that Hmong is pronounced with a
silent “h”. Indeed, most people have never
heard of (not to mention encountered) this
small Asian ethnic group from the mountains of
Laos, Thailand, and China. In elaboration, the
Hmong culture is comprised of a distinctive
tonal language, colorful traditional outfits,
bland food, and other idiosyncrasies. During
the Vietnam War, many of the Hmong in Laos
aided the CIA in combat against Communist
forces and therefore were obliged to flee their
native country after the end of the war. Many
of the Hmong resettled in western countries
such as France, Australia, Canada, and most
notably the United States. Currently, the
Hmong population in the United States is esti
mated at about 160,000 with concentrations in
by: Choua Vang
Minnesota, California, and Wisconsin.
Believe it or not, however, the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has
its very own Hmong Student Association
(HSAC). HSAC was started up in the spring
of 2001 and is the first recognized Hmong
Student Association in the state of North
Carolina. The organization strives to promote
cultural awareness of the Hmong people both
on the UNC campus and in the community
beyond. To achieve its purpose, HSAC engages
itself in a wide variety of cultural-awareness
activities such as traditional dance performanc
es at the Asian Student Association’s Annual
Journey into Asia show, sponsorship of infor
mation booths at various cultural events, and
fellowship with other student organizations
throughout the state. In addition, HSAC also
enthusiastically pursues community service
activities, some of which include campus blood
drives, holiday favors for nursing home resi
dents, and volunteerism at local soup kitchens.
Because most Hmong refugees who
immigrate to the United States do not possess a
“Perhaps more than ever, the Hmong are beginning
to demonstrate the fact that they too can embrace
progression while reflecting on their culture.”