The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down Essay Example

the well-being of the population during illness. This integration also involves encouraging patients to have faith in the recovery process. Developing a working relationship and understanding of various cultural practices related to healthcare is crucial. Due to their belief in spirits, the Hmong community has developed their own medical interpretations of illness, leading them to apply practices that are familiar to them. Like many others in the conventional Hmong community, Lia's parents believed in their cultural remedies. They attributed Lia's fainting or loss of consciousness to her "losing her soul," which they believed was caused by a force engulfing her when a door slammed during her welcome ceremony (Fadiman 1997).The view held was that the Western general practitioners' medication was inconsequential and poorly administered. Lee Nao's use of traditional doctors and animal sacrifices in Lia's treatment did not please the physicians. As a result, Lia was removed from her biological parents and placed with a foster parent. Interestingly, Lia's foster mother grew fond of her biological parents. It is ironic that Lia's foster mother entrusted Lia's biological mother with her own family while taking Lia for medication. Despite a sound medication system, the management of seizures remained uncertain. The parents and hospital personnel determined the direction of Lia's life, and the chances were high for her well-being. Communication between the parents, hospital personnel, and the merging of cultural diversity were necessary to treat Lia's severe seizures and related illnesses. Although school situations are not a matter of life or death, students' potential relies heavily on their social interactions with peers, educators, and the intellectual content they receive.The impact a child experiences at a young age

is crucial in shaping their future. This is illustrated through Lia's situation, demonstrating the consequences of influences from parents, culture, and beliefs. The medical professionals caring for Lia attempted to gain consent from her parents to end the seizures she had experienced since infancy. Despite their admiration for Lia's parents' love for her, they felt compelled to seek court intervention due to the parents' refusal to allow seizure treatment. The physicians were saddened by Lia's illness because they could have helped her earlier. Following the separation, Lia's parents continued to bring her for medical care, despite her nonresponsive and calm demeanor. Interestingly, when the physicians' own child became ill with leukemia, Foua provided comfort and support. Fadiman's book explores the bonds formed between different cultures and civilizations through genuine kindness. While Fadiman maintains an impartial tone in her writing, it is evident that she holds affection for Foua and Nao Kao, Lia's parents.Furthermore, the author expresses her warm feelings for the Merced Hmong population as she is able to outline particulars concerning this community. The Lee family expresses their love for Jeanine, the social worker. Their affection for Jeanine is substantiated by the manner in which they called her, ‘the daughter of America’. This enabled them to converse effectively and efficiently with her. Dan, the young inhabitant who has compassion for the local Hmong society, lives in harmony with the Lee family. He also avails eminent medical care for the sick Lia (Fadiman 1997). Despite the pressures that existed during that period;the processes associated with the hospital and the intense tension related to the emergency room atmosphere, Dan was still there for Lia. This is

a typical Hmong individual as they oftenly assume best intentions regardless of the baffles connected to each others actions or statements. On the other hand, physicians Neil and Peggy, who are treating Lia, make comments that are inconsiderate and disapproving about the Hmong in general and the family of Lee in particular yet, they meet frequently. In this case, the author highlights that affection and friendliness may result to a cyclical impact. Sociability leads to a more successful cooperation and contact, which enhances the friendliness feelings. This in turn increases the value of the communication leading to strong connections between individuals.Affection alone is inadequate in determining relationships between individuals, which is evident in Martin's interactions with the Hmongs. Despite his respect for their customs and the Lee family's hard work, he still communicates poorly with them. Fadiman also showcases legitimate affection in cross-cultural associations through the use of a cultural broker who negotiates cultural diversities and offers different perspectives. Jeanine facilitates the relationship between the Lee family and the hospital when planning Lia's return home. The narrator initially struggles to access the Lee family and other Hmong individuals, but with the assistance of May Ying, who is comfortable in both Anglo-American and Hmong cultures, these barriers are overcome. Similarly, Jeanine enlists the help of Lia's Americanized sister to communicate with the Lee family. The book emphasizes that successful cross-cultural endeavors require time, willingness, and patience.The author's efforts were unfruitful until May Ying came to her aid, but this did not guarantee immediate success. The author used to spend a long time listening, sitting, and chatting. The Lee family had their doubts about Jeanine because she

was an agent of the State that wanted to keep Lia. However, the family gave her a chance to prove herself, and she did not disappoint. The efficiency required in the hospital atmosphere actually led to greater inefficiency. Sitting with a translator and addressing difficult issues calmly could have prevented suffering, pain, and confusion in the long run, ultimately saving Lia's well-being. Neil and Peggy did not support this approach and resorted to coercive methods, further widening the rift between the Hmong population and Merced County (Fadiman 1997). Fadiman's portrayal of the Hmong community as "differently ethical" is confusing. The author is amazed at the clever ways in which Hmong seniors cheat on their tests and how they blatantly lie about their physical status, marital status, or age to gain certain benefits.Fadiman realizes that this deceptive behavior goes against the generally simple and hospitable nature of the Hmong people, leading her to conclude that they have a unique sense of ethics. The Hmong prioritize their community over their nation. Although the author may not fully agree with the theory of cultural relativism, it is important to note that, aside from age, which has minimal impact due to limited knowledge of birth dates, the Hmong share similar ethical values with the rest of humanity. They, like others, have a propensity for lying and cheating, highlighting the common traits of human nature. The author suggests that dishonesty is seen as a survival response in this community, despite it not being tolerated by the Hmong as a whole. Through an evaluation and reflection on the topics discussed in this book, a highly insightful experience can be gained. Fadiman

does not argue against the treatment of epilepsy but rather encourages readers to consider improvements in the healthcare system to better accommodate individuals with diverse languages. The author stresses that medical caregivers understand that patients do not simply lie in bed on their own. Culture, history, and family involvement all play significant roles in a patient's healing process.The encompassing model of functions and nurses provides a unique opportunity for them to become part of other families, where they are expected to deliver sufficient and effective care to their patients and their families. In Lia's situation, her parents lacked literacy skills according to Western standards, as they were unable to read, speak English, or write. Their understanding of healthcare and medication was centered around spiritual advisors, sacrifices, and trances. Despite a lack of educational advisors or translators, medical physicians attempted to educate Lia's parents on American medicine. Lia's story exemplifies the consequences of cultural diversity and its impact on the healthcare industry. "Family spirits" refer to hidden conflicts, past experiences, and concerns that shape an individual's perspective on current issues and influence their final decisions. In Lia's case, adherence to traditional beliefs and culture sealed her fate, making it necessary to respect the existence of these "ghosts."