Medicinal practices are tagged along various key factors that influence their success. One key factor is the issue of cultural traditions. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures is a book written by Anne Fadiman that is influential in the medicinal world. She effectively illuminates cultural conflict between the Western remedies and Hmong culture, using a practical approach in Lia Lee, thereby developing a plot in addressing the need for understanding and balancing differences.

In her narration, Anne fundamentally illustrates the health struggle of Lia Lee based on cultural conflicts impeding her treatment. Lia, a second youngest daughter in the Lee family, is diagnosed with severe epilepsy named Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The Lees are aligned to their Hmong cultural beliefs whereas the medics conform to the western (American) school of thought. The ensuing difference influences miscommunication and misunderstanding on both ends resulting in the worsening of Lia Lee’s unhealthy condition. The opposition is illustrated by the family refusing certain medications to be administered to the patient. The medics fail in prompt communication of services to be rendered, failing to factor in the Hmong culture. “What the doctors viewed as clinical efficiency the Hmong viewed as frosty arrogance.” The discussion which makes up the entire book is conceptualized around Lia’s story. An additive to the theme depicted is the customs and history of the Hmong. On the American culture, war and problems related to immigration such as in assimilation are showcased. In an extensive yet dialogue approach, Anne presents the conscious of the two opposite ends though using an aligning edge to the Hmong society.

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down is a masterpiece that touches on a significant aspect in the society which is cultural clash vis-à-vis the field of Medicare. The common goal we are exposed to is the well-being of Lia Lee which eventually is obstructed by the emanating differences between her family and the medics. The negative impact of the problems arising from the opposing ends is the brain damage of the victim. Her condition transcribes from bad to worse than initially. The author addresses her intended thematic message with a well-developed plot. She touches on the communication issue that arises from people emanating from different walks of life. The language barrier in a divergent society can cause havoc with some cases requiring the need for a good translator.

Additionally, customs and beliefs can be at loggerheads regarding a specific aspect. The author illuminates the customary influence on the patient’s family which informs their decision. They are drawn to the analogy that Lia’s state is that of being spiritually gifted. On the flipside, the medics are described to lack empathy towards the family’s beliefs thereby construing to the standoff. The author effectively expounds on the grounds of the intended theme exhibited through the reading delving deep in her explanation. Miscommunication on therapeutic dosage to be administered and parental refusal to specific treatment practice are the adverse effects of the imbalance. In building the plot to the deteriorating conditions of Lia, Anne paints an image of the impact and the negative influence underlying cultural differences.

Moreover, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down bears additional information on vital underlying issues that juxtapose the main topic. Touching on the contribution of America in the war in Laos and the multiple problems that are triggered by immigration, the author provides a holistic approach in drumming in her intended message. The bonus concepts are related to cultural disagreements. The general expectation when perusing through the book is a well-developed plot that is conclusive. The additional information catapults the content to great heights meeting an engaging angle. Reading through the book, one nod in agreement to the ideal work achieved as the author captures the attention of the reader engaged in a dialogue approach. Addressing the common societal issues elicits a conversation between known aspects in reality and the reflection in the narrative.

Good writers stick to their intended message using relevant evidence in a well-plotted context. Anne’s purpose entails illustrating the perspective of opposing fronts based on different walks of life. Using the case of Lia as the middle ground enables the author to build on her intentions as the two cultural groups touch the patient, one is her family (the Hmong) and the other her medical operators (influenced by the Western culture). The evidence laid in showcasing how affiliations affect choices which end up hurting the state of the patient illustrates effectively the adversity arising from such disagreements.

When comprehending ethics and culture, diversity is a primary factor that is depicted. The concepts in the book relate to the themes of tolerance and stigmatization. The latter portrayed in the misuse of power thereby being discriminative towards another. A sympathetic tone taken towards the Lee family in the development of the narrative reflects the oppressed in the society and the need for their absolution. The former is shown to have been direly needed to salvage the situation of the patient. Lack of it worsens the situation by causing gross misunderstanding leading to deteriorating conditions.

Concepts discussed in the book play a significant role in our society. Cultural clashes are adverse and should, therefore, be addressed in the early stages. Showing empathy towards the beliefs of another, even the wrong, creates a good rapport to effect change. Anne’s narrative plays a vital role in the medicinal field influencing an endless discussion on cultural and emerging practices.

 
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