Problem
Read about the assigned chapters from Spirit Catches. You and You Fall Down. Ch 1-9 and answer the following the question.
In the first chapters of "Spirit" we learn about Lia's illness and are introduced to both her family and some of the individual healthcare practitioners involved in her treatment and care. As we are learning in this class, culture impacts how a given illness is understood and this, in turn, affects the course of treatment. In other words, culture constructs illness. Last week, we also learned about the Shamanistic Complex, which tells us that in order for a treatment to be successful, the sorcerer, patient, and community must all have faith in the treatment process.
With all of this in mind, consider reflecting on the following:
Compare and contrast Lia's healthcare providers' and Lia's family's perspectives on Lia's illness and their cultural underpinnings. In what ways are these differences disrupting the care she is receiving?
Did you highlight any quotes or passages that show how Merced physicians understand this condition? In what ways do you see these healthcare providers' perspectives on what was happening to Lia and why as reflections of American beliefs and values?
Did you highlight any quotes from the text that illuminate the Lee's perspective on what they think was happening to Lia and why she was suffering? How does this reflect broader Hmong cultural beliefs and values?