A History of The Hmong: From Ancient Times to The Modern Diaspora

by Thomas Vang

This is the first completely up-to-date Hmong history book ever written by a member of the Hmong people. It describes the earliest civilizations of the Hmong and Miao in China, and why some of the Hmong migrated into Southeast Asia in the early 19th century, particularly to Vietnam, Laos and Thailand; and how the Hmong of Laos were involved with the Lao civil war, especially the secret war from 1962 to 1975 that caused almost a hundred thousand Hmong to flee to Thailand and Western countries as political refugees after the Communists takeover. This book includes the forcible repatriation of the Lao-Hmong asylum seekers at Nam Khao refugee camp in Thailand back to Laos in late 2009 and the arrest and discharge of former General Vang Pao by the U.S. authorities. "[It] is full of fascinating materials [and] a wonderful book. Congratulations," commented by Dr Nicholas C. T. Tapp, Senior Fellow in the Department of Anthropology, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, the Australian National University.

516 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[CTEP]

There is a reason why Hmong American Partnership was one of the first choices I chose to serve: the Hmong community. Although the majority of the students I support are Karen and Somalia, I understand the reason of them being within my classes; the same reason goes with why Hmong American Partnership was founded: an opportunity for a better future.

Thomas S. Vang's well-written and heartbreaking nonfiction book, A History of the Hmong: From Ancient Times to the Modern Diaspora chronicles the origin of the Hmong civilization, life in China, uprising rebellions, the migration to Southeast Asia, French Indochina, the Vietnam War, and life within the United States. This book, therefore, is the exodus of the Hmong people, unfortunately, it was a miserable journey. Within each period - Manchu Period, Qing Period, French Indochina, The Vietnam War, resettlement within the US - the events describe the conflicts, the leaders, the battles, the outcomes, and the consequences that still take place in today's modern day. Although the Hmong's battle against their enemies were not victorious, Vang's tone of the ambition, hardship, sacrifice, and love draws out the dream of the Hmong people: an opportunity to be successful, to live in peace, and to provide a better future for future generations.

A theme I founded within the book is leadership. Leadership to the Hmong people was to lead, to be educated, to be brave, and to be godsend. It takes more than being a leader: you have to take risks, knowing that you are willing to accept death for the love of the community, and having a strong vision. As a leader for my community and for AmeriCorps, it is a passionate duty as a human being to lead and create an opportunity for the generations up ahead. I have met and witnessed many inspiring leaders from my Grandpa, General Vang Pao, Bao Vang, Dr. Mai Moua, and my older brother, therefore, leadership is a heavy duty but a fulfilling reward.

There are numerous reasons why we study the past: to understand who we are, to learn not to repeat heinous acts, to improve, to know what our ancestors have done for us, etc. A personal experience: my dad is an alcoholic and can be selfish and careless. My mom is lovable but expects that her children can graduate with a PhD. My life in America is different from both of my parents. I understood that when they were young, they both experienced traumatic poverty, the war, a lost home, and a difficult transition into the American culture. Hence, their mindset is living back in Laos, the country that the Hmong people migrated to due to the result of Chinese imperialism. My parent's ways affected me but my blame is not towards them. After reading this book, I had a better understanding of the Hmong community, the impact of war, the lost of families, the expectations, and my family. Working with the Karen students, they remind me of my parents. It's a reminder that my ancestors fought for my generation and me. Therefore, it is my turn to give back. Hence, I would encourage my colleagues to read this historical nonfiction book.