“Bridging the Shores:
The Hmong American Experience” Radio and Website Project
WPR Documentary Series
The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service assisted reporters and producers from Wisconsin Public Radio in creating the "Bridging the Shores" documentary series, which explored the issues of identity, preservation, adaptability, and perseverance that many Hmong-Americans grapple with in a continually-evolving culture. Funded through a UW-Extension Program Innovations Fund Grant, the project was a collaboration between the UW Colleges and UW-Extension. The Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association and Blong Yang, producer of the Hmong radio station in Wausau, also participated in the project. The documentary aired statewide on Wisconsin Public Radio in September 2008. Stations in Texas and Oklahoma also purchased rights to the program.
Companion Website (www.wiipps.org/BTS/)
WIPPS staff, interns, UW Colleges Faculty, and students used components of the on-air radio documentary to build and launch a companion website that was created to be an evolving resource. WIPPS welcomes public feedback about the website, including corrections, clarifications, and additional material that would expand its usefulness as a resource for all.
The Hmong Experience in Wisconsin
Hmong refugees from Laos arrived in the United States from the mid-1970s through 2004 from camps in Thailand. Many fought under the direction of the CIA during the Vietnam War, and they were granted federal refugee status after the 1975 North Vietnamese victory ushered in communist control of Laos. Many of the Hmong who arrived as refugees are now American citizens whose children are second and third generation Americans. Yet others only recently arrived from the last remaining refugee haven in Thailand, the Buddhist temple Wat Tham Krabat. The arrival of the Hmong has affected public schools, the legal system, perceptions of social class, housing, employment, and many other aspects of Wisconsin community life. Meanwhile, Hmong Americans continue to seek ways to develop their own understanding of what life in America means for themselves and their children—and to shape how their lives are presented to the larger Wisconsin population.
Creators of the on-air documentary series from Wisconsin Public Radio included:
Patty Murray, Glen Moberg, Brian Bull, Gil Halsted, Steve Roisum, Rick Reyer, and Sheryl Gasser.
Student creators of the website included:
Christopher Tiffany, Cheng Lee, Jim Lee, Yeng Lee, John Pitman, Sam Zuleger and Ka Lo..
Faculty advisors for the website included:
Brett Barker, Assistant Professor of History, UWMC; Eric Giordano, Assistant Professor of Political Science, UWMC; and Ann Herda-Rapp, Associate Professor of Sociology, UWMC
- Visit the website www.wiipps.org/BTS/ for these on-air segments (below):
Segment A-1: Reflections of Escape—Glen Moberg talks with Chang Yang, about his escape from Laos and how families tried to cross the Mei Kong River. A Wausau area reporter, Keith Uhlig, describes the conditions of a typical refugee camp in Thailand.
Segment A-2: Transitions—Gil Halsted reports on how the first waves of Hmong were greeted in the homogenous community of Marathon County and on how a 60-Minutes report contributed to feelings of resentment towards the new arrivals. It also reviews how the Hmong have worked to improve their living situation and standing since the late 70s and early 80s.
Segment B-1: The Generation Gap—Patty Murray examines some of the cultural preservation and social expectation tensions that try the relationship between Hmong youth and their elders.
Segment B-2: Hmong Music and Dance—Gil Halsted profiles how Fresno-area rap artist Meng Lee (known as DJ-mp3) weaves traditional Hmong music with contemporary American sounds such as hip hop to instill pride and cultural awareness in his audience.
Segment B-3: Hmong and American Education—Brian Bull reports on how Hmong are trying to incorporate their history into U.S. lesson plans, to acknowledge their role during the Vietnam War, and help people understand how they came to be in America.
Segment C-1: Hmong and Politics—This session profiles the nation’s most prominent Hmong politician, Minnesota state senator Mee Moua. (Produced by Glen Moberg.)
Segment C-2: Hmong Funerals and Repatriation Efforts—Hmong funerals are elaborate, lengthy rituals that are conducted to ensure a prosperous afterlife for the deceased, which is why the excavation and destruction of remains at a refugee camp are distressing many Hmong-Americans. Brian Bull reports on the outrage and efforts to address the problem.
Segment C-3: Kajsiab House—Gil Halsted visits a unique, culturally-attuned treatment facility in Madison that helps Vietnam war refugees and veterans meet, mingle, and heal from PTSD.
Segment D-1: Hmong Courtship and Wedding—A look at how love and marriage are practiced today in America, including a two-day wedding that observes traditional Hmong rituals and Christian beliefs. (Produced by Brian Bull.)
Segment D-2: Spousal Roles and Marital Challenges—Steve Roisum reports on how education efforts are being made to assure traditional Hmong husbands that a breadwinning wife doesn’t mean she’ll become unfaithful.
Segment D-3: Hmong Spirituality—While many younger Hmong are turning to Christianity, some still like to uphold their traditional religion. Glen Moberg visits with a Hmong father and son who observe shamanism.
Segment D-4: Conclusion—Madison-area entrepreneur and father Peng Her reflects on lessons learned from more than 30 years of Hmong resettlement into America.