Our View: Hmong speech has message for all races

July 16, 2009

When Gen. Vang Pao walks into a room of other Hmong men and women, a
palpable change washes over the crowd.

It's as if he has his own gravitational pull. Because of his personal story, his charisma and his historical leadership of the Hmong community, people are drawn to him. And they listen to him.

So it is significant that he chose to come to Wausau to deliver a message condemning domestic violence and polygamy -- both subjects he never before has publicly addressed. And the fact that local organizers were able to secure his participation in the Hmong of the Past, Present and Future is no small accomplishment.

In a strongly patriarchal culture, Pao is a father figure, likened in importance to George Washington in American culture. He is the man who led the Hmong during the Secret War in Southeast Asia. He led Hmong refugees when they fled Laos for safe haven in Thailand. He led the Hmong during the emigration to America, and he has led them ever since.

Although he practiced polygamy before emigrating, his message in Wausau said clearly that some of the old ways belong in the past. And he did not equivocate, strongly condemning the Hmong men who continue to travel to Laos to take a new wife.

Organizers of last weekends Wausau conference on domestic violence hope that Pao's participation, the weight of his message, will bring about real and lasting change, particularly among Hmong men.

It's a hope we all can share.

Although Pao's words, delivered in a 90-minute speech at the University of Wisconsin Marathon County and mostly in the Hmong language, were aimed at Southeast Asians, they contained universal truths.

Men and women must respect one another.

There's never a reason to harm a loved one.

Violence is never the victim's fault.

We all need to hear those words, and they can't be repeated often enough.

Marathon County has witnessed in recent years a truly tragic and inexplicable increase in domestic violence. Our domestic homicide rate in 2006 and 2007 was second in Wisconsin only to Milwaukee County.

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And the deaths have continued since then, involving suspects and victims from just about every segment of our community.



It is not a Hmong problem. Nor does Pao's speech mean that the problem has been solved -- not in the Hmong community, not in the rest of the community.

But it does mean it's been addressed by an important cultural leader. That is a milestone, and a step in the right direction.

Help by volunteering

Wisconsin first lady Jessica Doyle was in Wausau Monday promoting President Barack Obama's United We Serve campaign.

She visited The Neighbors' Place, where she spoke about the importance of neighbors helping neighbors during these difficult economic times.

She couldn't have chosen a more appropriate place to deliver her message. Already this year, about 800 different people have volunteered at the food pantry and service provider -- folks who might not have any money to spare or food to donate, but who can contribute their time and sweat.

We all can follow their lead. No matter what your station in life, you can give of your time, your creativity, or your knowledge to help someone else.

As more and more folks find themselves struggling, the need for services and volunteers is increasing. Call the United Way of Marathon County's 211 line or visit unitedwaymc.org/volunteer.htm to find out more.

And the deaths have continued since then, involving suspects and victims from just about every segment of our community.

It is not a Hmong problem. Nor does Pao's speech mean that the problem has been solved -- not in the Hmong community, not in the rest of the community.

But it does mean it's been addressed by an important cultural leader. That is a milestone, and a step in the right direction.

Help by volunteering

Wisconsin first lady Jessica Doyle was in Wausau Monday promoting President Barack Obama's United We Serve campaign.

She visited The Neighbors' Place, where she spoke about the importance of neighbors helping neighbors during these difficult economic times.

She couldn't have chosen a more appropriate place to deliver her message. Already this year, about 800 different people have volunteered at the food pantry and service provider -- folks who might not have any money to spare or food to donate, but who can contribute their time and sweat.

We all can follow their lead. No matter what your station in life, you can give of your time, your creativity, or your knowledge to help someone else.

As more and more folks find themselves struggling, the need for services and volunteers is increasing. Call the United Way of Marathon County's 211 line or visit unitedwaymc.org/volunteer.htm to find out more.

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