Hey everyone,

I am a Law Enforcement student, and I have a class that focuses on the cultural diversity of America. We were given assignments to research a culture and discuss certain topics. I chose to do my presentation on the Hmong culture. I have been searching the internet trying to find information on language and gestures that Hmong people find offensive. If you all could help me out by telling me some of the gestures and language that law enforcement officers should avoid, so we aren't unintentionally disrespectful or insulting anyone. Also, If you could tell me some phrases that could mean danger for an officer (thinks like get him/her, kill him/her, etc...) that would be awesome.

Thanks

Using the old fashion term "Miao" or "Meo" is offensive to a good number of Hmong people. I don't think most Americans have heard of Hmong, Miao, or Meo anyway so that shouldn't be a big of a deal for your research.

Like other Asian cultures, staring in someone's eye is... I wouldn't say rude but I could be wrong. Hmong people are kind of shy so they tend to not look in your eyes when they talk to you. So, don't feel like they're ignoring you. I think for younger, Americanized Hmong, they don't feel the same way.

Hmm.. I can't seem to think of anything else.

This is a very interesting research. America being so diverse, it's good to learn about other cultures and understand them.

I don't think there's any gestures etc. that Hmong would find offensive.

But for the police you may hear the term "Npua" pronounced "BUA" meaning "pig".....you will know they probably don't like you then. I hear it alot.

I would say like hanim said Hmong people tend not to make eye contact so if they don't look at you all the the time it is not disrespecting an officer, it's actually the opposite. I think an officer should never assume anything either or try to finish someone's sentence who can't speak English well. Just let them finish, then ask questions. Nowadays there's more Hmong on police forces so it does fill in that cultural gap but training for non- Hmong officers are still needed on how to deal with the Hmong community.

This may help when communicating with a person of Hmong descent. When a Hmong person answers a question, they may sound like they are yelling, but they are not. The Hmong language is a tonal language and a lot of words are annuciated and drawn out or possibly loud at times. It will range from person to person.

Ahh that's right..I used to get yelled at by my teachers for not looking them in the eye...Even today I still can't do it LOL.

Don't yell at them for not looking at you.

I still don't look at people, guess it's a habit but I just don't think you should be staring. Hmong people don't look at non-Hmong people but man they sure like staring when your at public places or on the streets...lol...I like slamming my money on counters too just like most Koreans...Mauahahahaha...

Could someone also explain to me how Hmong people react to crime? What are viewed as serious crimes and what is viewed as a petty crime. Also, how is crime handled in hmong culture?

Here is the traditional Hmong way of reacting to crime: Mob Justice

By this I mean, the community/family gets to decide what they want to do with the accused. Usually this led to severe physical abuse/punishment or disownment from the village/community. Of course, that's not how it works these days. Most Hmong in America know the consequences of crime. They understand what jail/prison is. Plus, back in those days, you didn't want to be a serious criminal. You wouldn't survive on your own. You need your family, the community, the village to survive. To commit a serious crime (like murder) was not a likely option. Though, not to deny it, murders did happen, many who committed them got away with it. There weren't special forensics to prove who murdered who.

As far as serious vs. petty crimes, it's no different from what Americans view it as. Different society, but similar ingrained morals apply. Everything falls under a common moral compass. Although, as a patriarchical (men focused) culture, domestic violence is not seen as a "serious" of a crime.

Overall, I think most Hmong in America understand the "laws of the land". It's really hard to compare and explain since traditionally, they Hmong came from a society where there was no judicial system, no written law, no official authorities (aside from the leaders of the clans/villages).

What Genkidama said. Even theft could be viewed as something serious back in Asia. The people would deal with it their own way.

Hmong view on crime is the same as everyone else. It's bad. Hmong culture does emphasize good morals and virtues but people are people and many just don't follow them.

The eyes things reminds me when I got pulled over a little while ago for doing 92 in a 70 one night on the freeway coming home. I remember the trooper asked me how fast I thought I was going...and I said "I dunno, 80-83" and he waited and stared at me in silence...so I had to look him in the eyes to show I was honest LOL...it was hard...I then bulged my eyes and nodded. It felt so awkward...We both chuckled and he went and came back with my ticket. But I didn't have to pay for my dark window tints.

^ Neb gaylers.

I used to not stare into people's eyes but then I was taught in school by my white teachers that it was rude to do that. I think it was my later years in high school that I notice I've been looking into people's eyes when I talk to them.. Dang it! I want to be more ASIAN!

Lucky You! I can't look people in the eyes for long or I'll start smiling. I don't laugh...I smile......Usually after I start smiling he/she would give me a weird look....

LUCKY? But I want to be more Asian.






It used to feel so weird looking into people's eyes... i mean -> <- seriously.

lol...I know!....At time it's like they will see deep dEEP DEEP into my dark soul, read all my thoughts, and find out all my secrets..................

^Ahaha, I never thought about that but wow... kind of scary.

Sometimes I look at the little lines of White people's iris.