The Secret War Video Analysis
The video, The Secret War, touched on the role of the Hmong during the war, the reasons this particular ethnic group was chosen to help the United States and the CIA, and the consequences aftermath. This video goes into explaining important information for outsiders who were unaware of this event that took place in history. It was also a reminder and educator to the younger-generation of Hmong, to embrace our heritage and remember all the sacrifices that were made. One interesting aspect that I found in this video was the case where the Veteran explains why the Hmong were recruited to help the United States and the CIA, compared to the Laotians. The Laotians were stereotyped as people who were gentle, happy people, and non-war like. The Hmong, on the other hand, were stereotyped as primitive, self-reliant, independent, honest, loyal, tough, and animist. I found this really interesting because I remember
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Anne Fadiman mentioned in her book, The
Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, that the Hmong living in the mountains of Laos were characterized as noble savages and were really good with savage techniques in night assaults and ambush
(Fadiman, 1997, p. 127). If I can remember correctly, she also quoted that the
Hmong do not hesitate to kill, that they can use weapons and climb mountains.
These components made them a better candidate for the United States to choose from compared to the Laotians. It was also cheaper or cost-effective. Anne
Fadiman stated that the Hmong soldiers during that time period were only paid about $3, a month (Fadiman, 1997, p. 128). I remember that in the video, it mentioned that the Hmong soldiers were well fed, well paid, and well clothed, but did this apply to all? I find it hard sometimes to know which information I should use or retain because there are components where one historian says one thing and another says something either opposite or doesn’t agree.
Overall, this video did a great job at reminding me
Anne Fadiman mentioned in her book, The
Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, that the Hmong living in the mountains of Laos were characterized as noble savages and were really good with savage techniques in night assaults and ambush
(Fadiman, 1997, p. 127). If I can remember correctly, she also quoted that the
Hmong do not hesitate to kill, that they can use weapons and climb mountains.
These components made them a better candidate for the United States to choose from compared to the Laotians. It was also cheaper or cost-effective. Anne
Fadiman stated that the Hmong soldiers during that time period were only paid about $3, a month (Fadiman, 1997, p. 128). I remember that in the video, it mentioned that the Hmong soldiers were well fed, well paid, and well clothed, but did this apply to all? I find it hard sometimes to know which information I should use or retain because there are components where one historian says one thing and another says something either opposite or doesn’t agree.
Overall, this video did a great job at reminding me