wk 8 Hmong

Ziyu Wang

Fashion is an expression that has a lot of layers and carries a lot of  deeper meaning. Ava McCall talks about how the Hmong people are making their voices heard through fashion in her text Speaking Through Cloth: Teaching Hmong History and Culture Through Textile Art. The Hmong immigrants began arriving at the US in 1980s, and along side with them their history and culture. Hmong was, and to some degree still is, often discriminated against in education systems and the work force due to their small group size. They are the minorities of minorities. Hmong women especially were at the bottom of the societal food chain, as Hmong culture are largely patriarchal. So for Hmong women, they express themselves through textile and clothing. The paj ntaub stands out especially, as it is a unique textile art that was used as a medium by Hmong women to let their voices be heard. These rich cultural textile arts functions much more than just fashion; they offers a glimpse into the culture and the historical struggles of the Hmong, especially Hmong women. Through the paj ntaub, we are able to gain insight and empathy toward the Hmong people. There are many more ethnic minority groups that are in need of recognition, so how do we find a way to make sure their voices are heard?