Commentary
Why a song mocking the Hmong is not only offensive, but dangerous
by Tou Ger XiongAs a Hmong comedian and entertainer, I've been performing culturally related humor for the past 15 years. I strongly believe in the saying that "if we can laugh together, we can talk about anything." When done right, humor can be a great medium to build cultural understanding among and across ethnic communities.
However, if used inappropriately, humor can create more cultural divide and perpetuate bigotry and ignorance. Although I'm sure KDWB's Steve-O meant only to entertain with his lyrics about Hmong, I hope that the wave of mixed reviews will give him some things to reconsider in his career as a radio producer.
As an entertainer, first and foremost I poke fun of myself. If I want to poke fun at any person or group, I do my research to make sure that I am not contributing to any hurt or misunderstanding that person or group has already endured. In other words, you have to know your material. If Steve-O had known a little more about the Hmong in Minnesota, he might have thought twice.
First of all, it is grammatically incorrect to refer to more than one Hmong as "Hmongs." Hmong can be singular or plural.
Second, if he had known the cultural and historical reasons Hmong households are larger than average, Steve-O might not have made fun of "30 Hmongs in a House." In an impoverished, agrarian society where physical labor is required for survival, large families are a necessity. A first-generation refugee group, many Hmong still live in these multi-generational households where close-knit family members care for one another and share in such responsibilities as cooking, cleaning and taking care of the elderly and the young.
So instead of needing a comfortable king-sized bed for two, we'd rather make room for more if space is an issue, even if we are a little uncomfortable. There is a popular Hmong saying that translates roughly as "Even though the space is crowded, one's heart can never be too crowded." In other words, love will make room for more.
If my history is correct, many earlier immigrant groups lived in small, compact spaces in large numbers as they began their new lives in this great country. Steve-O might want to ask his grandparents if his ancestors did the same.
The song refers to "One big group of Vangs." There are only 18 major clan names in a population of hundreds of thousands, and Vang is a popular name. So maybe to Steve-O, 24 Vangs seems like a lot, but there are more than 10,000 Vangs in St. Paul alone. Being affiliated with a clan brings a sense of identity. There is strength in numbers, and our system gives us support in times of need. This is apparent in how we conduct our traditional marriages, funerals and spiritual healing practices and rituals.
The song is correct that there are a lot of Hmong in St. Paul; in fact, St. Paul has the largest concentration of Hmong-Americans in the United States. But what brought us here? During a time when very few people knew about the Hmong role in the war, the late Congressman Bruce Vento and former St. Paul Mayor George Latimer were among a few who understood the Hmong story. They were moved by the fact that more than 30,000 Hmong, some as young as 8 years old, died protecting American interests and that we were facing genocide in revenge for helping the Americans. They and a few supporters pushed to have some of the first Hmong families settle in St. Paul.
Thus, Minnesota became our new home, not by choice but to avoid political persecution. Immigrants come to this country by choice; refugees come here by necessity. Hmong are political refugees. It sure wasn't ice-fishing that brought us here.
The song says "Kids work at the mall." True, indeed. Many young children are expected to contribute to the family's well-being in any way possible. So as early as age 6 or 7, they are assigned household chores and duties. Those who are old enough to earn a wage are encouraged to work and contribute financially to the family income. At 14 years old, I remember giving my checks to my parents for groceries. This is another practice and sacrifice that many Euro-Americans had to make long before the Hmong got here. Steve-O might want to check with Grandma on this one also.
As for the line suggesting that "Hmongs get pregnant early," true again -- not just for Hmong girls but for many young people, across all ethnic groups, particularly those who lacked sex education and the proper resources in their schools and communities. A large number of these groups happened to be of minority descent and live in poor areas. Since these cases are part of a nationwide trend, I can see why some might take this lyric as singling out Hmong teenage girls. It is careless and it continues to sexually stereotype minority women as promiscuous.
In essence, although this Hmong parody was an attempt at amusing listeners, it also succeeded in perpetuating and reinforcing stereotypes that further divide communities at a time when we need to build more cultural tolerance and understanding. And although Steve-O broke no law, as a fellow comedian and entertainer I would like to ask him:
Please, consider the repercussions of your material and its impact on some of your listeners, especially the younger ones. Please, consider the dangerous subtext and why some may view it as degrading, demeaning and dehumanizing of a particular group.
In September 1998, in Brooklyn Center, Pa Nhia Lor, a 13-year-old Hmong girl, was raped, choked and later stabbed. Her assailants then tied plastic bags around her head and watched as she took her last breath. After she stopped moving, they went out to buy cigarettes then later called more friends to come help dispose of the body. The five young people involved in the crime were 17 and 18. I believe Pa Nhia Lor would be alive if her assailants had seen her as a human being and not as a helpless sex object or an animal.
In October 2007, in Peshtigo, Wis., while on a hunting trip, Cha Vang, a 30-year-old father of five, was shot at, severely beaten, repeatedly stabbed in the face and throat with a hunting knife and buried in the woods. In police reports, his assailant was quoted as saying, "Those Hmong people are bad, mean." The killer, James Nichols, did not see Vang as a human being and a fellow hunter.
Last month, March 2011, in Vinita, Okla., Neng Yang, a 42-year-old Hmong man, was beaten after he accidentally ran over a man's dog. Yang suffered a broken jaw, broken ribs and other injuries. This case is still pending. It is my opinion that had his attacker seen Yang as a fellow human being, he would have chosen otherwise.
No one is saying that Steve-O or his radio station is responsible for any of these malicious acts toward Hmong people. However, the type of humor that he chose to broadcast does little to improve racial understanding and tolerance. And when presented without the proper background, it can be dangerous to young and uninformed minds.
In essence, when Steve-O chose to create humor that, in the words of scholar and historian Dan Hess, seeks to "attack, demean, and degrade using caricatured references and images of poverty, vermin, child sexuality, promiscuity, physical unattractiveness, child neglect, and ignorance," the result was far from funny. In fact, because his message can reach hundreds of thousands of young minds, it is dangerous.
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Tou Ger Xiong, Woodbury, is a comedian and entertainer.
Comments (47)
plus they have never seen a hmong person in their life, and not knowning what eggroll was too when i was listening to their station...
How would you not know what a eggroll is, even Americans have their own brand of eggroll, for example; philly cheesesteak eggroll. If Steve-0 wants to be a radio host, he has to be smarter than that, don't you think. Not knowing a subject, but still talking about it, is embrarrassing.
Thank you for your thoughts Tou Ger. Beautifully written and an excellent explanation of why the parody was more than a joke. I hope others find this as a teaching moment and not offensive.
Well said Tou Ger. Thank you for educating us more on events that others who not have known, thank you.
I'm glad you're spreading further awareness of this situation by expressing your thoughts. I do hope that the 3 incidents that you have mentioned will not be repeated (I find the Ocotober 2007 murder extremely offensive, considering I'm from Wisconsin).
Well written. Thank you for dissecting this issue and providing a more in depth view. May this be an educational moment for all.
I saw Tou Ger perform at our high school in 1998, Kaukauna High, he was awesome!
Well written! Yes. I agree with you, TGX. Humor is a great way to build cultural understanding but can be hurtful when used wrongly. I'm from Cali and hearing the song on YT was saddening. Maybe their intentions weren't to ridicule the Hmong community but we shouldn't allow room for this type of act that can be racist. It'll only add more fuel to the fire and encourage others to commit similar acts. Let's continue educate each other.
In Solidarity,
Maryjane
Thank for your thought . You did pretty good article to KDWB and education other people that does not know about us.
I agree with you 100%
Thank you! You are a Hmong Hero!
GO TOU GER XIONG!
I understand the situations above. But remember the hmong individual who shot and killed the Wisconsin deer hunters years ago. 2 were close friends I will never see again. Is it racial misunderstanding or is it the person themselves, Crackpots exists in every culture- they do not represent the whole population
I believe this has been blown too far out of proportion. Yes, I agree to some extent, that this may be offensive to certain people. But its taken out of context since this nothing more than a joke. It talks about a large family, how the teenagers hang out at the mall, and early pregnancy. The only offensive comment within the song is the early pregnancy, other than that it is a silly song. Don't all nationality and race deal with early pregnancy, it's a common occurrence. Has anyone listened to the other KDWB songs written for comedy? They poke fun at all types of ideas and people. I would feel inclined to fight back and feel persecuted if the song used racial slurs or gave ideas of common racial discrimination like deportation or racial superiority. I believe a formal apology from Steve-O will be enough, no need to ask for his resignation or pursue legal alternatives. There are multiple other ways we can use or resources for betterment of the Hmong community. This has gotten what Hmong need, some publicity but lets not turn it into a circus of name calling and fighting.
What an awakening...! for other races, and even some Hmong themselves. Understand, if you are Hmong --that you are being laughed at, mocked, and racial stereotypes are being propagated against you. So if you still find it as a silly song and laugh, you are condoning stations like KDWB from continuing to be play their racist part and throw their racist jokes. Their jokes are not meant to and do not unite a community....but works to create tension and distance between the people. Why and how is that in anyway funny? You can laugh...until the jokes on you. Maybe all ends of life and society should be poked with fun at...so that maybe all can see the disgust in it and call for it's dead end. Thanks Touger!
I believe that this has gone too far. I mean, Yea, what kdwb did was kinda wrong-doing and that it can offend some hmong but the fact that they did it as a joke ONLY because a Hmong person suggested the song title, now they are being ridiculed as racist. I seen far worse RACISM from the hmong people than kdwb. I know that most hmong people make fun of other race just as much as anyone else does but just because they dont put it out in the media and only among themselves, makes it okay for them to backlash on something that involves them?! TWO WRONG DONT MAKE A RIGHT. From what i was seeing and reading on their fb page, seem like it wasnt even about the song anymore. All i saw was hatred towards one another, the hmong offended of the song was degrading and bullying those who wasnt offended. I am glad its taking action against racism, but when bullying and name calling is involve, its another story. I personally, thought the song was funny and it did not offended me one bit because i represent MYSELF being hmong. So props to those who is taking actions and not doing so by violence!
i agree with tub moua. enough said. end of story
I believe this too have been blown out of proportion. The context in which it was done has totally been ignored and the liberal edge of the Hmong community is having a ball with it. I believe how you react to something shows more character about yourself than what anyone can ever say to you. If you believe any normal sane person who listens to the song would turn around and have anti-Hmong sentiments, then you too, are guilty of the exact same thing you're "preaching" against. People aren't this stupid. This was a bit. Tou Ger Xiong, by going to great lengths in an attempt to sound intelligent, pretty much comes off pretty ignorant in my humble opinion, using insane examples and totally ignoring all the stupid and deadly things the Hmong do to themselves. Then again, go figure, the article is written for MPR. Doesn't get any more left looney than that. You'll always get the sky is falling version of any story. But that's my two cents. Anyways, I'll post a little more of thoughts as I am able to put them into words that people can understand. Signing out. Only 400 characters remaining :)
I believe this too have been blown out of proportion. The context in which it was done has totally been ignored and the liberal edge of the Hmong community is having a ball with it. I believe how you react to something shows more character about yourself than what anyone can ever say to you. If you believe any normal sane person who listens to the song would turn around and have anti-Hmong sentiments, then you too, are guilty of the exact same thing you're "preaching" against. People aren't this stupid. This was a bit. Tou Ger Xiong, by going to great lengths in an attempt to sound intelligent, pretty much comes off pretty ignorant in my humble opinion, using insane examples and totally ignoring all the stupid and deadly things the Hmong do to themselves. Then again, go figure, the article is written for MPR. Doesn't get any more left looney than that. You'll always get the sky is falling version of any story. But that's my two cents. Anyways, I'll post a little more of thoughts as I am able to put them into words that people can understand. Signing out. Only 400 characters remaining :)
U definitely agree with Yeng, Mary and Tub Moua. These people have acted like they have never laughed at a joke that had made fun of another race! All of a sudden many Hmong people want to jump on the band wagon of attacking the KDWB crew and other Hmong people who aren't against this song. So what does that prove and show the rest of the world that you can dish out the jokes about others but when someone wants to poke fun at you, you can't handle it? This has all of a sudden become an attack on others just because they are agreeing and now people want to resort to violence and name calling. The many outrageous reactions to this song has definitely embarrassed me as a Hmong person. Hmong people have done worst to themselves in their own communities and yet it goes on all they time with no one trying to fix that! Just an excuse for Hmong people to attack other races including their own to make them feel better about themselves. That's pretty sad.
I do agree with Tou Ger. I had the same thought when listening to that song. It wouldn't be upsetting if it wasn't targeted directly to the Hmong specifically, but they did and that's why it got dangerous
It may be true that this issue is being blown out of proportion, but Tou Ger did a good job in explaining and educating. As for the FB comments, you need to know that people on the internet do not always act that way in life, in fact the person's internet personal may be completely different from their personality in reality.
Earlier someone commented about how the hmong are more racist, you your self is generalizing the Hmong. And note that the comment you said applies to everyone, the only difference is that people keep it to themselves.
What people don't seem to understand is that people's IGNORANCE (if left alone) will eventually lead to unwanted consequences. History has so many example of these and yet people choose to pretend and forget.
Are people so shallow minded that they will not take action when it can make a difference? or will they wait until it is irreversible and personal to try and make a difference?
I could say more, but I'll keep the rest to myself.
We coming for you Stevie just like the Asian gangs trying to get at that stupid UCLA girl!!
We coming for you Stevie just like the Asian gangs trying to get at that stupid UCLA girl!!
You handled this situation and commented on it in the best way, I believe I wouldn't have been able to contain my anger as well as you did. Keep up the good work, and continue fighting the good fight. God bless.
I'm embarrassed by "Gang Member"'s comment...
Why! I am embarrassed by "Gang Member" 's comment.
@ all the people that says it's OK because it's a joke. Are you really saying it's OK to be a racist as long as it's a joke? Any one can slap the "it's a joke" label on something and all of a sudden it shouldn't offended anyone? That adults and kids think and understands things the same way? Even if as an adult I take it as a joke, children may not, and their classmates may not and that's where the harm comes into play. There are tons of racist jokes and no one is saying it's illegal to tell them, but do so privately, that is your business. When you make a racist joke publicly it's going to do more harm than not. People who are offended by this is not offended because we can't take a joke. We are offended because this kind "joking" should never be tolerated because it leads to greater misunderstanding. We don't want to live in a world where, "if everybody is doing it it's OK".
@Maider, if you raised a kid that was that stupid, you've got bigger issues. Trust me.
Hmong for centuries-long struggle for racial equity and justice. Here in America, especially, is a racialized society, whereas the color of our skin means something, even while it remains biologically and genetically irrelevance. So when a white person, with invisible privileges and benefits, like Steve-O, composed a song that touches the very fibers of Hmong cultures. It does make sense that something, some people will react.
Well if we think the song is so offensive please listen to the Hmong Free Conference.Com. Right now in the Twin Cities they have over 4 of them they talk very offensive some against the Hmong we must tell them to stop as well. Personally, I do not think the song whatever the Radio station did much wrong. We must think this is an education for all because we can not say there is no true to it as Hmong we need to improve our life in the USA. We should tell the Hmong Free Conference.Com stop talk bad about Hmong well if we do not like what the song said we should not like the Hmong Free Conference say as well.
Well if we think the song is so offensive please listen to the Hmong Free Conference.Com. Right now in the Twin Cities they have over 4 of them we think the song really really offense against the Hmong wait until you listen to the Hmong
Free Conference. Com. Folks this is an education for all and we can not say there is no truth to it we need to improve ourselves. We should tell the Hmong Free Conference.Com stop talking bad about Hmong as well if we do not like what the song said. Thanks
Well if we think the song is so offensive please listen to the Hmong Free Conference.Com. Right now in the Twin Cities they have over 4 of them we think the song really really offense against the Hmong wait until you listen to the Hmong
Free Conference. Com. Folks this is an education for all and we can not say there is no truth to it we need to improve ourselves. We should tell the Hmong Free Conference.Com stop talking bad about Hmong as well if we do not like what the song said. Thanks
Thanks to Tou Ger and MPR for taking the time to share this with america.
As a first generation American born, my first take on this parody was in a light-anger-confusion followed by a desire to accept this as funny. This desire of acceptance was because this parody came from a radio station known to openly mock and joke about, well, anything and everything.
Little did I know already what the impacts were that day.
I shortly later had to debate this with my parents, the parents feeling victimized by the parody.
My sister got in a bitter argument with my parents.
Now I'm faced with defending my race and culture with outsiders?
I am a girl born and raised in saint paul, mn before I got married and moved to Tulsa. People dont understand how I feel about this touchy subject matter. After I read this article, i cant even think to explain it the way tou ger has because every time it comes to this subject, it just makes me upset at all the younger generations who think of this as a joke. this explains how i feel about everything... and i have shared this with others hoping to let them know what this song has done and how it has divided the hmong community apart.... well said tou ger!!!!
I thin we forget wat the word HMONG means. Look at urself. We all dont look that different. If u gonna let them laugh at u, thats fine. Please step aside, let the people want to fight stand with their pride.thks
It is dangerous when society sees humor in racist, denigrative comments about any ethnic group. Laughing along or dismissing such comments condones the notion that the Hmong are subhuman; undeserving of the same respect due to peers in the American society. Based on some of the comments, it sounds like there is a group of individuals who agree with the comments made and think it is an opportunity to "improve" ourselves. It is important that we take pride in ourselves and our cultural values. By this, I mean we should strive to measure ourselves by our own values and not by those defined by mainstream culture.
I am not sure why we need to defend the large size of Hmong families or the close quarters of living. These are characteristics of many cultures in the world, not just Hmong. The Hmong value life and family. Large families are a reflection of this. Remaining close is not only a function of economics, but also the foundation of our values - a strong family base. In our history, the wealthy families also lived in close quarters with extended family or even took care of impoverished outsiders. These are values we should continue to perpetuate.
It is also very common for agrarian societies to have large families. Even in this country, it was common to have large families several generations back - so this is not a trait unique our people. Additionally, I am not certain you are correct in assuming that large families are a result of impoverished agrarian societies or the lack of education. Historically, large families are traits you see with wealthy families who can actually afford to sustain them. We should take pride in our large families.
In regards to the comments around teenage parents, we have to remember that in our culture, teenagers are considered men and women - not children. By I recall reading a study several years ago that pointed out adolescence in the US is prolonged compared to other countries around the world. Economically, it may not make sense now to continue this practice in the US. However, I don't think it's a bad thing to expect and encourage teenagers to behave like mature adults.
It is also very common for agrarian societies to have large families. Even in this country, it was common to have large families several generations back - so this is not a trait unique our people. Additionally, I am not certain you are correct in assuming that large families are a result of impoverished agrarian societies or the lack of education. Historically, large families are traits you see with wealthy families who can actually afford to sustain them. We should take pride in our large families.
In regards to the comments around teenage parents, we have to remember that in our culture, teenagers are considered men and women - not children. By I recall reading a study several years ago that pointed out adolescence in the US is prolonged compared to other countries around the world. Economically, it may not make sense now to continue this practice in the US. However, I don't think it's a bad thing to expect and encourage teenagers to behave like mature adults.
Remember that our ancestors were strong, fiercely independent people. Let's stop measuring ourselves by Western concepts that may incorrectly be seen as superior.
Lastly, it is only natural that we replenish the existing Hmong population given the number of those killed in a war that was forced upon us. Proliferation is required to mitigate the genocidal consequences of the war.
Do you SMELL what the HMONG people are cooking?
Our ancestors didn't fight oppression for over 5,000 to be labeled as "sardines." Of course, we want humor, but ONLY "funny haha" like Jackie Chan and NOT "funny ohoh" like "Asian in the Library" on youtube.
It's pretty simple, spread the word HMONG PEOPLE STOP LISTENING TO KDWB. In time their air time will slowly drop and it'll be a huge drop for their station. Radio station gets paid through events that draws people in like BUTT CRUZ which is dumb because 60% of girls that goes there to support KDWB is hmong girls. Supporting KDWB the people that talks about you, your parents, your people. Feel dumb yet???
Here in America... Stereotypes are funny, If you're simple minded enough to look over the cultural impact that it will have. Ask any child, what they think of a certain race/group of people, results will be some kind Stereotype.
Culture includes the way we act towards and think about others. So welcome to America, land of media entertainment of stereotypes.
What was said can not be unsaid. No matter how sorry, they said they are*.
KDWB probably expected some reaction to bring hype back to their dieing radio station.
In turn, they get great back up from those not worried about cultural back lash, and some one gets to go on vacation. Wonderful work steve-o. may your kin be bombarded by negative stereotypes as you line your wallet.
As well for those who have been stereotyped. No matter what adversities you may be facing, work your way from those negative stereotypes. Prove those asses wrong. You don't have to change who you are, but let the community know that you exist and exist for a reason. We are all here for a reason, we might as well learn to coexist. We don't have to intermingle but should have enough respect for each other as humans.
If you say its okay for people to make such "parodies," think carefully of the days when you, or your children, or your loved ones are challenged by such ignorance. Dehumanize yourself first and then find your joy.
For now peace, love, and STFU.
Yes this was a rant, meant to be criticized. not necessarily coherent.
So, he's saying that because of Steve-O's FUNNY song that Neng Yang was beaten by a guy after Neng Yang ran over his dog--riiiggghhht? I'd beat the crap out of any person, even a grandma, if they ran over my dog too. White girls, black, girls, hispanic girls, etc they get raped and beaten, not just Hmong girls. Quit playing the victim card when other races suffer as well.
I listened to the song, I thought it was hilarious. He's also made songs about white trash and other life style situations. How is he different from any other comedian out there, like Daniel Tosh? He jokes about race, religion, sexual orientation, etc too. This is stupid how people are so ignorant--GET OVER IT. A joke is a joke, cry about it some more. GO TEAM STEVE-O! WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK!
All I have to say is: it appears all of the naive individuals are agreeing tha racism is ok as long as it's in the form of a joke. They promote & respect racism as a joke. Plain & simple. Please don't say otherwise. I read every single one who is saying take it as a joke: pretty much confirms tha racism is ok as long as it is in the form of a joke. I'm super disappointed in that. you rethink about the world YOUR kid will be living in... seriously? u want racism in the form of a joke to be ok to hem? ok, that's on you. don't let it kick you in the butt...
For all the whiners about KDWB who will not understand what I say ... I will say it anyways! In spoken word because that's the in thing lol.
If you believe racism exists, it will only stop when it doesn't affect you.
You don't flinch.
Because you will be above it.
Dominating it.
Showing who's the boss by your actions.
Not words.
You have no one to defend.
They don't need your defense.
They will be above it too.
That is progress.
Don't patronize me.
Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.
For some.
Funny thing is.
This should already be the case.
Where are you?
Thank you for educating those out there who may not know about the Hmong. As educators, leaders, comedians, someone with power or someone with the ability to reach and influence so many people, we have that responsibility. Like the saying in Spiderman "With great power, comes great responsibility."
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