Check Point #1            Due: Friday, March 9, 2012

Topic Questionnaire:  

Answering the questionnaire:


Topic: The Secret War
What problem is this topic addressing?  Conflict and immigration

Introduction to your topic – brief overview

My topic is about the Secret War in Laos.  I will be asking why it happened, who it happened to, and what the effects this war had/has on Hmongs and Americans today.

Importance of your topic- why is it important? What makes it interesting? How is it applicable to readers?

This topic is important to me because I have had interactions and friendships with Hmong immigrants and I know very little or nothing about their recent past.  It is an interesting topic because I know so little about it and feel like a lot of people are in the same boat.
I think this topic is applicable to readers because so little has been written/ communicated about the Hmong people and Eau Claire has a strong Hmong community base.

Why you chose this topic- why is it significant to me?

I would like to learn more about Hmong culture and traditions as I am sure I will continue to have Hmong friends/students/etc.  I have considered getting a ELL licensure, and auditing a Hmong language class at the University.  I have had Hmong students and witnessed situations where there were culture clashes between teachers and Hmong students that could have been learning experiences rather than conflict.

Those affected by your topic- who would be opposed

Well so far, I’m guessing the U.S. is going to look pretty bad based on the fact that we are calling the bombing of Laos a Secret War.  Which leads me to believe that some people may be incredibly offended by my musings regarding that issue.  There is also a school of thought held by so many EuroAmericans that immigrants should lose their own culture, language, etc if they are choosing to live here.  This is something I have very strong opinions about and I could see those opinions offending people who think America should only have one language/God/etc…
Resource Ideas: (This topic should be important to you. Did you watch a film, documentary or T.V. show that you might want to post on your blog? Have you read a book, article, etc. that made you want to research more? Is there someone in your life that has had an experience that relates to this topic who you could interview and record on your blog?) Include these ideas here:

Book, documentary, film, person, article, etc.
As a teacher I have had Hmong students and witnessed cultural clashes between students and teachers.  That experience could be a potential resource for my creative text and also for my self reflection piece.  I had one professor who has worked closely with Hmong middle and high school students who has been a resource to me in the past.  There is a Hmong community center downtown where I think I will be able to find someone to interview.  I recently picked up the book "The Latehomecomer" by Kao Kalia Vang that I plan to read for my non-fiction piece.