Regrettably, repeated responses from Hmong leaders are fears of assimilation or of being dismissed, and of cultural misunderstandings, such as the perception of Hmong meekness being mistaken for apathy or lack of thoughts
The Alliance extended compassion to an unknown people group. I have an indebtedness to the denomination and a deep appreciation for their kindness. The empathy was modeled for Hmong because The Alliance did not create categories. We could define our own terms. I do not resent those who resorted to name-calling, as they were not able to see the spectrum of Hmong American identity
Second-generation Hmong Americans play a key role in bridging the gap. One of the difficulties I faced in the Hmong church was its ecclesial purpose and my own personal purpose as a follower of Jesus. My aim is not to be critical. Rather, it is to communicate my reflections. Social collectivism is deeply embedded within Hmong culture. Hmong gather for a myriad of reasons and those reasons could seem trivial to an outsider. Lead pastors are expected to attend birthdays, graduations, and housewarming parties. Sermons may lack theological integrity, regularly becoming speeches on etiquette. Service and worship turn into pageants and talent shows. This bias might be based on my overriding American worldview or it might simply be a personal preference. Nevertheless, herein lies the root of the concern. Hmong Christians have unconsciously formed exclusive ideas.
