“What could a student studying cultures gain from reading and analyzing ‘The Latehomecomer’?” Throughout the book The Latehomecomer, many things can be learned and there are many things the reader can take away. The Hmong religion's depth and the struggle of their culture is one of the most riveting stories I have heard. I learned from the book that the Hmong have earned their right to be here, not that anyone should have to. I have learned about the struggles of war, hunger, death, strength, and many more attributes from one person's story. If there is any takeaway a student could have from this book, I believe it would be perseverance. At the beginning of the book, we are introduced to Kalia’s parents. As said in the book, “We lived in the jungle under constant…show more content… Kalia’s parents want to get married but do not have the funds for a traditional Hmong wedding as one of the brothers has just been married. Along with the money comes an emotional issue. Neither family likes the idea of them getting married due to the multiple attributes of the bride and groom. Kalia’s father does not like her mother because “She is too small and will not be able to survive in the jungle”. However, they do end up getting married despite knowing if they truly love each other or not. Even after they make their way from camp to camp and eventually find their way to America, the troubles don’t stop. In America, they are met with financial hardships and a type of discrimination never felt before. People are constantly looking at them, telling them to go home, asking them why they had to go there, and many other disgusting remarks. One man was even seen walking past their house and giving them “the bird” while screaming at them. The Hmong had to learn English and get through school all on their own. With Kalia and her sister going to school, the parents were hard at work doing anything they could to keep the family fed and
