Comments for Bridging the Shores: The Hmong-American Experience

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Produced by Brian Bull

Other pieces by Wisconsin Public Radio

Summary: Sound-rich documentary about Hmong-Americans living in the U.S.
 

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Review of Bridging the Shores: The Hmong-American Experience

This is important, thorough and well-produced reportage on the Hmong Community. Long in the background of mainstream America, the Hmong are poised to enter a more prominent presence. Clint Eastwood's soon-to-be new movie is even based on a Hmong storyline. Wisconsin Public Radio is to be praised for showing as many viewpoints and perspectives in this one hour from contemporary hip-hop Hmong to a rising star in the political world to everyday Hmongs making choices about which traditions to keep. The news magazine approach lends itself well to covering such a wide variety of topics. My only criticism is that a couple of the reporters would do well to sound less FM annoucerish and more engaged in the story they're they're telling. But that's a small observation. This is fine work and I urge all stations around the with Hmong populations (and there are many) to air this program. It would help mainstream listeners to understand the complexities and differences of this Asian community.

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Review of Bridging the Shores: The Hmong-American Experience

"Bridging the Shores" is a primer to the Hmong-American experience perfect for public radio listeners. Wisconsin Public Radio Executive Producer Brian Bull says that any one of the stories in this program could have been an hour-long documentary, but that his goal was to give non-Hmong listeners a taste of the many issues faced by these newcomers to the United States. The program dives right into the heart of the immigration conflict, giving voice to the Hmong-American side of the debate through interviews with the first Hmong state senator, community and spiritual leaders, families, and musicians. It also illuminates the rich, rural Hmong culture and how it is being integrated, across the generations, into American life. Five producers contribute stories to the program from the three states with the largest Hmong populations--Minnesota, Wisconsin and California. This hosted, magazine-style program will fit seamlessly into any public radio program schedule, bringing listeners the stories of the nearly 250,000 Hmong refugees who now call the United States home. These kinds of programs provide a key community service for both immigrants and the receiving communities involved in the process of cultural integration. As we hear the voices of everyone in our diverse American communities, including often invisible immigrant experiences, we can gain a better understanding of how to live and work together.