Hmong in China

In China, Hmong is called Miao. Miao is one of ancient ethnic groups in China; it has more than 2000 years’ history. Do you know what had happened to them in ancient China? Do you know what are happening to them now?  I will tell you following.

 

As one part of Chinese Nation, Miao history could date back 2000 years ago. In fact, about 300 years ago, Conflict between Miao groups and newly arrived settlers increased, under repressive economic and cultural reforms were taken by the Qing Dynasty. This led to armed conflict and large-scale migrations continuing into the late 19th century, the period during which most Hmong people immigrated to Southeast Asia. The process began as early as the late-17th century, before the time of major social unrest, when small groups went in search of better agricultural opportunities.

Since 1949, Miao has been an official term for one of the 55 official minority groups recognized by the government of the People's Republic of China. The Miao live mainly in southern China, and we classify them to different kind of Miao because their different custom and dress(e.g. Flower Miao, White Miao, Black Miao, Long Skirt Miao, Short skirt Miao etc.).According to the 2000 censuses, the number of Miao in China was estimated to be about 9.6 million. The number of Miao people is fifth large ethic of China. To be honest, Miao has more politic right and special treatment than our Han people, such as “one child policy” only strict effect on Han nationality while other ethnics group could have more children. And most famous “the policy of adding extra points in national examination for ethnic minorities,” this policy is good for ethnic youths to get good education, at same time, it is unfair to Han youths, but whole of Han people could understand and support our government about this policy. Most of the Miao and other ethnic minorities are treated as family members in China, so we believe we are Chinese and treat each other as family.

In words, we are critical of our government some aspects like contamination and social welfare, but in the way of ethnic policy, our authority did well. Because of the story of Kao Kalia Yang, I like Miao culture very much, it is an ancient, fascinating and international culture.

Notes: The data from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hmong_people,

http://baike.baidu.com/view/2725.htm

http://zh.wikipedia.org/zh/%E8%8B%97%E6%97%8F

http://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/%E6%94%B9%E5%9C%9F%E5%BD%92%E6%B5%81

http://www.cal.org/co/hmong/hhist.html

http://www.hmonghome.com/