Healing across Cultures: The Cham Refugee Experience in Healthcare (Tagoipah Mathno, Ep 20)
Join us for an insightful conversation with Tagoipah, a second-generation Cham refugee from the greater Seattle area. Tagoipah shares the important distinction between refugees and immigrants and how their families and community were forced to flee Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge era. We also explore the rich history and identity of the Cham people, an indigenous minority group from Southeast Asia, and how their long history has been shaped by various empires and assimilation.
Listen in as we discuss the intersectionality of Cham identity, particularly how being a minority within another minority group can shape one’s experience. Tagoipahshares their upbringing in a diverse community in South Seattle, surrounded by East African, Somali, and Asian communities, and how that allowed them to connect with their culture. We also examine the power dynamics in various communities and the importance of understanding and acknowledging our history.
This episode delves into the challenges of navigating the healthcare system as a Cham refugee and the cultural gap between healthcare providers and the Cham community. We explore the crucial role of interpreters in bridging this gap and the need for teaching patients to ask questions and seek second opinions. Finally, we touch upon the impact of cultural crossover in diverse communities and the importance of honoring autonomy when it comes to identity. Join us for this enlightening and engaging discussion with Tagoipahabout the Cham community, identity, and navigating the complexities of healthcare and social justice.
——— EPISODE CHAPTERS ———
- Cham Refugees and Charm People
- Cham Identity and Erasure
- Navigating Intersectional Identity
- Identity, Power, and Cham Tradition
- Traditional Cham Wedding and Community Contributions
- Navigating Healthcare as a Refugee
- Cultural Interpretation of Health
- Improving Cultural Understanding in Healthcare
- Healthcare and Social Justice
- Recognizing Cultural Crossover in Communities
——— EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ———
Cham Refugees and Charm People
I discuss my identity as a Cham refugee, the difference between refugees and immigrants, and Cham’s history.
Cham Identity and Erasure
Cham people are a minority in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia, combining Islam with traditional beliefs; the identity of a second-generation refugee; knowledge is key to understanding cultural identity.
Navigating Intersectional Identity
Growing up in a diverse South Seattle community, I experienced how minority identity shapes one’s identity.
Identity, Power, and Cham Tradition
Autonomy, minority within a minority, Ethiopian community, Asian Muslims, and oppression of communities of color were discussed.
Traditional Cham Wedding and Community Contributions
Cham culture’s weddings, food, clothing, and hijabs are a blend of Southeast Asian and Islamic cultures.
Navigating Healthcare as a Refugee
Navigating healthcare as a Cham refugee, advocating for family, and reliance on technology are discussed.
Cultural Interpretation of Health
Bridge cultural gap between healthcare providers and Cham community, understand patient’s interpretation of health, language barriers, holistic health, autonomy, and identity.
Improving Cultural Understanding in Healthcare
Interpreters bridge cultural gap between healthcare providers and Cham patients, respecting cultural identity, specific language, and power dynamics.
Healthcare and Social Justice
Autonomy, beliefs, empowering patients, and Cham culture are discussed to bridge the healthcare provider-patient gap.
Recognizing Cultural Crossover in Communities
We discuss Asian community diversity, cultural changes, bridging cultural gaps, and honoring autonomy in identity.
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