Conquergood considered his relationship with the Hmong to be a form of barter, "a productive and mutually invigorating dialog, with neither side dominating or winning out." In his opinion, the physicians and nurses at Ban Vinai failed to win the cooperation of the camp inhabitants because they considered the relationship one-sided, with the Westerners holding all the knowledge. As long as they persisted in this view, Conquergood believed that what the medical establishment was offering would continue to be rejected, since the Hmong would view it not as a gift but as a form of coercion.
Conquergood viewed his connection with the Hmong people as a reciprocal exchange, valuing the idea of a dynamic dialogue where both parties benefit without one overpowering the other. He criticized the medical professionals in Ban Vinai for failing to foster a cooperative environment, as they approached the Hmong with a sense of superiority, believing they held all the expertise. This perspective hindered true collaboration and understanding between the two cultures.
According to Conquergood, the medical interactions fell short because the Western doctors and nurses did not see the value in the Hmong’s cultural knowledge and experiences. Instead of presenting their services as genuine assistance, they were perceived as a form of coercion. This misunderstanding created a barrier, leading the Hmong to reject what was meant to be help, emphasizing the necessity of mutual respect and genuine engagement in cross-cultural relationships.
