the problem is not bride price nor tradition. the problem is.... domestic violence... and respecting each other's space after you've divorced....wh y was she even at HIS house? who knows?
but in regards to her being married at 12 years old.... i recall in 1993... many hmong girls whom were 12-15....they were the reasons they married guys over 21.... they ran away with their husbands because they were head over heals for those older guys.... they were not FORCED to marry these older men at that time.... it was THEIR decisions.... against the wills of their parents...from what i've witness... some of these same girls.... once they reach 21+ they realized... oh they want to partay and not be a mother... so they blame it on their husbands and parents and traditions for taking advantage of their innocence... even though it was them whom said they'd die if their parents don't allow to marry their older husbands....
stop blaming traditions and parents.
I would humbly disagree... it has everything to do with tradition and brideprice is part of that tradition. You, yourself just said in 1993, many girls ages 12-15 were married. SO, how can you say that is not traditional? In this society and in state, CAlIFORNIA, You must be of 18 years old to marry... there are other minor requirements, but 18 is the main one. So how can a 12-15 year old girl marry in the eyes of the law? The answer is, it was a cultural and traditional Hmong wedding only. The Brideprice comes into play because it is a traditional wedding and when the husband is resentful for paying it.
In this case, the girl went to the courts and asked the court to impose child support and maybe even spousal support on the man. The property in dispute was also to be sold so any profits can be divided. The man refuse, saying it was his home and he purchased with his money. When you put a man up against the wall... what do you think will happen??? When he has no outlet, and in his eyes, no other option. Well, I guess we can all see the result now? Right?
Everyone is at fault here, in my opinion.
1. The parents are at fault for allowing this to happen. Yes, she is a minor at the time. And as such, the parents have control of what a minor does, no matter what her wishes are.
2. The husband is at fault for being abusive and selfish.
3. The wife is at fault. She knew her husband was abusive yet stay. In her last days, she wanted him to pay and the only way to hurt him was to make him sale his home. Should and could have been more civil.