Commentary
What's behind those Somali conversations in the coffee shop?
by Ibrahim HirsiWalk into any number of coffee shops in Cedar-Riverside, and you'll find Somali men talking politics. But it's not Democrats vs. Republicans, or the aftermath of the gubernatorial recount. It's the complex politics that forced them to flee Somalia.
If you could listen in on one of these coffee-shop conversations, you'd hear about the fight between the terrorist group Al-Shabaab and the transitional Somali government. You'd hear about the territorial dispute between Puntland and Somaliland. And you'd also hear insults and name-calling -- one clan is praised, another disparaged. It's a debate that has its roots in the tribal divisions that tore Somalia apart two decades ago.
These political arguments have a name in the Somali language. We call them fadhi ku dirir. It means "fighting while sitting down."
For some young Somalis like me, there's an irony in these coffee-shop conversations. Most Somalis living in Minnesota are refugees. We fled the civil war to put those arguments behind us. Despite the headlines about those few young people who have gone back to fight or have gotten mixed up in terrorism, most of us came to Minnesota seeking a peaceful existence. By definition, our individual lives are no longer directly influenced by what happens in Mogadishu.
Today our lives are shaped more by decisions made in Washington, St. Paul, and even the Minneapolis school board. And many young Somalis have adapted to American culture. Some have even gone into politics. But our elders remain marginalized by the American lifestyle. Because of the language barrier, they don't read American newspapers, so they don't follow American politics. They have friends and family still living in Somalia. And so they continue to focus on politics back home.
As Minnesota's Somali community becomes more established, that focus is likely to change. The coffee-shop conversations will continue. But those taking part will eventually begin to forget the politics of their old home, and concentrate instead on the politics of their new home. Given the state of Minnesota politics, they should find plenty of material to keep them fighting while sitting down.
----
Ibrahim Hirsi is a student at the University of Minnesota.
Comments (25)
How is this news? And what was the point in this 'article'. As I read the first, then the second, then the third paragraph, I thought the article was going somewhere; that it had something to report. But it did not.
It could have been summed up in two sentences:
1) In coffee-shops where Somali's live they talk about Somalia's politics - although they don't live there any more.
2) They don't become involved in the U.S politics becuase of the language barrier.
How is that news, and why did anyone nee to know that?
Thanks Ibra, But I did not understand what is behind the Conversation. Let me to say that the real issue behind sitting and conversation in tea coffee is that one of Somali culture is they get they news each other, or to get what is going their home land. But when this news gathering is become left, they start each other to go back what happens in the past, and that is what really behind the fighting or arguments in tea coffee.
well done
Ibarhim dair xirsi my class mate in imam shafici 12 yrs before , sxb markaas ayaa iigu kaa dambeysay muuqaaga ayana gartay , magacagana waan gartay .
Thanks, Ibrahim. A snatch of light for the outsider. These conversations, "fighting while sitting down," are continuous wherever in the world Somalis "sit." You must know the proverb, "Given a choice between food and the news, the Somali chooses the news." Peace.
i dont understand what this guy is trying to state knw dayz de stle is just critisize de somalis n u r article wil be printed naclad ayaa kugu taala bahalyow wajiga foosho xun leh
Thanks for this piece. I have often wished I could eavesdrop on those intense conversations.
As a community college teacher, I appreciated this little slice of culture. Is the piece 'news'? No, but culture and cross-cultural understanding are important parts of the MPR mission, I think. So thanks for the piece.
And I really wish MPR had a way to flag inappropriate comments. I don't often read the comments on stories and the writer from Illinois below reminds me why not. The New York Times recently had a Public Editor piece on website comments; worth consideration at MPR HQ.
Well done
Thank you Ibrahim. This gives the inside of what is going on in those coffee shops for someone who does not understand the Somali culture because I am sure a lot of people wonder what is going as they talk.
for those of who are saying this is not news what is the point??? your right is not news its commentary meaning that its just describing event that takes place. So please careful with how you Criticize something.
Great Job Ibrahim and I enjoyed reading it :)
Thank you Ibrahim. This gives the inside of what is going on in those coffee shops for someone who does not understand the Somali culture because I am sure a lot of people wonder what is going as they talk.
for those of who are saying this is not news what is the point??? your right is not news its commentary meaning that its just describing event that takes place. So please careful with how you Criticize something.
Great Job Ibrahim and I enjoyed reading it :)
Well done Ibrahim. The article is very intresting and it has written in a clear, expository style. Did you realized that the (fadhi kudirir) fighting while seating, they taking from the coffee shops to the barbershops. I believe the amount of time they spent (fadhi kudirir), the could get two PHD's, or may be not. Peace and keep up the good work.
Hi Ibrahim,
It is wonderful to ponder how things change in the world. In the summer of 1976, I landed at the airport in Minneapolis-St Paul on my to Washington State University at Pullman, near Spokane, where I was attending an animal science conference. I had come from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Where I was doing a postgraduate degree in animal science. Although, I did not go into the city, probably there wasn't a single Somali in it. Nor were there any in Winnipeg. Today, I hear that there are nearly 50 000 Somalis in Minneapolis and several hundred families in Winnipeg. In those days we were proud to be Somalis and I wanted to learn and help my country and to free Africa. I was a member of the Manitoba Anti-Apartheid committee. But no sooner had I arrived back In the country and started work in Kismayu than I saw the terrible changes that had been brought in the country by the despicable regime of Siad Barre. I nearly went to jail for doing my duty properly within 21 days of my arrival. I left the service 3 years later and went to Saudi Arabia. So don't be surprised if those of us from the old generation are still discussing what happened to us. The regime and its agents were such a nightmare! Regards
The people complaining need to look at the top where it says commentary. He is just stating his opinion. Which I think is going the wrong direction, I don't whether the editor pushed you toward this direction but it certainly not something that interests me the least bit. You just said that Somalis need to stop thinking about Somali politics, does that sound right to you? It doesn't to me. Re-examine your opinion and then write another article.
Well done Ibrahim, you have spoken the truth Walahi!!! Your doing your job to educate those people who don't understand what is going on or are unfamiliar with our culture...
As much as its not a big news its a important for others to know about what these Somali old guys discuss and spend hours and hours sitting around. They have nothing better to do as they can't work due to lack of language or simply that they are too old to work... But they could be in the Masjid earning some good deeds...
I appreciate your hardwork and doing your part to educate others... It would be great if people don't insult others....
Thank you very much
Ibrahim you did good job and keep it up the good work.we need some one like who is informing the information that is needed and don;t listen other people's discouraged comments about what you wrote. Because they don't want to be heard the truth.
Good Jop Bro
Some of you might think that this article is pointless because knowing about other cultures doesn't interest you or may be it is because you do not know the importance of getting to know a culture that is different from your own. I personally think it is important to know how others view the world that we live in; i actually find it very interesting how many in America take political issues serious, and how they make sure their voices are heard by their votes whereas some Somalis may not be involved. For those that belong to the Somali culture and think this article is nonsensical,those who criticize it, do not want to acknowledge and reveal the reality of our culture. It is absolutely fine to not like the ideas of the article, but insulting the person is ignorance. Waxaan lahadlayaa nacaska fooshaxun from baladweene. This is too deep for you to understand. your comment shows jaahilnimadaada. Nacalada aad sheegeyso adiga beey kuugu taalaa jaahilyaho. Educate yourself.
Interesting piece, I really enjoyed it, but i believe you could go deeper into the issue as its not that simply in my opinion, All in all, great job Ibrahim I;m proud of Somali's like you who try and bridge the gap or try to enlighten others of our culture.
good attempt for trying to covey your message, I reply surprised when I saw this family face. thanks for your contribution in writing any idea person wishes to write.
This guy has no idea what he is writing about. As we know coffee shops are the only places talk and discuss on going issues, and relax. But my friend Ibrahim is writing is arbitrary factor which has no value at all. Nice trial try again. Remember practice, practice make perfect. overall nice trial.
I would like to learn how to speak Somali for beginning level
Thank you
In the name of Allah the most Gracious and most merciful
March 22, 2012
Galib Malik Ramathan
1626 Weston Road Unit B1
Toronto, Ontario, M9N 1T9, Canada
E-Mail: galibramathan@yahoo.ca
To Whom It May Concern:
My Dear Brothers/Sisters in Islam
Assalamu Alaikum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakathu
My name is Galib Ramathan. I was born in Mogadishu, Somalia on January 1st 1981. I am from a poor Muslim family. I have a problem and I need some help from my Muslim brothers and sisters. And I am currently a Canadian citizen.
I am from a low income family and in need of financial assistance. I am sick and suffering from a mental illness called Schizophrenia;
I am unable to work or to go to school because of this illness. Presently, I am taking a medication and in care of a family doctor in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. My health was affected by the civil war in Somalia when I was ten years old and its deteriorating day by day.
I have been sick for the past 20 years since 1991. I am emotionally handicapped due to civil war in Somalia. Today
I am not in good health. Allah is my witness.
Presently, I am residing in Toronto for the past 17 years by myself with no family members. My family is in East Africa Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania, I have been away from my family since 1994; we were separated because of the civil war in Somalia.
I have a decided to move to Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania permanently to join my family. I never took a medication in my life when I was in Africa it doesn't matter what part of Africa. Now if I go back to Tanzania my personal health problem will be improve greatly. I will feel much better.
Now the problem I have is I do not have money for airline ticket to go to Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania to be with my family to feel much better, please don't look at the money look the health I will get that it is the most important thing.
I am going to Tanzania in order to improve my health condition.
I am frustrated, lonely and depressed living in Canada alone without my family I can't eat properly and I cannot sleep because of the stress, I believe I will be of in Tanzania with my family as I am ill and they can take care of me. I strongly believe my health will improve with my family around;
I lived in Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania for many years before coming to Canada and that time I was healthy and I never suffered from any disease or illness Alhamdulillah.
I am not will be unable to get enough money to survive there.
I am in need of financial assistance in order to move back to Tanzania, as I am unable to work due to my illness and I cannot survive in Africa as there is no agency or government that can assist me financially.
I would be much better for my health wise physical and mentally
I will really appreciated for any help that I can get from you.
If I remember how we lived in Tanzania sometimes I cry. I am in need urgent support and please try to assist me the best you can. Please try to help me as much as you can
Today I don't have a life in this country. I spend thinking about myself of not knowing what to do. I would like to achieve a better life as well as independence. I would like to get married to one Muslim woman from Somalia who lives in Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania. I would like to have my own family there.
Now the problem I have is I am not will be able to get enough money to survive there. I cannot survive in Africa without any support.
Tanzania is a poor country however everybody is happy and healthy nobody worries about anything because there is no stress, frustration and depression.
I have strong feelings going back to Tanzania for good. I am requesting any Zakat. Whatever Zakat you can afford Please send me with Western Union or you can also send me Draft cheque with my name on it at above address on the top of this letter as soon as possible.
Muslim people are supposed to help each other when other brothers are in need.
Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says have mercy on those upon the earth; and Allah will have mercy on you and please help and following those who are in need and wherever you are help each other?
Please the reason I send you this letter is to let you know about my situation as a Muslim brother. Anyway you can help me will be greatly appreciated. Please don't ignore me as long as we are Muslim brothers and sisters. Please try to help me as much as can. Please donate to me generously and kindly,
Any amount of money that I can get will be appreciated and
I will pray for you and for myself for God to make it easy for me and bless whoever will be willing to assist me, reward them and make it easy upon them in this world and hereafter?
I will not be unable to survive Tanzania without assistance. Please try your best to assist me. I get depressed if the weather is too cold especially during the wintertime but African season is always summer there is no winter in Africa.
The weather in Tanzania is good and I will be more active unlike here I cannot stand the winter season and the more I stay inside my apartment due to the cold I get more stressed out and depressed.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me as soon as possible with good news. Please work hard I am waiting for you. I feel depressed and unhappy and I feel lonely. I would like to closer to my family.
I am planning to go to Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania on December 31, 2012 for good insha-Allah. I am happy to go to Tanzania to be with my family. I miss my family and I miss home.
I need your help and would you please help me in this situation?
I would like to have a chance to live happily and to experience no frustration due to my illness. I am very desperate for your help. If you don't help me, who will?
Thank you, for your understanding and May Allah bless you and your family.
Jazak Allah Khayran
Yours sincerely
Galib Ramathan
Galib Malik Ramathan
1626 Weston Rd Unit B1
Toronto, Ontario, M9N 1T9, Canada
Email : galibramathan@yahoo.ca
:
:
. - 1981. . .
( );
. - . . 20 1991.
16 . 1994. . . . . .
.
.
. . .
.
. . .
. . .
. .
. . . . .
: ( )
: ( )
.
. .
. .
31 2012
.
In the name of Allah the most Gracious and most merciful
March 26, 2012
Galib Malik Ramathan
1626 Weston Road Unit B1 Toronto, Ontario, M9N 1T9, Canada
E-Mail: galibramathan(at)yahoo.ca
To Whom It May Concern:
My Dear Brothers/Sisters in Islam
Assalamu Alaikum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakathu
My name is Galib Ramathan. I was born in Mogadishu, Somalia on January 1st 1981. I am from a poor Muslim family. I have a problem and I need some help. And I am currently a Canadian citizen. I am from a low income family and in need of financial assistance. I am sick and suffering from a mental illness called Schizophrenia;
I am unable to work or to go to school because of this illness. Presently, I am taking a medication and in care of a family doctor in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. My health was affected by the civil war in Somalia when I was ten years old and its deteriorating day by day. I have been sick for the past 20 years since 1991.
Presently, I am residing in Toronto for the past 17 years by myself with no family members. My family is in East Africa Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania, I have been away from my family since 1994; we were separated because of the civil war in Somalia.
I have decided to move to Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania permanently to join my family, I never took a medication in my life when I was in Africa it doesn't matter what part of Africa. Now if I go back to Tanzania my personal health problem will be improve greatly. I will feel much better.
I am going to Tanzania in order to improve my health condition. I am frustrated, lonely and depressed living in Canada alone without my family I can't eat properly and I cannot sleep because of the stress,
I believe I will be off in Tanzania with my family as I am ill and they can take care of me. I strongly believe my health will improve with my family around;
I lived in Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania for many years before coming to Canada and that time I was healthy and I never suffered from any disease or illness.
I am not will be unable to get enough money to survive there. I am in need of financial assistance in order to move back to Tanzania, as I am unable to work due to my illness and I cannot survive in Africa as there is no agency or government that can assist me financially.
I would be much better for my health wise physical and mentally I will really appreciated for any help that I can get from you.
If I remember how we lived in Tanzania sometimes I cry. I am in need urgent support and please try to assist me the best you can. Please don't ignore me. It doesn't matter if you are a Muslim or non-Muslim, Please try to help me as much as you can.
Today I don't have a life in this country. I spend thinking about myself of not knowing what to do. I would like to achieve a better life as well as independence. Now the problem I have is I am not will be able to get enough money to survive there. I cannot survive in Africa without any support.
Tanzania is a poor country however everybody is happy and healthy nobody worries about anything because there is no stress, frustration and
depression.
I have strong feelings going back to Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania for good. I am requesting any financial assistance for this matter.
I am a poor social support in Canada.
I can't even afford to visit with my family and spend more time with them to feel much better.
Whatever charity you can afford please send me a cheque with my name on it at above address on the top of this letter with ups services, or Federal Express post. Please don't send me regular mail because my house is basement the mail box there is no Key and it is outside apartment it is not safe.
Please the reason I send you this letter is to let you know about my situation as Muslim brothers and sisters. Anyway you can help me will be greatly appreciated.
Islam cares much for maintaining the highest level of social solidarity and strength among the members of the society. It goes without saying that spending money on charitable deeds, such as helping the needy, alleviating the pains of the distressed and support those who are in need will be upon them in this world and hereafter.
Safwan ibn Salim related that the prophet said; anyone who looks after and works for a widow and a poor person is like a warrior fighting for Allah's cause, or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all night (Bukhari) Anas related that the prophet said; if any Muslim plants something or sows seed from which a man, a bird or an animal eats, it counts a charity for him. (Bukhari, Muslim)
Any amount of money that I can get will be appreciated and I will pray for you and for myself for God to make it easy for me and bless whoever will be willing to assist me, reward them and make it easy upon them in this world and hereafter?
I will not be unable to survive Tanzania without assistance. Please try your best to assist me. I get depressed if the weather is too cold especially during the wintertime but African season is always summer there is no winter in Africa.
The weather in Tanzania is good and I will be more active unlike here I cannot stand the winter season and the more I stay inside my apartment due to the cold I get more stressed out and depressed. I would like to be independent in my life I want to get a better life in the future.
I am very happy to go back to Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania to be with my family.
I miss my family and I miss home. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me as soon as possible.
I feel depressed and unhappy and I feel lonely. I would like to closer to my family. I am planning to go to Dar-Es Salaam, Tanzania on December 31, 2012 for good insha-Allah, I am happy to go to Tanzania to be with my family and share my life with them to feel much better.
I need your help and would you please help me in this situation? I would like to have a chance to live happily and to experience no frustration due to my illness. I am very desperate for your help. If you don't help me, who will?
Thank you, for your understanding and May Allah bless you and your family.
Jazak Allah Khayran
Yours sincerely,
Galib Ramathan
Galib Malik Ramathan
1626 Weston Rd Unit B1
Toronto, Ontario, M9N 1T9, Canada
Email : galibramathan@yahoo.ca
Name Bank : Scotia Bank
Bank address: 1885 Weston Road
Toronto, Ontario, M9N 1V9, Canada
Fax: 416-240-7660
Account Number # 516720403881
Branch Number # 51672
Institution Number # 002
Swift Code NOSCCATT
Canadian Dollar Account
Account name : Galib Ramathan
:
:
. - 1981. . .
( );
. - . . 20 1991.
17 . 1994. . . . . .
.
.
. . .
.
. . .
. . .
. .
. . . . .
: ( )
: ( )
.
. .
. .
31 2014
.
Galib Ramathan
Post a comment
Please be civil, brief and relevant.
E-mail addresses are never displayed but they are required to confirm your comments. All comments are moderated. MPR reserves the right to edit any comments on this site and to read them on the air with attribution. Please read the Terms and Conditions before posting.
You must be 13 or over to submit information to Minnesota Public Radio. The information entered into this form will not be used to send unsolicited e-mail and will not be sold to a third party. For more information see Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
