By Georgia McDade
More than 250 people attended last week’s “Somali Culture 101: Truth and Fiction – Demystifying Stereotypes and Media Images” at New Holly Gathering Hall.
There are currently more than 30,000 Somalis are in the Seattle area. The population has doubled in last two years, and may double again within the next five years.
Familiarity of another’s culture can often solve or prevent misunderstandings. This gathering presented an opportunity for the community to learn a bit about Somalis and their homeland.
The title is a mouthful, and not surprisingly the information given covered a lot of space. First was a DVD called Diversity 101. Somalia is an East African country of almost 10,000, 000. The language spoken is Somali and Arabic though many speak Italian and English because of the occupation by the Italian and British. Religion and poetry are significant parts of the culture.
A panel discussion with contributions of some of the sponsoring groups followed the movie. Speaker Mohamed Roble discussed cultural differences between the U. S. and Somalia. One obvious difference is the practice of shaking hands. The religion of some Somalis forbids females and males to shake hands.
Prof. Frederick Lorenz devoted his segment to current events in Somalia. Sadly, the country has endured eighteen governments within the past eighteen years as well as the colonial and dictatorial control of the Brits and Italians. Though these pastoral people are clan and tribe conscious, they have a sophisticated system of law under which they have long operated.
Abdirizak Jama of East African Community Services covered Contextualizing Piracy and Current Events. Piracy is complex. The eighteen years of civil war, illegal dumping, health issues following the tsunami, illegal fishing by Europeans and Asians have severely damaged Somalia.
Panelists Shukri Olow and Sahra Farah talked about how Somali and American culture sometimes clash and are often misunderstood. Both young and old, females and males suffer. The wants and demands of parents and children often conflict. What to do seldom satisfies everyone.
The program ended with a question-and-answer period.
On the walls were signs with English translation for several Somali words and phrases: hello – iska warran (actually closer to “What’s up?”); good-bye – nabadgelyo; thank you – mahadsanid; you’re welcome – soo dhawow. Packets containing a trove of information and/or where to find more information were given to all attendees. Refreshments were Somali sweets – halwa.
Who to know, where to eat & what to do in one of America’s most diverse zip codes!
