This is so cliche---a disservice to future Somali Minnesotan

[The`Republic]

Disclaimer: I totally respect this guy for being elected into city council there and give him all the respect.

I just want to criticize just THIS instance.

Check here: http://hiiraan.com/news/2014/Jan/warark ... -44831.htm


Seriously what is this guy thinking wearing that? This isn't Somali independence and your electorate wasn't in Somalia even if many of them are Somali.

Just by his dress of choice I realized couple things...the guy got lucky more than skill, the guy does not understand America, the guy has littl future great political interests, he is superficial and into populism (even if towards a minority within the majority).

He basically otherized himself. Being voted into a city council in America, especially a big city like MNPLS is about stepping on to greater things like Mayor, County Executive, US Congressman, and even Governor or Senator.

This guy OTHERIZED himself.

You may be Somali descent and chosen from Somali immigrant group, but the nature of America's history is one of many immigrant groups coming and making their place in the pot. They don't shun the pot and lead their people to political and cultural isolation. You don't otherize yourself, you set a legact so your future descendents are as American as possible (non-Americans can't understand this concept) and are people who are legitimate within the pot not along with their pot.

But I have heard the guy speak and I know he came to America merely 4 years ago from United Kingdom so I realize he could not have been different.

I just hope the next Somali elected leaders understand American histort and realize how much we fit into narratives much before us. Learn from the past. ..especially as American moves forward being Black or Somali descent or a minority will be less of an impediment.

Just don't continue to see yourself as the other then, because everyone else will also see you as the other as well.

Somalis are here, they are here to stay, they have numbers and influence in MNPLS---there is absolutely no reason why they should continue to be "them" and not be working towards "us".

[LiquidHYDROGEN]

respect to the brother. If America is an "immigrant nation" he can wear whatever he wants.

[Gabre]

I agree, Republican.

[HusseinHassan]

poor voltage lol he got nothing else to talk about. the irrelevant pm got elected. what else can he discuss?

[The`Republic]

Liquid bro, America is am immigrant nation for sure. And the American dream is all about the poor huddled masses of the world rising to the top on these shores.

But America is a melting pot. America doesn't subscribe to "multicultralism" which is a superficial word used by homogenous European nations to show they are tolerant. America already fundamentally recognizes that there are different cultures because it had to deal with them.

America naturally accepts difference in a way peopleof European mindset will never understand.

But the creed is OUT OF MANY, ONE.

Out of all you different people, we are one American people. That's the heart if America.

Nothing is a more transitory pasttime in American democracy then election to city council---but this guy in the most politically undisciplined way otherized himself and his supporters. He literally is the anti-Americam if you study American history well.

It annoys me greatly.

[Lillaahiya]

He's going to be in a suit and tie for his term and you can't give him one day to wear a kufi and go' shaal ah? I mean he's rocking Lacoste and dress pants for Pete's sake.

[FarhanYare]

Seriously what is this guy thinking wearing that? This isn't Somali independence and your electorate wasn't in Somalia even if many of them are Somali.

exactly! This was a big occasion.

[AbdiJohnson]

Highly inappropriate although he has the right to do so. His constituents are not all Somalis and even if they were, its the United States. Not Somalia. He should of used proper judgment

I am,

Abdi "He gets a failing grade" Johnson

[Arabman]

I don't see what's the big deal. Voltage isn't making sense.

[Estarix]

It would depend on how much accepting american institutions and public are to multiculturalism, if they are not then i can see how he would be doing himself is a disservice.

[Substance]

respect to the brother. If America is an "immigrant nation" he can wear whatever he wants.

Its a immigrant nations if you are white European decent. If not then you are going against the artificially created monoculture who pass as "multiculture". It's quite disservice to call USA for immigrant nation since all foreign cultures has been absorbed into the white monoculture, from former black slaves to native Indians.
And today this attempt by fellow somalis to bring this newly elected guy back into the fold.

As for this new somali guy I only see this as positive for him and the American establishment, maybe they can use this occasion to further strengthen their false belief to the common folks that America is a immigration nation. As for him being superficial and into populism, well is this not case for all politicians in the states and elsewhere?

[SultanOrder]

I actually like it a lot, I believe that every new iimmigrant group brings something to America it doesn't only take away. I also think that it symbolizes a watershed moment, showing how we have finally become truly Americans . I think this guy is very smart and in no way denying his other constituents but simply expressing his personal history and the historic moment of his particular people. I also think he did it with taste, I personally love it!

[Shirib]

I tend to agree with Republic. There's a time and place for everything and I don't think his inauguration was the right time to wear that.

[Jaidi]

I actually agree with Voltage as well. He isn't representing Somalia. Even in Africa Somali politicians in Kenya, TZ etc would not do this. There are non Somalis in his constituency so why set yourself apart ?

[GeoSeven]

I could think of many ways he could explain himself to his advantage.

To the wider community, he could simply state that his choice of attire was meant as a symbolic act in that cities' historic and significant inauguration, acknowledging and emphasizing diversity and tolerance, which is what the great nation of America thrives on and simply what makes it the best country in the world, etc etc etc.

To the Somalis, the message was clear as crystal, I'm your man in the halls of power.

Clever fella, he'll make a fine politician