Mogadishu to Emporia
Jennifer Roblez
Friday, August 31, 2007
WHEN I’VE told people that I’m thinking about renting in east-central Emporia, I’ve received ominous warnings about “them” — Somailis.
Then, as if to underscore the threat, a man of that descent was stabbed multiple times two blocks from an apartment I’m considering renting. Another Somali was arrested and charged with the stabbing.
Misinformation seems to be swirling around town. One person told me that Somalis would add their washing to my Laundromat load, and that they should never be approached.
Another’s experience, pointed out to me since I arrived back in Emporia in mid-July, had to do with a Somali woman speaking too loudly at a retail store. Seems like everyone wanted to share an experience with me about this new refugee group from 8,900 miles away. Most of the stories cast the Somalis in a negative light.
I’ve lived in Detroit and Dallas long enough to get a good feel for diverse communities, but I’ve never lived in close proximity to Somalis.
What I knew mainly came from “Black Hawk Down,” the 2001 movie recounting the October 1993 clash in Mogadishu when elite American and United Nation forces tried to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord.
Instead, they found themselves in a desperate two-day battle with a large force of heavily-armed Somalis. Eighteen U.S. soldiers died and more than 70 troops were wounded. UN forces lost one soldier and seven were injured.
Somalis fled their country in recent years to avoid the ongoing violence, and hundreds have settled in the Emporia area.
I’ve never met a Somali here. I’ve not formed any opinions. But one glance at the comments following an Aug. 21 story about refugee integration on the Emporia Gazette’s Web site delivers blow after blow of negative remarks sprinkled in with thoughts such as “the fact is, you live next to them — why not try to make the best of it?”
This comment is characteristic of those left anonymously by such signers as “justamom” and “emporialifer: “I don’t know who these people are talking to that think it’s going great — maybe the Somalians, but that is not the feel I get from people I talk to everyday who have lived in Emporia many years. It’s really sad.”
Or this attempt at reason: “I believe the situation here is bad but I really don’t think it will get better by showing our bigotry, one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance is not going to help any situation, this goes for ‘Emporians’ and for ‘Somalians.’”
The Web complaints seem to focus on Somali’s hygiene at work, their driving habits (or lack thereof, as some posters wrote) and retail shopping problems such as Somalis cutting in front of a line of people waiting to pay for their goods. Plus, there are concerns that the Tyson Fresh Meat plant has taken advantage of Somalis by providing them with lower wages and benefits, while earning tax breaks along the way.
If only 10 percent of the frustrations unleashed on the Gazette’s Web site have merit, Emporians of all descents have a long ways to go before the rosy picture presented last week by an intercultural learning group can be trusted.
The role of government and employers can go only so far. The rest falls to everyday life, and my hope is that encounters between Somalis and Midwesterners can improve over time.
But it seems too early in the game to pronounce an “all’s well” in Emporia right now.
Jennifer Roblez can be reached by e-mail at newsroom@emporiagazette.com.
Comments
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Posted by westaber (anonymous) on August 31, 2007 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I take it you never had any relation that was killed in Black Hawk Down . I lost my brother over their and I don't have no love for a somalians.
Posted by somali (anonymous) on September 1, 2007 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is very sad news to hear Somali problems every where inside and outside Somalia,
situation in Somalia, according to Doctors without Borders only 250 hospital beds are now available in Mogadishu, the biggest city in Somali with one million people, the situation getting worse day after day, local people are terrified and leaving the city, they can't stay without basic treatment, US Government can help Mogadishu Hospitals with medical equipment and medicine, I had contact local Hospitals and their situation now is shocking, as you may aware United States government Paid Millions of dollars Military support to so called Somali government, Somalia has been without an effective government since 1991. Conditions there became drastically worse in December 2006, when Ethiopian forces backed by US invaded to oust the Islamic Courts Union, a group that Ethiopia and the United States say maintains strong links to al-Qaeda, from that time Somali civilians are suffering widespread conflict across the country. According to UN Agencies in Somalia more than 400.000 had fled from Mogadishu to surrounding areas, those outside the city are also same situation as people still remaining in the city, it would be great help for Mogadishu residents if United States government take action at this emergency situation. We request you emergency intervention in order to save lives of Somali people in Mogadishu, instead of complained those refugee who is you’re guest
Posted by railroadhorn (anonymous) on September 1, 2007 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please draw your own conclusions Kstrebuchet! I'm in the same camp, I don't have an opinion one way or the other. I'm sure there's more to come on this issue in the media and from Emporians and Somalis alike. These discussions need to happen when people come here from Denver and say Emporia is a model for the nation to follow. Could our public library post some files to download to help us with their language? Can't judges send Somalis to driving school? I say let's really get it right before we're labled a national model.
Posted by create (anonymous) on September 1, 2007 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Somali, you suggest that instead of complaining about Somali people here, we should request emergency intervention in Mogadishu. You know, our country has already intervened and lost many lives doing it. Our country also has its hands full in Iraq and Afghanistan right now. We are already spread thin. We are doing our part by offering you refugee status.
I am truly sorry about the sufferings of your country. Our own country suffered widely and intensely when we first called for our independence from England. But we had nowhere to go. We stood and fought. Men, women, even children. Please don't misinterpret this as my not caring about your country or your plight.
Many of us are complaining, yes, but you should read carefully about the legitimate complaints of bad driving, hygiene, health concerns and rude behavior. Were you tested for Tuberculosis before you arrived here? Is it true that you spit on us whenever there is a disagreement? If so, why? Did you know that when an area has a great many traffic accidents that the insurance rates may rise as a result? Some of us are worried about that. Is it true that your men cut in line in front of American women at the grocery store or other stores? Why do they do this if that is true? Women are equal to men in this country. We get very upset when our women are judged to be lessers. There are many questions left unanswered and they should be addressed. Perhaps then, there may be fewer stories circulating.
Most of us only want to live and let live. But you can't come to my country and refuse to assimilate. You can't insist that we make special accomodations for you. Our own ancestors came here and assimilated long ago. In fact, many of us still practice our own cultures in our homes, but in public, we are one, and our heritage is American.
We need more postings from you and your people. Perhaps you can provide us with something we can understand. Perhaps we can help you understand how we do things here. We know why you are here; we are aware of the intense problems going on in your home country. Remember, we are at war right now, and we are losing our own brave soldiers and marines every single day.
You too can write to congressmen. You too can write to your representative at the United Nations. That's what people in a democracy do. Just be aware that asking doesn't always get things done.
Posted by jjroblez (anonymous) on September 1, 2007 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kstrebuchet: I thought you've done a fine job of creating common ground and I'll mention that in an upcoming column. I didn't offer too many opinions yesterday, though, I hope it was evident that I think we all need to co-exist.
My ancestors came to Emporia in the 1920s and 40s-50s from Mexico and California under different circumstances than refugees. They were immigrants not refugees, but they experienced periods of discrimination and unneighborliness, too. A relative was once at a house sale at the courthouse and three Anglo guys kept complaining about the 'dirty Mexicans' nearby. My relative, who didn't look like traditional Mexican people, gave them an earful in Spanish and English that you never know when a Mexican native may be present. They were so embarrassed they left.
As for military intervention, I wish we had a real international peacekeeping force or world government.
Posted by create (anonymous) on September 2, 2007 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kstrebuchet, by special accomodations, I meant the special bathrooms built for them at Tyson. Of course, that's Tyson's business, yes, but a friend of mine who rents apartments was asked by one Somali family to install a toilet with a bidet. She said no and they did not rent. I have a couple of rentals myself, but if I am ever asked, I am not prepared to install bidet toilets either. For one thing they are quite expensive. For another, there's nothing wrong with the toilets I have now. Sorry, I should have been more specific.
Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on September 2, 2007 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tyson spent over $50,000 to build a prayer room. Boy, would the ACLU ever scream bloody murder if money of that amount was spent to accommodate Christians. And have the break times changed for any other reason?
Posted by MrCmonkeeDo (anonymous) on September 2, 2007 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A bidet would be installed in addition to a toilet. Though similar in design a bidet is not a toilet; it's a wash basin with a drain and fountain for washing the posterior. Here's a link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidet
Posted by open_eyes (anonymous) on September 2, 2007 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Funny, I never got a break every 2 hours when I worked there. Neither did anyone else around me. True, it is a private business, so they can cater to whomever they want, even the federal government USDA inspectors that work there.
Posted by create (anonymous) on September 2, 2007 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cmonkee, I see by your research (even though it is Wikipedia) that there is indeed a bidet that can be installed in addition to a regular toilet. There is also a hand-held one. Thanks for the info.The bidet I was familiar with is the kind I saw used in California when I was there visiting. A fountain was actually located inside the toilet itself. Still, if you chose the additional appliance, you'd have to have room for placing it, and certainly it would require extra plumbing. Not interested.
Posted by MrCmonkeeDo (anonymous) on September 2, 2007 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Then it's a fountain located inside a toilet. A bidet is something different.
Posted by somali (anonymous) on September 2, 2007 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First I believe American people are proud to be American, Somali’s is also proud of to be Somalians, secondly I know United States are hosted many Somali Refugee for the last 17 yrs, and we thank for that all United States People, few comments here mentioned 18 US soldier killed by Somali warlords. For those who hate Somali’s because of that do you aware Us Marines massacred 2000 Somali civilians at time, and you’re administration still supporting Somali Warlords, who forced those Refugee out of their country, I’m not live in the United States, but I know many Somali’s who are doing well in the US, same of them are professors of deferent Universities. Now we are in the twenty-first century, and it is not good for us to hate each other, we need to understand each other and respect, I don’t know any Somali’s who live in that city, but I think most stories is kind of a racist incidents and maybe Somali people are victims of racist, for me they will remain innocents until you prove they did that bad things. I believe that everyone who lives or works in or visits in the United States has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to live without fear of discrimination. You need to remove all forms of racist discrimination or harassment in you’re country ,I think it is right time to use all you’re powers to stop racist incidents, act against the people who commit them and provide maximum possible support to any victim. Finally I ask those who know about following questions,
1. What is the current level of participation of Somalis in all areas of you’re State policy formation'?
2. Are there barriers to the participation of Somalia’s in policy formation and if so what are barriers?
3. What are the ways these barriers could be removed?
I look forward hearing from you.
Posted by lookup (anonymous) on September 2, 2007 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Barriers removed? The next door car wash was pretty quick installing the privacy fence next to the Ayan Cafe. I wonder how much business they've lost. I know my friend was vacuuming her car when approached by 2 guys. They reached over & took her quarters she had stacked & left.
Too many incidents have happened to change the first impressions they've made in this town.....try all you want, but they'll never be truly welcomed here. Too small of a rural community to be able to assimilate this many at once.
Posted by netloafer (anonymous) on September 3, 2007 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Somali
I think you've raised some very good points and asked some very good questions.
I think there is a great deal of fear of different groups, particularly if they are outside the mainstream and new to America. Not long ago, Hispanics here were the target of the fear, misinformation, rumors, lies, and prejudice. My forebearers were Irish, who came to this country at a time when they were the hated minority. Their churches were burned, they were deemed to be less than apes or monkeys and were portrayed in the popular press as such. Jobs were plenitiful when they came, but the signs went up "No Irish Need Apply."
One of the unfortuante realities of this country is that minority groups, particularly those who are new to this country and practice different religions and have different cultural customs, have been the victimcs of distortions, rumors, and discrimination. It may not be easy, but the Somalis living here in Emporia must find a way to overcome all that. They'll find that the majority of people here are of good will and want to find room for the Somali population to assimilate. The folks who create the problems for you, like some here on these forums, are vocal, but they are themselves a minority. You must overcome them with good deeds. It won't be easy, but it is possible. The majority of us will support you in this.
In answer to your three questions:
1. There is little Somali participation in policy matters here. I think the vocal minority has tainted the Somali view of American life. Many Somalis believe that all Emporians harbor ill will and because of the Somali community doesn't participate.
2.There are at least three barriers I see. First, there does not seem to be an assimilation plan at all. Our federal, state, and local governments have not done a good job with this. It seems to me that our leaders should have done a much better jobs of preparing the Somali community on how things work here in America. They've just been sent from one community to another in the hopes that things would magically succeed. Second, the Somali community itself, it seems to me, has isolated itself from the community at large. They shop in our stores and walk our streets, but beyond that there is very little dialogue between the Somali community and the rest of Emporia. That needs to change. The third barrier is citizenship. To really participate in policy formation in this country the key is citizenship. That's the most important part of the assimilation process. Our founders believed that one of the most important distinctives about this good country is that we are a people whose lives, duty, fortunes, and sacred honor are intertwined. For those Somalis who are here as refugees, they must pursue citizenship to become a full participant in this country. (to be continued)
Posted by netloafer (anonymous) on September 3, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
3. How can the barriers be removed? Our government entities must do a better job of facilitating the assimilation of the Somali community. It doesn't help when our leaders just assume that everything will be fine or do nothing at all to make things better. But, while that's true, it's even truer that the Somali community itself must do a better job of assimilating. Somalis cannot just assume that all the work will be done for them. They must do their part. They must participate in the life of this community. They can/should attend our cultural events, sit down and talk with our civic leaders outside the government (our pastors, priests, etc). As much as their faith will allow, it would be good for them to occasionally attend our churches to see what many of us believe. This could be done without departing from their beliefs. And, finally, if the Somali community truly wants to succeed in America, the surest path is through becoming citizens and partners in this country's good life.
I hope this helps. There may be constructive things other participants can offer. I hope they add to this discussion.
Posted by create (anonymous) on September 3, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MrCMonkee, call it a fountain inside of a toilet, or a nozzle, or a faucet, whatever. If you research past wikipedia, you'll see hundreds of bidet styles, both hand held, floor models, and portable ones. They are all marketed as bidets.
One reason that the privacy fence next to the Ayan Cafe was erected was because customers of the cafe were using the carwash drains as urinals.
I doubt if there are barriers to Somalis participating in policy formation if they would want to apply. This is a free society. (Are you reading from a sociology textbook?) City policy? Company policy? Apartment house policy? School policy?
Posted by MrCmonkeeDo (anonymous) on September 3, 2007 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ode to Create...
THIS IS MY COW:
THE LONE RANGER;
SHE ONLY ANSWERS TO SILVER.
That's a poem MrC just composed. It's a poem because He says it's a poem. THAT doesn't make it poetry.
Posted by emporian (anonymous) on September 3, 2007 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lets not forget about the lady from the Hartford area who was shoved down by a Somali in line at walmart because she was a woman and wouldnt get out of the way. Her husband showed up and knocked the guy out. I know the family, ture story no disputing that.
Posted by emporialifer (anonymous) on September 4, 2007 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So I get called out in an article for leaving my opinion on a story?! Wow. I simply stated what individuals I've spoken to have expressed to me time and time again - I didn't come out and say all somalians should go home, etc. Good grief.
Posted by create (anonymous) on September 4, 2007 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ode to CMonkee
Roses are red,
Bidets are probably white,
Monkee is no expert,
Just demands to be right.
Big Fat Deal!
Posted by MrCmonkeeDo (anonymous) on September 5, 2007 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now what makes you think MrC is not an expert on bidets?
Posted by create (anonymous) on September 5, 2007 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Create walks outside, picks up the hose, turns on the faucet full force, and pshshshshshsh. Take that you monkee. Now, let's move on, shall we?
Posted by theduke (anonymous) on September 6, 2007 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank God somebody finally has the balls to really say what everybody else don't (snake). I think they should all go back to where they came from. I am not raciest I have many friends of different race, but these people are just plane nasty!!!! Tell me why we are bringing these dumb ass infected somalians to the U.S., but we are shooting and killing the hispanics to keep them out!!!!! Makes no sense to me.
Posted by tunit (anonymous) on September 6, 2007 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kstrebuchet, what are you using for bait? He/She wouldn't take mine. Maybe I should switch to something shiny, rednecks like shiny objects!
Posted by eatasheep69 (anonymous) on September 7, 2007 at 7:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great idea! Attract more rednecks. Maybe they will form a posse and run the Sammies out of town. Works for me. BTW, I'm not Snake either.
Posted by setting_things_straight (anonymous) on September 16, 2007 at 1:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm concerned about how stereotypical and racist some of the people can be even though we've came a long way in the past, nearly everyone in America now originated from somewhere else in the world, if you want to get technical Native Americans are the only "real" native born Americans, hence the name, and are cooped up in reservations so before you go on about refugees and immigrants coming into the country to better themselves and pay taxes look at your own family heritage and ask yourself what you've done to better this country, and in addition to that, Somalians are making a larger population which causes more stores, buildings and other additions being built and are being paid by many more tax payers new to this town.
Posted by setting_things_straight (anonymous) on September 16, 2007 at 1:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, and just to add, every immigrant / refugee is tested for TB before they are aloud to enter the US, and if positive for TB they are not aloud to enter, and check with the CDC (Center of Disease Control) for these facts.
Posted by Otto (anonymous) on November 27, 2007 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Haha,
Skinnies in Kansas!!!
Thats funny!!!
Posted by citizen (anonymous) on November 29, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
On the question about TB. On the news last night, they reported that most of the Somalians that are in Emporia have TB. The women from our Emporia Health Department was explaining. I couldn't believe my ears!
Posted by create (anonymous) on November 29, 2007 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, setting_things_straight -- what about that active TB case where the only way we found out about it was through the coroner????!!! Hmmmmm?
Just because the CDC posts their rules doesn't mean they are being followed explicitly in every corner of the world.
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