A few days ago I went to visit the Indian American museum not far from where I work and came across the delightful yet under-documented culture of the people whose very land we walk on. What stood out for me was their stark resemblance of recreational dances and rituals to those of many African countries. Their culture is embedded with dances and activities that signify the changing nature of life on this earth and the events associated with it. Some of their traditional dances reminded me of some Somali traditional dances such as their dances when gearing up for war, celebrating weddings and the arrival of a revered person. Very fascinating and enjoyable to say the least.
On a different note I took part in a Somali community event held some days ago where community leaders and Somali Americans came to discuss the ongoing issues in Somalia and how they can play a role in engaging the US government to provide more support for Somalia. Some days later the CSIS held an event where Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary for African affairs at the state department, presented their new policy towards helping Somalia. Most of the material presented had all been heard before but what stood out for me was his mentioning of the lack of unity amongst Somalis living in the US, thus engaging them is proving to be a difficult task. It resonated with me because I see so many organisations springing from everywhere across this country. (Same problems by the way exist in Europe too.)While their efforts is admirable yet there is so much room for improvement.
Many of these organisations exist by name only and few are actively engaged in the betterment of Somalia or the Somali people. They can have such a greater impact if they formed partnerships and build a united voice. On an individual level, many have much to say but few translate their words into deeds. There are for example so many Somali refugees displaced all over the East African region, many street children with nowhere to go and orphans who struggle just to make it to another day. Sponsoring them and taking care of them is something anyone can do with or without an established government. Whilst one pushes for security and stability to be brought to Somalia, he can also address the immediate needs of the Somali people. But my sense is that compassion has become a dying breed in this day and age...
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The clouds reach out..
to converse with your confused state of mind
Confide in them for confusion is not a companion of the championing kind
What is confusion but a concoction of condraticting thoughts?
failing to comprehend life's true purpose is the real calamity
Seek out clarity through the conversations with your Conquerer
overstepping the cues of capitalism and cravings to buy happiness
Understand and own your capabilities
and remain consistent with the path you seek
The canvass of your life waits to be painted complete
use Lady Courage to lead you to the resilient lands of Composure
as you linger to carve out your calling
Commend yourself for conquering the clamorous noise of life
paying compliments to the most High
Confide in them for confusion is not a companion of the championing kind
What is confusion but a concoction of condraticting thoughts?
failing to comprehend life's true purpose is the real calamity
Seek out clarity through the conversations with your Conquerer
overstepping the cues of capitalism and cravings to buy happiness
Understand and own your capabilities
and remain consistent with the path you seek
The canvass of your life waits to be painted complete
use Lady Courage to lead you to the resilient lands of Composure
as you linger to carve out your calling
Commend yourself for conquering the clamorous noise of life
paying compliments to the most High
Monday, September 27, 2010
slipping back to reality
It's been a week since I've been back and the reality of work and DC living in general is humming its way back into my ears. For the first time though I noticed how in zinc the body is with the mind and soul. Whilst at home in the UK, I was in a serene and homely state of mind and thus slept easy, felt healthy and good-spirited. My natural bodyclock woke me up in the morning and told me to go to sleep at a decent time at night. I was eating freshly cooked home meals every day.
Back in DC, the psychology part of my brain I guess adjusted back to a temporary state of living and so the fight to fall asleep, even bigger struggle to wake up and cranky aches here and there have started to worm their way back in. I've been here for two years now but I still feel I live an urban type of nomadic life, like I arrived yesterday and will be going away tomorrow.
I am happy to be back though, and I say this with a slight sense of emotion as I am homesick already. After having a long break, I usually come back budding with energy and a 'get a million things done' type spirit so I'm excited to be back at work in particular and to contribute to the well-being of society in general.
In the world of political journalism, not much changes often especially in Somalia. I've come to yet another senior politician who resigned from his post, more violence and blasts and a rising death toll. More men fighting over power, more people talking at the same time and no one willing to lend a listening ear...
Back in DC, the psychology part of my brain I guess adjusted back to a temporary state of living and so the fight to fall asleep, even bigger struggle to wake up and cranky aches here and there have started to worm their way back in. I've been here for two years now but I still feel I live an urban type of nomadic life, like I arrived yesterday and will be going away tomorrow.
I am happy to be back though, and I say this with a slight sense of emotion as I am homesick already. After having a long break, I usually come back budding with energy and a 'get a million things done' type spirit so I'm excited to be back at work in particular and to contribute to the well-being of society in general.
In the world of political journalism, not much changes often especially in Somalia. I've come to yet another senior politician who resigned from his post, more violence and blasts and a rising death toll. More men fighting over power, more people talking at the same time and no one willing to lend a listening ear...
Friday, September 10, 2010
all good things, to an end they come
I am feeling a wee bit sad as my visit back home is slowly coming to an end.I am due to go back to the US next weekend and time has just flown by. I've been having a wonderful time just hanging out and chillin with the family. It doesn't feel like I've been here for a month!
Ramadan has also come to an end unfortunately. We've celebrated the first day of eid today. Ramadan for me each year is a time of reflection, a time to strive to become a better person and find ways to maintain this for the rest of the year. I pray Allah will accept our fasting, salahs, sadaqa and du'as and may He forgive all of us insha allah.
Ramadan has also come to an end unfortunately. We've celebrated the first day of eid today. Ramadan for me each year is a time of reflection, a time to strive to become a better person and find ways to maintain this for the rest of the year. I pray Allah will accept our fasting, salahs, sadaqa and du'as and may He forgive all of us insha allah.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
pebbles of thoughts
I remember you
your thoughts come to me
through the pages of the books I read
I remember you
your humanity breezes through my heart
everytime I perform a goodly deed
I remember you
your soothing words
induced with kindness
the relief they bring
anytime calamity might strike
And when crowds rejoice
in the arrival of my presence
I smile as the sweetness of
upholding a pleasant character
enters my heart
I still remember you
The humble nature of the one who reflects
your thoughts come to me
through the pages of the books I read
I remember you
your humanity breezes through my heart
everytime I perform a goodly deed
I remember you
your soothing words
induced with kindness
the relief they bring
anytime calamity might strike
And when crowds rejoice
in the arrival of my presence
I smile as the sweetness of
upholding a pleasant character
enters my heart
I still remember you
The humble nature of the one who reflects
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
greetings from leicester
I am enjoying some well needed rest,time with the family and ability to reflect with a clear mind. Life is good, very good at the moment, alhamdulilah. I started in London where I arrived on the morning of friday the 13th and stayed for the remainder of the weekend. London does not change. Same little kebab shops and mini markets are springing from every corner, little fish and chips houses are still at large and pollution fills the airwaves but the heart is at ease on her streets.
On Tuesday I went to Birmingham marking the first stop of the series of family visits I will embark on during my visit back home. Didn't get to do much but rest some more. By Thursday, the day I was departing for Leicester, I was so well recuperated, I could've started a one-woman revolution! But I managed to spend some good quality time with members of my family.
Since my arrival in Leicester, I've settled into making iftar, improving my siblings' Somali language skills, catching up with semi-lost friends and reminiscing on tales of yesteryear.
On Sunday we went to the masjid to catch a well-versed khutbah that left many of us with food for thought. The khutbah addressed the problems that have escalated from the breakdown of the family, an issue that is all too common within the Somali community. Although not many people were in attendance but I do hope the ones that were there, especially the parents, took away the lessons that were to be learned from that wonderful khutbah.
On Tuesday I went to Birmingham marking the first stop of the series of family visits I will embark on during my visit back home. Didn't get to do much but rest some more. By Thursday, the day I was departing for Leicester, I was so well recuperated, I could've started a one-woman revolution! But I managed to spend some good quality time with members of my family.
Since my arrival in Leicester, I've settled into making iftar, improving my siblings' Somali language skills, catching up with semi-lost friends and reminiscing on tales of yesteryear.
On Sunday we went to the masjid to catch a well-versed khutbah that left many of us with food for thought. The khutbah addressed the problems that have escalated from the breakdown of the family, an issue that is all too common within the Somali community. Although not many people were in attendance but I do hope the ones that were there, especially the parents, took away the lessons that were to be learned from that wonderful khutbah.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
some thoughts...
I had the privilege of attending the second annual Somali Diaspora youth conference here in the DC metro area a week before last where I gave a short presentation on the role of ethics and integrity in the media. This topic has been floating through my mind ever since then as I ponder on the situation of the Somali media. There is no denying the fact that there are many issues wrong with the Somali media but I intentionally made sure I didn't dwell too much on pointing these issues out during my presentation because I realised that, above everything else, these outlets were a result of the ongoing civil strife in Somalia, just like many other issues that affect the community today. Instead I opted for informing the community on the role of ethics in the media and how the community can play a role in shaping the stories covered.
In terms of the mainstream media, the most important asset for journalists and any media company is reputation. Behaving ethically in a consistent manner and remaining impartial and unbiased is therefore at the fore front of attaining good reputation with the target audience. This allows the media to connect with their audience and establish a sense of trust which will ultimately contribute to the growth of that news agency. This is why most if not all media agencies in the western world have a code of ethics. Some go a step further and establish their own self-regulatory bodies such as ombudsmen or industry wide bodies that ensure the code of ethics are adhered to.
However in many countries without freedom of the press or good governance, the majority of people who report the news may not follow the above-described standards of journalism. Non-free media are often prohibited from criticizing the national government in many countries and in some cases are required to distribute propaganda as if it were news. Various other forms of censorship may restrict reporting on issues the government deems sensitive.
But remaining truthful is especially important when news sources cover conflict stricken areas or areas where there is limited access to sound information, a place like Somalia. What’s even more pertinent here is that Somalis’ main form of obtaining information is through word of mouth and there is a heavy reliance on media outlets such as radio stations.
Ever since the collapse of the government, there has been an outbreak of media outlets in forms of radios and websites as well as TV. These have all been individually created with most of its owners having no previous experience or training in media. Consequently a surge of individuals claiming to be journalists broke out since there is no way of double checking the validity of their claim.
On the other hand, since Somalis became dispersed across the world fleeing the civil war, these media agencies grew to fill the communication void that was created by the war and Somalis had a means of staying informed of the happenings in their homeland. However many of these media outlets also served as a propaganda tool to promote personal, political or tribal goals and as a result fueled the ongoing war.
These media agencies commit ethical and integral offences on numerous levels including those based outside the country but with ignorance towards what ethics really is and the role it plays in the media, one can hardly blame the individuals committing those offences. The journalism industry in the Somali context has become devalued with everyone aspiring to be a journalist without seeking the knowledge or training.
Those outlets based within the country can only be held accountable with the return of good governance and judicial institutions that can regulate the industry. In additio these institutions can train them as well so that the quality of the local media is raised.
The ones based outside the country, in my opinion, suffer from a self-rightous type of ignorance in the sense that they believe they know what they're doing without having that knowledge. Or more scarily, they are aware they ought to seek experience in the field but are afraid to admit (believing that admitting one has weaknesses is automatically classified as failure).
Having said all of that I believe the community has an important role to play when it comes to images portrayed of the Somali community by the mainstream media.For example, by establishing a relationship with the media and keeping them informed of the issues the community cares about whilst giving them an angle relevant to them, ensures awareness is created. Once this takes place on a community wide level, the media in question will have a voice to reckon with.
On a more personal note, I am gearing up for Ramadan and my trip back home. Pray for my safe and sound landing and return, please. I've been working back to back shifts for the past 2 months if not more, so I could really do with a break.
In terms of the mainstream media, the most important asset for journalists and any media company is reputation. Behaving ethically in a consistent manner and remaining impartial and unbiased is therefore at the fore front of attaining good reputation with the target audience. This allows the media to connect with their audience and establish a sense of trust which will ultimately contribute to the growth of that news agency. This is why most if not all media agencies in the western world have a code of ethics. Some go a step further and establish their own self-regulatory bodies such as ombudsmen or industry wide bodies that ensure the code of ethics are adhered to.
However in many countries without freedom of the press or good governance, the majority of people who report the news may not follow the above-described standards of journalism. Non-free media are often prohibited from criticizing the national government in many countries and in some cases are required to distribute propaganda as if it were news. Various other forms of censorship may restrict reporting on issues the government deems sensitive.
But remaining truthful is especially important when news sources cover conflict stricken areas or areas where there is limited access to sound information, a place like Somalia. What’s even more pertinent here is that Somalis’ main form of obtaining information is through word of mouth and there is a heavy reliance on media outlets such as radio stations.
Ever since the collapse of the government, there has been an outbreak of media outlets in forms of radios and websites as well as TV. These have all been individually created with most of its owners having no previous experience or training in media. Consequently a surge of individuals claiming to be journalists broke out since there is no way of double checking the validity of their claim.
On the other hand, since Somalis became dispersed across the world fleeing the civil war, these media agencies grew to fill the communication void that was created by the war and Somalis had a means of staying informed of the happenings in their homeland. However many of these media outlets also served as a propaganda tool to promote personal, political or tribal goals and as a result fueled the ongoing war.
These media agencies commit ethical and integral offences on numerous levels including those based outside the country but with ignorance towards what ethics really is and the role it plays in the media, one can hardly blame the individuals committing those offences. The journalism industry in the Somali context has become devalued with everyone aspiring to be a journalist without seeking the knowledge or training.
Those outlets based within the country can only be held accountable with the return of good governance and judicial institutions that can regulate the industry. In additio these institutions can train them as well so that the quality of the local media is raised.
The ones based outside the country, in my opinion, suffer from a self-rightous type of ignorance in the sense that they believe they know what they're doing without having that knowledge. Or more scarily, they are aware they ought to seek experience in the field but are afraid to admit (believing that admitting one has weaknesses is automatically classified as failure).
Having said all of that I believe the community has an important role to play when it comes to images portrayed of the Somali community by the mainstream media.For example, by establishing a relationship with the media and keeping them informed of the issues the community cares about whilst giving them an angle relevant to them, ensures awareness is created. Once this takes place on a community wide level, the media in question will have a voice to reckon with.
On a more personal note, I am gearing up for Ramadan and my trip back home. Pray for my safe and sound landing and return, please. I've been working back to back shifts for the past 2 months if not more, so I could really do with a break.
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