A Plea To End Irrational Generalizations

I am a researcher, statistician and economist at the same time , and I am a proud Muslim and citizen of Somalia. But there are times when I feel that hiding my nationality would be best for me, and then realize it is shameful to think this way.  Why are people from certain part of Africa (Horn of Africa) or who practice a particular religion being concerned just because of a “few” radicalists!? We live in a world where irrational generalization hamper the potential for peace and love among all humankind needs to prevail above everything else but unfortunately we are too often forced to think along the wrong lines.

My goal in contributing this article is to reveal how I, as a Somali, feel when I hear people stereotype me as a “Som” or a “terrorist” (ALSHABAB). I know there is a segment of my society that forces many people into considering every Muslim-or in fact, every Somali – as a hardcore fundamentalist. But Somalia is worlds ally in the war against terrorism. As a nation, we are struggling ourselves and this added stigma doesn’t do us any favors. Rather, it demotivates us and makes us look for a reason why we seek to become a nation among equals. Like everyone else in civilized society, we, too, are against Islamic fundamentalists who are not trying to mingle our religion, but who destroying Somalis image in the world, too. It is our people who suffer most of the hands of these radicals. Consider these statistics to demonstrate how the Somali people suffer.

               ESTIMATE

Last 6 years 2008-2013

-          Number of terrorist attacks/ incidents in Somalia = 34

-          Deaths = 313 

-          Injured people = 611

I could write pages and pages about how the majority of people in my nation feel right now, but the crux of my argument is this: I respectfully request every reader out there to maintain your rationality and not to keep generalizing about Somalia and Somali people. My country has been sabotaged and our education, our sports, our tourism, and our everyday lives have been turned upside down. At the very least, we ask the young people of the world to support us in these difficult times. Trust me, is it not easy living here as suicide go off on daily basis. The value of life is quickly descending down to zero, but we are a strong nation and we will fight off these difficult times. I salute my armed forces and the Amisoms who done really well in pushing the extremists militants back to where they come from.

Everyone needs to play his or her part in this. As for me, I am practicing in the war against terrorism by conveying to all readers the feeling and hopes of every Somali citizens. One doesn’t have to pick up guns to fight a war. I second the school of thoughts that believes the pen is mightier than the sword. My advices to all of you out there is never jump to conclusions about anyone and play your part in restoring peace to this panic stricken earth.

All of us need to believe in ourselves and we need to play in making this world a better place to live in. life is short, we need to be understanding and fair with each other. I love you all and ask you to wish my country peace and freedom.