     GUULEED | Monday, April 09, 2001 - 08:19 pm
It has happened in the last generation and will probably happen for many more. Since the dawning of time and the first footprints in the sands, we have suffered the most malicious acts of cruelty possible to humankind. Intolerance of one’s tribe has played its role in far too many vital moments of our young nation’s History. It is this intolerance that has been responsible for the murderous wars, and hatred towards fellow Somalis.
Every tribe has had its share of persecution, some more than others. Every tribe, except perhaps some of the minority tribes, has also been responsible for spiteful assaults directed toward another tribe family. This is sometimes simply because we can’t comprehend how it is possible for someone to be of a different lineage and perhaps the fear of admitting we may be wrong in our views.
Even today, it shocks and disturbs me that there is still tribal warfare that uses our emotions as the target. It doesn’t take long before someone in a chat room or mailing list will start bashing the values of someone else of a differing tribe, even before they have had the chance to become acquainted with them.
Since becoming a member of the somalinet chat rooms, I have witnessed numerous accounts of detestation from those that are Darood, Hawiye or Isaaq. I’m speculating the revulsion of tribalism is due to their very low self-esteem. I’m rather clueless when such behavior involves the minorities however.
As a race, as Humans, we seem to have lost what’s really important. That is the kinship of our fellow Somalis, regardless of what tribe they are. The basic national respect that each of us is entitled to, has been destroyed by our bitterness of things that just can’t be changed. For example, our view of the future shouldn’t be tainted by the actions of our past. I can’t see how it can be beneficial to anyone to hold such negative feelings towards those of a specific tribe.
We only have one Somalia to live in and we should be able to share it without fear of being persecuted or harassed because of what we are. I know that this is an impossible dream, but we can make a difference if we challenge ourselves to acknowledge and respect everyone as our fellow Somali.
p.s Am Darood |
