Another Case of White Privilege in Academia

[EvolSyawla]

For those of you already familiar with the case of German anthropologist who felt Somalis didn't need to be included in our own journal since we we 'don't value scholarship':

The debate began after Safia Aidid, a Somali-Canadian doctoral student at Harvard, highlighted the absence of Somalis from the editorial board of the newly launched Somaliland Journal of African Studies. This led to a response by Dr. Markus Hoehne, a German anthropologist specializing on Somalis, in which he claimed the absence of Somalis from the editorial board was due to the lack of serious young Somali scholars because they, according to Dr. Hoehne, don’t value scholarship. -----Referencing another article

SJAS Launch Reincarnates Apartheid

The article title is a bit sensationalist, but what do you think?


I personally would like to find whatever property they're in over by their safe little Ambassador and force it closed. Seriously. How audacious, stupid and arrogant of them. Are we going to have more articles related to Hoehne's above referenced? I don't mind broadcasting to the world that we are far more developed than these articles try to say, but I can't reconcile with the idea that we'd be defending ourselves to gaals publishing this profanity from right under our noses. Who sanctioned this? Who DIDN'T sanction this? We have freedom of speech, but I want that to ONLY apply to Somalis. I don't like that any Dutch, German, British, etc organization can set up shop here, under the guise of development and do what they like, unchecked.

But hey, can you blame this type of behavior, when Somalis love the sight of them, almost splitting their face with the 'yes massa look', and our own government is trying to close down our one library? How can they encourage Somalis people to develop into intelligent members of society, contributing to success and improvement when our ministers are being scolded for not working? lol


Maybe I am overreacting (I know I am not), but I hope these fabled 'wadani academics' might indeed feel enough anger and resolve to force themselves to stand up, and for our people to actively support them.

[LobsterUnit]

Somalis owe a lot to white academics like IM lewis, the slavic dude with the long name and the more recent orwin.war dadkani waa imtixaan.

[EvolSyawla]

Howso? Whites were not the only leaders of thought in the world, neither do we owe them our intelligence. So what is your point?

I went to school in Canada, so I should be complacent with something like...this?

[Kaafiye]

First off, why do you even care that a White Man wrote a historical piece on Somalis? Whites write historical pieces on pretty much every single race on the globe, including the Chinese, the Indians, the Zulus, and the Alibistains.

But as soon as a White Man writes about the Somali people, you want to start crying and throwing a fit. Warya get your shit together.

It's really not a big deal. If you don't like what he wrote then you don't have to pat attention.

[EvolSyawla]

Maybe you didn't read the article or actually pay attention.

There is an office that is printing this journal on Somalis, and there are no Somalis present at all, in Hargeisa. If you do not think there is an issue with this, explain why. Your comment proves that purely condescending post he made about us - maybe you aren't aware of what's been happening for the past couple of weeks on that?, saying why would we care since we've no interests in it.

Do you think I care that they write about us? They've been doing it for centuries. No, We have enough issues to deal with being the butt of all jokes, but I have never heard of a piece that we're the most stupid group in the world. You can smile and nod that away if you like, but that's unacceptable.

Everyone complained about that overtly racist Chinese restaurant in Nairobi. I guess this is too subtle for Somalis to react.

P.S relax with the patronization.

[Kaafiye]

If a Somali historian decides to write a book about the Alibistain people, is it necessary that he first asks an Alibistain person FIRST before be actually writes the book? Since when is the consent of the said ethnic group necessary when writing an academic journal?

Since when is being a Somali an automatic sign that someone has knowledge on our history. I know plenty of Somalis who can't speak one word of our language and know absolutely NOTHING about our history, so tell me why do you even care that a White Man wrote about us Somali people?

You could easily create your own journal competing with him. There's nothing stopping Somalis in Hargeisa from starting their own historical journal that includes dozens of Somali historians. So why don't you do that instead of whining about what some random White Guy chooses to do? Nobody even cares for this Mark Hoehne guy. I've never heard of him before this ordeal, and he honestly seeks like a bit of a tool to me. But that's the difference between me and you. I don't care for this guy so I choose not to pay attention to him.

You guys worry too much about White people. Stop putting these cadaans on a pedestal please

[EvolSyawla]

You're right. To hell with 'white privilege'. It was the theme of the article, but I really couldn't care less if it were Arabs, Chinese or dolphins.

MailMan, You're focusing on the race at hand, when I'm asking why is this allowed. I want Somalis to make academia a priority, in every sense. So I support events like our book fairs, and I actively support Somali literature. I am very vocal and supportive of this. Now, I'm also referencing the fact that the same government that is allowing these idiots to operate in Hargeisa is the one closing trying to close down the only public library in Somaliland. Am I saying they need to be moderated? Yes. And Idgaf how that sounds.

Somalis moderate these people coming in taking compromising photographs of our people (to laugh and/or collectively stare pityingly to the sad state of Somalis), and control what leaves. I actually like that. That's just one camera, but they can't moderate some office in their city?

No, you don't need 'permission' to write a piece, but how do you think the government of Imcrazystan will feel if I and 20 of my buddies, come under the guise of development. Do nothing in regards to development for said people or land, and write negatively about it, claiming to now have an expert's eye since they're 'on the ground' and publish it to the world. That wouldn't fly. He's right, Everyone may complain for a second, and they go back to their fadh ku dirir, and the government is the exact same way - if they even care what's going on.

Like I said, MAYBE i am overreacting, but this is bullshit and they need to leave.

[Jugjugwacwac]

If a Somali historian decides to write a book about the Alibistain people, is it necessary that he first asks an Alibistain person FIRST before be actually writes the book? Since when is the consent of the said ethnic group necessary when writing an academic journal?

Since when is being a Somali an automatic sign that someone has knowledge on our history. I know plenty of Somalis who can't speak one word of our language and know absolutely NOTHING about our history, so tell me why do you even care that a White Man wrote about us Somali people?

You could easily create your own journal competing with him. There's nothing stopping Somalis in Hargeisa from starting their own historical journal that includes dozens of Somali historians. So why don't you do that instead of whining about what some random White Guy chooses to do? Nobody even cares for this Mark Hoehne guy. I've never heard of him before this ordeal, and he honestly seeks like a bit of a tool to me. But that's the difference between me and you. I don't care for this guy so I choose not to pay attention to him.

You guys worry too much about White people. Stop putting these cadaans on a pedestal please

Raggeedi

[LiquidHYDROGEN]

Somalis owe a lot to white academics like IM lewis, the slavic dude with the long name and the more recent orwin.war dadkani waa imtixaan.

Err...no. They didn't contribute to the Somali historiography. They basically asked old somali elders and referred to colonial documents. It's not like they wrote anything new or unknown to Somalis.

Kaafiye, I find your use of the phrase "the White Man" slightly disconcerting - especially when it's all in capitals.

The sista is right. Somalis existed before these western "academics" came and will exist long after they go. The condescending tone and insulting arrogant attitide will not be tolerated. They decided the study Somalis/Somali culture, nobody asked them to or forced them. If this kind of chauvinistic attitude is not challenged then we are no different than other ignorant coon Africans who think civilisation was brought to them by the "White Man".

[Jugjugwacwac]

You're right. To hell with 'white privilege'. It was the theme of the article, but I really couldn't care less if it were Arabs, Chinese or dolphins.

MailMan, You're focusing on the race at hand, when I'm asking why is this allowed. I want Somalis to make academia a priority, in every sense. So I support events like our book fairs, and I actively support Somali literature. I am very vocal and supportive of this. Now, I'm also referencing the fact that the same government that is allowing these idiots to operate in Hargeisa is the one closing trying to close down the only public library in Somaliland. Am I saying they need to be moderated? Yes. And Idgaf how that sounds.

Somalis moderate these people coming in taking compromising photographs of our people (to laugh and/or collectively stare pityingly to the sad state of Somalis), and control what leaves. I actually like that. That's just one camera, but they can't moderate some office in their city?

No, you don't need 'permission' to write a piece, but how do you think the government of Imcrazystan will feel if I and 20 of my buddies, come under the guise of development. Do nothing in regards to development for said people or land, and write negatively about it, claiming to now have an expert's eye since they're 'on the ground' and publish it to the world. That wouldn't fly. He's right, Everyone may complain for a second, and they go back to their fadh ku dirir, and the government is the exact same way - if they even care what's going on.

Like I said, MAYBE i am overreacting, but this is bullshit and they need to leave.

You're right Evol, the kowtowing of the Somaliland gov for anything Western and these Cadaan NGO's and experts are all mostly effed up. But what me and themailman are against is the victimhood mentality that witchhunts like this 'cadaanstudies' fiasco engenders among Somalis. since when do we get so butthurt about the bs opinions and musings of some random cadaan guy? The lion does not lose sleep over the opinion of sheep. We are proud Somalis and should act as such and not cry racism at every potential slight like the adoons do, but should address whatever is said academically or ignore it.

[LiquidHYDROGEN]

Also this whole twitter #Cadaanstudies is nonsense and only speaks of SJW who get butthurt easily. If these guys are going to be challenged, it needs to be on an academic level not pointless social media niicnaac.

[EvolSyawla]

By bringing up the 'cadaan studies situation', I was merely giving scope and background to the problem that this SJAS in Hargeisa. You read my post, so you know that wasn't even my issue. You guys are the ones focusing on race. And since you are adeer, I will address part of the reason why that hashtag blew up.

An all white SJAS opened an office in SL.
This is an anthropologist who commands a modicum of respect simply because he is an anthropologist and not some twitter champion.
Because he is white most people will assume he is right, and telling the truth.
He disrespected us as a whole, trying to state that we are not going to complain because we are stupid anyways
That is why everyone felt the need to disprove him

That post wouldn't have gone viral if those students, graduates and professionals didn't take offense. It is unfortunate that they did, because now people know who he is. ..So I guess he succeeded? lol

Why is that victimhood mentality? You fight back and collectively shame and publicly refute someone who tried to make a career over Somali 'failure'. If your metaphorical lion is attacked by dogs and he fights back, is he victimizing himself? When he returns to the pride and discusses how to prevent pathetic attempts again, where is the victimhood?

None of that was in my post, and I do not talk like that so if you saw a whiny thread somewhere else, don't mistake it for mine MailMan.

LH And he apparently retracted his statement.

[Kaafiye]

You're right. To hell with 'white privilege'. It was the theme of the article, but I really couldn't care less if it were Arabs, Chinese or dolphins.

MailMan, You're focusing on the race at hand, when I'm asking why is this allowed. I want Somalis to make academia a priority, in every sense. So I support events like our book fairs, and I actively support Somali literature. I am very vocal and supportive of this. Now, I'm also referencing the fact that the same government that is allowing these idiots to operate in Hargeisa is the one closing trying to close down the only public library in Somaliland. Am I saying they need to be moderated? Yes. And Idgaf how that sounds.

Somalis moderate these people coming in taking compromising photographs of our people (to laugh and/or collectively stare pityingly to the sad state of Somalis), and control what leaves. I actually like that. That's just one camera, but they can't moderate some office in their city?

No, you don't need 'permission' to write a piece, but how do you think the government of Imcrazystan will feel if I and 20 of my buddies, come under the guise of development. Do nothing in regards to development for said people or land, and write negatively about it, claiming to now have an expert's eye since they're 'on the ground' and publish it to the world. That wouldn't fly. He's right, Everyone may complain for a second, and they go back to their fadh ku dirir, and the government is the exact same way - if they even care what's going on.

Like I said, MAYBE i am overreacting, but this is bullshit and they need to leave.

We should make academia a priority, and we Somalis should also write more books and journals about our history, language, and customs. I want to see Somali TV shows, a Somali movie industry, and a class of Somali intellectuals. And the only way we'll be able to do that is if we have more self-confidence in our abilities as a people to accomplish this.

If you disagree with Mark Hoehne, then you are welcome to write a thesis disputing his allegations. This is academia. Professors and Academics always write journals and papers disputing each other, so we Somalis should step up to the plate and compete with them. I don't like Mark Hoehne either, but it's not like I spend my afternoons and evenings thinking about this character. He's really not that important to our people

[Kaafiye]

You're right. To hell with 'white privilege'. It was the theme of the article, but I really couldn't care less if it were Arabs, Chinese or dolphins.

MailMan, You're focusing on the race at hand, when I'm asking why is this allowed. I want Somalis to make academia a priority, in every sense. So I support events like our book fairs, and I actively support Somali literature. I am very vocal and supportive of this. Now, I'm also referencing the fact that the same government that is allowing these idiots to operate in Hargeisa is the one closing trying to close down the only public library in Somaliland. Am I saying they need to be moderated? Yes. And Idgaf how that sounds.

Somalis moderate these people coming in taking compromising photographs of our people (to laugh and/or collectively stare pityingly to the sad state of Somalis), and control what leaves. I actually like that. That's just one camera, but they can't moderate some office in their city?

No, you don't need 'permission' to write a piece, but how do you think the government of Imcrazystan will feel if I and 20 of my buddies, come under the guise of development. Do nothing in regards to development for said people or land, and write negatively about it, claiming to now have an expert's eye since they're 'on the ground' and publish it to the world. That wouldn't fly. He's right, Everyone may complain for a second, and they go back to their fadh ku dirir, and the government is the exact same way - if they even care what's going on.

Like I said, MAYBE i am overreacting, but this is bullshit and they need to leave.

You're right Evol, the kowtowing of the Somaliland gov for anything Western and these Cadaan NGO's and experts are all mostly effed up. But what me and themailman are against is the victimhood mentality that witchhunts like this 'cadaanstudies' fiasco engenders among Somalis. since when do we get so butthurt about the bs opinions and musings of some random cadaan guy? The lion does not lose sleep over the opinion of sheep. We are proud Somalis and should act as such and not cry racism at every potential slight like the adoons do, but should address whatever is said academically or ignore it.

Exactly

We shouldn't cry racism or constantly worry about the opinions of Whites. We are Somalis. We are a proud people and we are better than that.

[Kaafiye]

Also this whole twitter #Cadaanstudies is nonsense and only speaks of SJW who get butthurt easily. If these guys are going to be challenged, it needs to be on an academic level not pointless social media niicnaac.

Exactly

And their constant bringing up of the term "White Privilege" is irritating to say the least. These Somali SJW's on Twitter are sounding as if they came straight out of Ferguson. This victimhood mentality needs to stop