Baashi, You’re saying I shouldn’t make broad or ‘bold’ statements without proof in the form of statistics. But what’s the point in using stats to determine the validity of something most of us know to be true, regardless of whether we want to admit it or not. Perhaps you also have an issue with my use of the term ‘wife-beaters’. Call it domestic violence if you wish, but I prefer not to sugar-coat. When I wrote “this may not be the case with all Somalis”, I meant just that. In other words, maybe none of person A’s ancestors can be described in those terms, while some/most of person B’s can. It’s my belief that most Somalis fit into the latter category. So do I think many Somali men of past generations were wife-beaters? Yes. Were they all? No. Statistics are irrelevant here, as I've already mentioned that my judgements are based on heresay and the lives of my relatives - both past and present. I don’t need figures to prove what happened to them. I believe family stories of their experiences to be accurate because they’re recent more than anything else (i.e. they don’t go back more than 2 generations). It's heresay, it's history and - when it comes to Somalia - there's no distinction because our history is based on word of mouth. As independent thinkers, we have every right to question history. One can also refute it if they choose to do so. But why do we refute it? Because we believe it to be false? Or because we can't bear to face a few harsh truths and would rather see them swept under the rug? If the latter is true, it’s also wrong. We can’t simply dismiss what we view as imperfections in the telling of our 'glorious past'. If everyone did so, they’d all have fairytales as history books. Mind you, I’m not calling domestically violent Somali men of past generations ‘wife-beaters’ out of spite or bitterness… I’m saying it because it’s truth. And for the sake of my great-grandmothers and grandmothers, knowing what they experienced (both good and bad), I’m not willing to dismiss that part of history. I’m not saying we should dwell on the bad, rather I think we ought to embrace it along with the good. Let’s be honest with ourselves and learn to accept our past in all its hues. By the way, I think you’re absolutely right in stating that dysfunctional families and domestic problems are not limited to Somalis. But I wouldn’t compare the problems faced by Somali families living in the U.S. to the problems of those living in Somalia (whom this topic was referring to). Obviously, when we’re discussing the lives of those living abroad, numerous factors - which often tend to upset the balance of tradition home life - have to be taken into account. And based on contradictions between the social values of the external environments alone, assimilating the domestic problems of one group with those of their counterparts in far-off lands is an unfair assessment. Salaamz.

I've heard it said on numerous occasions that, with regards to the relationship between husband and wife, Somali men in the old days were different from men today. Most of them were basically what I'd call domestic bullies. In other words - even when they were good to their friends, neighbours and others around them - they were generally very harsh with their wives (ex: they beat their women over the slightest provocation or were verbally abusive and demeaning). These days Somali men generally seem much kinder to their wives, but that's simply my opinion. I'm not saying they're all innocent angels without flaws/sins, only that wife-beating isn't usually one of them. Just compare those from your great-grandfather and grandfather's generations to those of your father's. If you've learned anything of their lives from your relatives, you'll usually notice a big difference. Women sometimes like to point out what they think are faults inherent to all Somali men like defective genes, but if you ask me they've come a long way in a short period of time (1-2 generations or so). This may not be the case with all Somalis; I'm basing my judgements on the lives of my own relatives. Though I must say, I received my info from female family members. Partly because there are more women in my family, but mainly because I couldn't walk up to my grandfather and say something like, Awooyo, aweeyo waliga ul maad kala dashey? Subxanallah. Anyway, my question to you all is what do you think prompted this change? Was it education, our society's loosening grip on conservatism, modernization (several decades back, when they nation was young)...? Salaamz.

Sorry to cut into the Italian sheeko. I was born in Muqdisho - Banadir Hospital. I spent most of my childhood in Xamar then moved up north. After leaving Somalia, I lived in West Africa for a while. Came to Canada when I was 9 or so and I've been here since, eh. I'm sooo tired of moving around, but I don't plan on living here forever. C'est la vie for nomads I guess. PS - Maybe we Banadir peeps should form a club and post baby pics or something. Lol!

Hold up! I bake bitter cakes topped with icing salty From 2 cups of my tears… yuck Fouzia_Bella mentioned devotion Is it loyalty, fidelity or Another superstitious notion? Yeah, I was promised that too Then found myself in dark corners Shedding tears like a fool Drunk on love's blinding potion I forgot to be sensible then Got sucka-punched by devotion A woman scorned Hellish fires burn in me Briefly I mourned Now revenge is what I seek So I plot evil War-paint marks my cheeks Getting ready to cause upheaval Burn the house down And get psychotically medieval Exchanging the bridal gown For a suit of armour Gonna reclaim my stolen crown Sword drawn for a fight But in the midst of this clamour And ruckus by a queen of the night Someone's whispering in my ear Satanic verses he recites He once took pleasure in my tears Now he erased my fears and Fuels my needless pride Places a sword in my hand Of my emotions he takes command But would rather see me dead & buried In fiery desert sands He beams with delight When he hears my war-cries And witnesses my plight As I gallop to my demise You can bet your last peso The Devil's gonna be dancin' tonight (Salaamz.)

Several Somali traditions including poetry, songs, and storytelling are based on word of mouth. And considering the official Somali alphabet was introduced about 30 years ago, it's easy to understand why verbal activities occupy such a large role in society. But when it comes to history, I think one can understand where the hidden dangers might lie. Oral history seems very fluid by nature and it can only stay accurate for so long. As time passes and a story is handed down from one generation to the next, several generations down the road, that same story might take on many different shapes. People might alter things, at times through no flaults of their own (ex: bad memory) and sometimes intentionally (ex: out of spite, competition, etc.). Since we now have an alphabet, people are at a point where they can compile and record Somali history. I've often considered getting involved in this myself. Unfortunately, it seems like anyone who ventures onto such a path is likely to run into many obsticles. The problem being - where does one start? How do you separate facts from fiction? And when people tell you different versions of the same story, who do you believe? Should you focus on history as told by Somalis? Or can you rely on accounts from some of our regional neighbours (ex: Arabs)? How do you correct some of the fallacies that were written by early composers of Somali history? And, since many people still believe those fallacies, will your version be refuted by Somalis in general? Your input and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Salaamz.

Originally posted by Baashi: It appears that the poster divides the nomads between realist... and those living under the dangerous illusion of idealism... Firstly, I didn't divide anyone into anything. The one instance I so much as used the terms "idealistic" and "realistic" together was in question 11, which asks the reader: Is "Somali Weyn" a realistic concept? Or is it an idealistic dream...? Now, if this were a statement as opposed to a question then maybe your claim of me ‘dividing nomads’ would be true. But in reality, the reason why I posted questions (rather statements) was to provoke thought about these issues and let readers come to their own conclusions. Originally posted by Baashi: Separatism… a group characterized by bigoted adherence to factional/tribal viewpoint want to secede from the rest of Somalis. I wasn’t aware that English words took on a whole new meaning in the ‘context of Somalia’. The generic definition I had in mind for separatist was "one who advocates disjunction of a group from a larger group or political unit". Based on your definition of the term, you seem to be characterizing separatists as adherers to factional/tribal viewpoints. But, in all fairness, this could be said of many Somalis (regardless of whether they support Somali Weyn or separatism). I could be wrong though, but that’s a matter of opinion. Originally posted by Baashi: If you insist that Somali-weyn camp are idealists... Again, I did no such thing. The last remarks in the post were: Now if you still support "Somali Weyn" 100%, read the questions again. But if you're having doubts, then welcome to the world of realists... This where you seem to think I divided nomads, so I’ll try to clear things up. In the context of this discussion, I suspect the motives of anyone who supports separatism or Somali Weyn 100%, without ever experiencing doubts or trying to understand the other party. I hate to be repetitive but, if you recall, in the original post I wrote something like… bearing in mind Somalia's present situation, I think people should seriously and sincerely consider every possible situation that could bring peace to all Somali people (not just those in their region), even if it conflicts with their own views on how Somalia ought to be. People can hold whatever political views they like, but they should also do their utmost to understand their political or ideological opponents… especially when those ‘opponents’ are their fellow countrymen. I think those who support Somali Weyn should at least try to understand where the separatists are coming from and what’s driven them to such drastic measures. They should do so seriously and sincerely, without being too quick to judge or label people as adhering to tribal this and tribal that. And separatists should do the very same. The 11 questions were meant to be objective, but the other contents of the post were based on my opinion. I wasn’t trying to label anyone as this or that… if I’d meant to, it would have been stated clearly. Salaamz.

I know sistas who say they'll never marry Somali guys for numerous reasons... 'they're too old-fashioned', 'too domineering', 'too lazy around the house', 'too ugly', etc. One particular sista told me she's rather marry an Arab or White convert, saying "think of how beautiful the kids will be"... But underneath these lame excuses, all I heard were echoes of their own deep-seated insecuries and self-hate. Now, I'm not saying all sistas who marry non-Somalis think like this. And I'm also not against interracial marriages. But I don't think one should consciously marry non-Somalis for the simple fact that they're non-Somalis. I just find that disturbing. By now, I think my question for the sistas is obvious. Would you marry a non-Somali and why? Salaamz.

Politics is very much a part of Somali life, in the sense that it often finds a way to permeate our lives - regardless of whether we choose to get involved in it or not. Considering Somalia's present situation, I think people should seriously and sincerely consider every possible situation that could bring peace to all Somali people (not just those in their region), even if it conflicts with their own views on how Somalia ought to be. To often, we let a few individuals speak for the majority of us. But people owe it to themselves to question everything and come to their own conclusions, because it's when we let others think and speak for us that we become truly hopeless. Moving on... I've heard the issue of "Somali Weyn" mentioned time and time again. Many people support it for the sake of nationalism, but I think it deserves a closer look. I love the idea of an ideal state for all Somali-speaking people. But, unfortunately, a certain ideal isn't always attainable. And in the case of "Somali Weyn", it never was... but that's just my view. Now, before any "Somali Weyn" fanatics jump on me for saying that, I have a series of questions for you to think about... 1. Firstly, as the concept of "Somali Weyn" is related to that of borders, how could we possibly regain Ogade.nia and NFD? Since neither Ethiopia nor Kenya seem likely to simply hand those regions over, is this an issue people are willing to eventually go to war over again (if need be)? 2. If yes, then is it right to have Somali people fighting and dying for lines drawn on a map by the same colonialists whom they fought and died to get rid of in the first place? If no, then are we abandoning our brothers and sisters (in Kenya and Ethiopia) in their time of need? 3. To take the opposite stance, why are their fights any of our business? If they want to be separate from those two countries, isn't that something they should attain on their own? I'm not saying they should be left for slaughter at the hands of foreigners, but rather - do we (those of us from "Somalia") have a right to speak for them? 4. If Somalia remains in its current fragmentation, and even if those regions were given back, what would Somali Kenyans and Ethiopians have to return to? Isn't it more beneficial for them to fight for independent nations - separate from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia? 5. How could Djibouti be brought into the fold? Unlike Somaliland, Djibouti was never part of "Somalia". And, unlike Somalis in Kenya and Ethiopia, its people have a distinctly Djiboutian identity and have never expressed an interest to be a part of Somalia since their independence. 6. Let's assume donkeys took flight and Djibouti joined Somalia. What would happen to the Afar currently inhabiting Djibouti? Would Somalis - who express pride in their seemingly homogeneous society, having a common ancestor, etc. (even though it's not true) - be willing to tolerate a non-Somali minority? And why would the Afar want to join Somalia, when they wouldn't even stand for their former colony to be called French Somalia? 7. Should we learn a lesson from the former Arab colonies? Once the Europeans left, most of them stayed separate (even though the majority of Arabs - like Somalis - share the same language, religion, culture, etc.) and that seems to have worked well. Meanwhile, the ones that got back together ended up in civil war... sound familiar? My question here being - could different/independent Somali states live as neighbours, like the Arab countries? 8. What is wrong with accepting separatism, specifically in the case of Somaliland (considering it's been separate for 13 years)? And are anti-separatists using "Somali Weyn" as an excuse to hold onto that region? 9. On the other hand, if separatism is accepted in the case of Somaliland, what about other regions that might break away in the future? Which state(s) should be independent (if any) and who decides? 10. Is "Somali Weyn" a realistic concept? Or is it an idealistic dream that was shattered long before civil wars and, in fact, before independence (i.e. when colonialists gave Somali regions to Kenya and Ethiopia)? 11. Lastly, what is the point in chasing this dream of "Somali Weyn", if it's not going to ensure peace? And if peace and unity are not going to be attained simultaneously, then which should we choose? Now if you still support "Somali Weyn" 100%, read the questions again. But if you're having doubts, then welcome to the world of realists... Salaamz.

Originally posted by Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar: It is very interesting the guy's name is Axmed A Yuusuf. If we imply the initial middle letter of "A" to be as Abdullahi , then it is clear that site is owned by C/laahi Yuusuf Axmed's son. Or it might be a coincidence. Allaahu aclam. Lol! If your findings are correct, then you're obviously no miskiin. Allpuntland.com isn't the only bogus 'Somali news' site out there. In reality, biased sites far outnumber objective ones. Anyone who appreciates impartiality in journalism should pay closer attention to what they read on the Internet, simply because any embittered qaxooti with a computer could post 'news' dosed with their own prejudices and opinions. Peace.

And if you do find more lyrics sites, please do share. Thanks.

Lol! I've recently developed a taste for Somali music myself. So far my favourites are Hassan A. Samatar and Khadra Dahir. Those are the big two, but I like various others as well - Seynab Cige, Ahmed Naji, Sulfa... though I feel like I'm gonna go to hell whenever I mention his name and music in the same sentence. Trust me Caano Geel, you're not the only one who has trouble understanding the lyrics. Some singers are more difficult to comprehend than other I find, but you could try looking for written lyrics on the net. I came across one such site, but their collection is limited and appears to be for songs from the good 'ol days. Still, it's worth a try: http://www.geocities.com/faaraxc/heesso.html I think most of the younger generation will warm up to Somali music sooner or later. I just have to get used to hearing up-coming singers ripping off famous people's songs. But it's all good, I guess. My next objective for mission "Reclaim Your Culture" - go to a ruwaayad and/or aroos. The sad truth is I've never been to either. Shocking? :eek: Believe it. Salaama.

Originally posted by wind talker: What Somalis need to do is quit running to foreign powers whenever there's a fire burning in their own house. PUT OUT THE FIRE YOURSELF!!!!!!!! cause it's your house, not Kenya's or Ethiopia's! Good point, but to use your analogy from Kenya and Ethiopia's perspectives, if your neighbour's house was on fire... how could you rest securely in your own? Wouldn't you try to help? And if you weren't genuinely concerned for your neighbour's well-being, then wouldn't you at least try to stop the fire so it doesn't reach your house? Analogies aside, I don't think Kenya and Ethiopia are in the same boat because their involvement in Somali affairs is fueled by differing ulterior motives. Based on how it jumps back and forth between alliances with various regions and warlords, Ethiopia's involvement is a poorly masked attempt to pit Somalis against each other. On the other hand, I think Kenya's involvement is more genuine and less adversarial.... even though the underlying motives are equally self-serving. Salaama.

Originally posted by Gediid: Those murderers are the same ppl who are gonna be running the show so there is no chance for them to ever be persecuted for their crimes... Ever? Well, even if they don't pay during their lifetimes... what about the afterlife? Anyway, they're far too short-sighted to realize that history never forgets its villians. The question is will Somali history be any different?

Originally posted by Nin-Yaaban: Oppiniated, naa xishoo walaal. 1. Please don't refer to a woman as nayaa, it has a demeaning ring that angers most women. Originally posted by Nin-Yaaban: You wont get very far with Oppinated, and Harmany Angel. They both need a serious somali-dhaqan beaten into them. 2. You make remarks like this and wonder why some people question our dhaqan... which they have every righ to do.

I don't really view the incident as a 'disaster' or 'tragedy' because Hajj is the best place to die. Nonetheless, it's kinda sad and I hope they all rest in peace. The Saudi government should learn a lesson from this and make a few improvements. Example: they could instruct the pilgrims in various languages... not just Arabic. Considering pilgrims come from all over the world and don't always speak Arabic, it seems like the logical thing to do. Salaama.

Eid Mubarak to you all, And may we all live to celebrate many more, insha'allah. :cool:

Eid Mubarak to you all!

It's good news because they're finally doing something productive. Nonetheless, I fail to see what qualifies warlords to make decisions concerning the establishment of a new government for Somalia when they're responsible for keeping our nation in a political standstill. Excuse me for being a pessimist, but if those guys disappeared off the face of the Earth tonight, I sure wouldn't miss them. Salaama.

Sensual_Healing, I know what you're talking about sis because I've heard stories about such people. Though I must say, the stories I've heard deal with people who drink blood - so they're not cannibals per se. And unlike this German guy, they don't do it to fullfill masochistic fantasies. From what I've heard, they only drink the blood of their victims but they don't consume flesh. Apparently, they have some sort of illness. I don't know whether is physical or mental, but they think drinking human blood will cure them at least temporarily. Maybe it's folklore, maybe not. No one really knows for sure. And due to the state our nation is in right now, it's hard to keep an eye on people's bizarre activities. Regardless, it's sick and kinda scary. Good premise for a Somali horror movie... no? Salaama.

Reality is always More devious than it seems Shady talk of democracy and freedom Means nothing to me Cause as far as I'm concerned You can only be free in your dreams Every waking hour Influences me, dilutes me With the will of another [buy this, see that, believe this, think that...] I have no need for objects that *bling* They leave my soul bound to a material world And the unsatisfaction it brings But still, I'm confused Trying to get by Without getting caught up Feeling abused, misused - but No one hears my silent cries I want to be with speakers of truth cause I was thrown into a vast ocean of lies By its dark, bottomless abyss I'm surrounded Suddenly realized I can't swim So I'm drowning...

Hey, I've been looking around this forum and I must say there a lot of talented poets in here. I write my own poems too, but often I simply jot ideas down as they rush into my head... without paying attention to form or structure. I'm aware that how you represent your poetry is as important as what you say. So I'd like some advice (from anyone who can spare it), on how to develop good poetic form. And if anyone can tell me where to find sites that can help me learn a few techniques, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance, Bye.

Very interesting, walaal. Keep them coming!

Since 9/11, the civil liberties of Muslims in the United States have been infringed upon repeatedly. And silence to the injustice on the part of African-Americans has been deafening. Too often they choose to look the other way and, in some cases, they join in the witch-hunt. Considering the fact that key figures in the fight for civil rights were Muslims (ex: Malcolm X), I expected a little more from Black Americans. I’m not saying they should fight our battles (figuratively speaking), but I hoped they would at least speak up when they saw wrong being done to a fellow minority. Why do you think the Black community has been silent to the human rights violations being committed against Muslims in America? Is it the obvious (religion) or is something else at play?

Nasir – No need to get sensitive bro, I wasn’t out to offend anyone. You appear to have missed my point entirely. I clearly acknowledged the fact that certain parties (for example: the SNL) resisted the regime. They were those “political groups based in Ethiopia” to which I was referring. From the looks of what you wrote, it appears 'those people' you're referring to are members of a certain tribe (who I’d prefer not to mention by name). Let’s just say they predominately inhabit a place now known as Somaliland… I’m sure you know where that is, since you’ve posted all those nice pictures for us. There is no question that “the whole nation turned against those people", as you say, while others chose to look the other way. So believe me, I know very well who 'those people' are. But if you believe 'those people' were solely responsible of dismantling the regime and destroying its existence, then you’re simply wrong. 'Those people' who you’re aggressively making a case for had their hands full and never had a chance to "take out" the regime, like you claim. How could they? War was being waged against them in the North (by the government no less) and those of them living in the South were being persecuted. So when events turned from bad to worse, their concerns shifted from resistance to self-defense. Like it or not, it was the eventual unrest among people in the South that sent Siyaad Barre running out of the country. So, without directly referring to this tribe or that (because people have a tendency to get sensitive about such issues), I was trying to ask the question – what took so long? In other words, why did people (i.e. those who looked the other way while others were persecuted) wait until the last minute to realize the regime was doing wrong? Why didn’t they act sooner? If they had, maybe we wouldn’t be where we are today… Salaama.

Originally posted by Xiddig: Dhillo iyo Dharaar baa CAd. lol . There is a different between naturally fair-skinned people and those who bleach their skin. By making general insults like this one, you're calling all fair-skinned women (including natural ones) dhilos... and that's unfortunate, to say the least. :rolleyes: Salaama.