A political outcast

[Jamilah]

I have always had an interest in politics but due to other commitments (namely study) I never pursued this interest, I also believe the diversity of the political spectrum seemed too intimidating to me and I didn’t know where exactly I fitted in.

 

Well, my interest was most recently stirred during the orientation week at my university for first year students. It was the day of glamour “clubs and societies day†various groups attempted to woo us first year students into to joining their respective clubs. The chocolate lovers society ( surprise) was a favorite along with the African drummers group, but when my friends and I approached a stall which had badges labeled FREE PALESTINE and NO Howard we were immediately fascinated. The group called socialist alternative I came to know were most passionate about the persecutions countless Muslims around the world are enduring. I thought at last I found what I was looking for and I am now able to quell my constant guilt that I am not doing enough as an educated young (and at the risk of sounding immodest) intelligent woman. Not only did the views of this group coincided with mine but they were very proactive in the measures they took in being heard (so I naively thought). It seemed out of my friends I was the one most eager and they were politely feigning interest, so I decided to attend their meeting by myself sometime during that week.

 

On the day of the much anticipated meeting I entered the room mentally noting things we far from what I expected. As I have mentioned I never pursued my interest in politics so I don’t know what exactly was the source of my expectations, what I came to see however was an informal gathering of men and women who were mostly in their twenties and needless to say I was rather conspicuous in my modest attire. Despite my instinct to run and never turn back I forced my self to take a seat in the lecture room and waited a good 20 minutes before a man in the front began speaking. Prior to the commencement of his speech rest assured I was entertained by engaging in conversations in which I was bombarded with questions about my views on certain matters; it was all very strange as if they were speaking in a foreign language. I recall being asked whether or not I considered myself a socialist which I responded in the affirmative (I answered without thinking really I reasoned that if I answered no I would be more so the centre of attention). Anyway, the man who started speaking with a distinct kiwi accent wore a T-shirt which had JUSTICE FOR JACK THOMAS printed across it (for you guys who are unfamiliar with him, he is one of the first Australians to be charged under the Howard government’s new anti-terror legislation).

 

By this stage I was impressed and was keenly waiting for him to begin his speech. To my utter shock he started to talk about abortion and how it is a woman’s right and freedom of choice. I was shaken up and at this point was inwardly screaming what have I gotten myself into? If that was not bad enough he continued to talk about the freedom of sexual expression (I had to hold myself from crying out in distress) for people attracted to the same sex. It was then and there that my hopes of finally fitting into the broad political field were cruelly shattered. Much to my utter discomfort they were quite elaborate in the things they said (thus only prolonging my presence). At the end of it all a woman accompanied by two men came to introduce them to me both men offered to shake my hand in which I quickly explained why I could not do so, I was then invited to attend another meeting with them over a couple of drinks. I politely declined this preposterous invitation and looked for the closest exit door.

 

Now my fellow nomads I know what you are all thinking so much for my “interest†I rarely write on this side of the site, that’s true enough. But what I hoped was to pose a question. I wanted to know whether you guys identify with a particular political party, ideology and organization or do you believe that different parts have its own merits. If it is the latter or the former, what is the justification of your choice?

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

Salaan...

 

Since you started this thread, and you being a sister and bringing the interests of politics in gender, I have an own question: Why are there few sisters that take keen interest in politics, I mean in Soomaali siyaasad?

 

Most have the outdated view of siyaasad being old man's hobby. It isn't.

 

For a casual observor on this joint may have the wrong impression that jaamacs care more about their country than their caasho counterparts. It isn't only limited to this forum. It is on every Soomaali website.

 

The web owners are faaraxs. The wannabe journalists are men. The vast majority of reporters are jaamacs. So are attention-seeking, spinning pseudo-opinion makers. Poorly educated commentators with badly written articles. So are corrupted, incompetent leaders. And the vast gacan-ku-dirirs, af-ku-dirirs, shabako-ku-dirirs and fadhi-ku-dirirs.

 

What is going on here?

 

The usual reasons of politics doesn't affect me or it doesn't attract appealingly more like shoes and purses [kidding, kidding ], these cannot be taken face-value excuses anymore.

 

Despite Soomaali politics being qabyaalad dominated, I think I would like to see our sisters participating, since they are the majority of our nation now. I am not talking about participation on this forum, but overall.

 

Since also most men-initiated conflicts back home affect our sisters and our children, who are mostly hapless in constant civil wars. Being silent outsider in this incessant, almost ritual wars by men -- it won't help you, nor does it help us jaamacs.

 

We had seen what faaraxs did to our country. I for one would like to see what tricks our sisters have behind those guntiino and diracs. A complete way of thinking to handle our never-ending, ongoing crisis, which may or may not be short of revolution, is required and sought.

 

This revolution may come from our wonderful sisters, who knows.

 

Waiting the tired recycled ideas of faarax, we are tired of it and doomed by it. Come and rescue us.

[Jamilah]

^^ I cant really account for the lack of interest by my fellow sex in politics without making sweeping generalisations.

 

The wannabe journalists are men

This is understandable as journalism requires alot of moving about and although I would love to travel its seems too unstable as an occupation. I think this sentiment would be shared among many other woman, although its difficult to attribute one factor as the single cause.

 

I for one would like to see what tricks our sisters have behind those guntiino and diracs

LOOOL.

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

Originally posted by Jamilah:

quote:The wannabe journalists are men

This is understandable as journalism requires alot of moving about and although I would love to travel its seems too unstable as an occupation. I think this sentiment would be shared among many other woman, although its difficult to attribute one factor as the single cause.

'Journalists' aan aniga ka hadlaaye ma aadan fahmin ayaan u maleyna.

 

I was referring to those who create personal webpages, while staying at their own homes or cafes and calling those personal pages 'news sites.'

 

They watch and copy-paste from other equally personal pages or 'news sites,' altering few sentences here and there. Those you think are a bit more professional listen to news on the idaacadaha, quoting from those without attributing.

 

That is Soomaali 'journalism' these days. No need to 'move around' by reporting from where the events take place. No need to investigate. No sources. Just it is their opinion masquerading as news.

 

And most of those are men.

[nemo]

Just it is their opinion masquerading as news

Isn't that what journalism is all about...the author's opinion. I have not read or listened to news without the opinion of the author.

They watch and copy-paste from other equally personal pages or 'news sites,' altering few sentences here and there. Those you think are a bit more professional listen to news on the idaacadaha, quoting from those without attributing.

LOOOOOOOOOL I don't read somali news mostly because my somali readng is not that great but is that what really happens

[-Lily-]

Unless you're a war Journalist, it's relatively stable career with the odd traveling. Most news nowerdays is financial/current affairs. I think it's a great career.

 

A woman can be interested in politics, laakin Somali politics is altogether different. There is no transparency and everything is painted with the qabiil brush, thus making it difficult to analyze anyone's objectives beyond mad power for themselves and their tribe. Kind of like Somali history, no sooner have you heard what the 'official' version was before someone tells you it wasn't like that at all. Most of all, it's just frustrating.

[Khayr]

Originally posted by Jamilah:

I have always had an interest in politics but due to other commitments (namely study) I never pursued this interest, I also believe the diversity of the political spectrum seemed too intimidating to me and I didn’t know where exactly I fitted in.

 

Well, my interest was most recently stirred during the orientation week at my university for first year students. It was the day of glamour “clubs and societies day†various groups attempted to woo us first year students into to joining their respective clubs. The chocolate lovers society ( surprise) was a favorite along with the African drummers group, but when my friends and I approached a stall which had badges labeled FREE PALESTINE and NO Howard we were immediately fascinated. The group called socialist alternative I came to know were most passionate about the persecutions countless Muslims around the world are enduring. I thought at last I found what I was looking for and I am now able to quell my constant guilt that I am not doing enough as an educated young (and at the risk of sounding immodest) intelligent woman. Not only did the views of this group coincided with mine but they were very proactive in the measures they took in being heard (so I naively thought). It seemed out of my friends I was the one most eager and they were politely feigning interest, so I decided to attend their meeting by myself sometime during that week.

 

On the day of the much anticipated meeting I entered the room mentally noting things we far from what I expected. As I have mentioned I never pursued my interest in politics so I don’t know what exactly was the source of my expectations, what I came to see however was an informal gathering of men and women who were mostly in their twenties and needless to say I was rather conspicuous in my modest attire. Despite my instinct to run and never turn back I forced my self to take a seat in the lecture room and waited a good 20 minutes before a man in the front began speaking. Prior to the commencement of his speech rest assured I was entertained by engaging in conversations in which I was bombarded with questions about my views on certain matters; it was all very strange as if they were speaking in a foreign language. I recall being asked whether or not I considered myself a socialist which I responded in the affirmative (I answered without thinking really I reasoned that if I answered no I would be more so the centre of attention). Anyway, the man who started speaking with a distinct kiwi accent wore a T-shirt which had JUSTICE FOR JACK THOMAS printed across it (for you guys who are unfamiliar with him, he is one of the first Australians to be charged under the Howard government’s new anti-terror legislation).

 

By this stage I was impressed and was keenly waiting for him to begin his speech. To my utter shock he started to talk about abortion and how it is a woman’s right and freedom of choice. I was shaken up and at this point was inwardly screaming what have I gotten myself into? If that was not bad enough he continued to talk about the freedom of sexual expression (I had to hold myself from crying out in distress) for people attracted to the same sex. It was then and there that my hopes of finally fitting into the broad political field were cruelly shattered. Much to my utter discomfort they were quite elaborate in the things they said (thus only prolonging my presence). At the end of it all a woman accompanied by two men came to introduce them to me both men offered to shake my hand in which I quickly explained why I could not do so, I was then invited to attend another meeting with them over a couple of drinks. I politely declined this preposterous invitation and looked for the closest exit door.

 

Now my fellow nomads I know what you are all thinking so much for my “interest†I rarely write on this side of the site, that’s true enough. But what I hoped was to pose a question. I wanted to know whether you guys identify with a particular political party, ideology and organization or do you believe that different parts have its own merits. If it is the latter or the former, what is the justification of your choice?

What a vivid and realistic account of the world of the Socialist/liberals/pluralists etc....

 

These groups take GOD OUT OF THE PICTURE and replace them with their personal whims of what is the RIGHT thing to DO and SAY.

 

They are more idealistic then most but are a good sample population that reflects 'Popular Sentimentality'.

 

Its good that your Iman and sense of 'where you are from' raised Alarm bells in your head-Alhamdulillah

 

Fi Amanillah

[Jamilah]

^^Alxamdullilah indeed.

 

Seriously though, I can't avoid these people on campus. In such a large area they always seem to catch me alone. Not to mention the countless calls I am receiving (due to my naivety I actually gave them my number thinking I was merely giving my details for a petition). I am not a passive person or anything it’s just that every time they approach me they speak of Palestine and Iran and we are in agreement at such matters and so the cycle commences. Biggest mistake in life was mixing up with these people, despite my good intentions

[Cara.]

Jamilah,

 

Maybe you can let them know your views indirectly so they leave you alone. Wear a t-shirt that says "Abortion is Murder" or something. Or maybe you can send the group an email explaining your views and that you were mistaken in joining their organization. I'm sure plenty of first years make that kind of mistake. Hey, maybe you can even get a refund on that club fee!

 

But now I want to know if there's a socialist club in this school...

 

As for why women don't enter politics: The political system of Somalia and elsewhere is set-up to maximize on male characteristics like single-mindedness, egoism, and competitiveness. Men can easily become power-hungry egomaniacs (not most men, of course, but it only takes a few). Whereas women like to cooperate and connect with others. They share responsibilities, rewards and accolades, and rarely seek personal glory, preferring the "team" as a whole to prosper. That's why a lot of grassroots movements are started by women, because initially these movements are small-scale and everyone knows every one. Politics just doesn't work that way. It's a dirty, no-holds-barred, dog-eat-dog impersonal world. Shake the baby and kiss the hand to advance to the next level. If you're not in it purely for the power and fame you won't get far.

[Naxar Nugaaleed]

"What a vivid and realistic account of the world of the Socialist/liberals/pluralists etc....

 

These groups take GOD OUT OF THE PICTURE and replace them with their personal whims of what is the RIGHT thing to DO and SAY.

 

They are more idealistic then most but are a good sample population that reflects 'Popular Sentimentality'.

 

Its good that your Iman and sense of 'where you are from' raised Alarm bells in your head-Alhamdulillah

 

Fi Amanillah"

 

Khayr walaal, Socialism and liberalism are not what you, among others here make them out to be. You and others should be greatful for the people who brought these ideologies to people. Believe it or not, most of the world is "Liberal" today, thank God. for example, both the republicans and democrats are both libral in ideology. You are wrong to associate the personal believes people such as abortion or religion, however they justify them wither its liberalism or some other ideology, with an entire ideology. Basically put, Liberalism is an ideology that promoates personnal freedoms ( protection from entities like the goverrnments or or religous organizations be it a mosque or a church but not God as some simpltons claim there is no one organization here on earth that is the true representitve of

'GOD' that can be opposed by an ideology, American bill of rights is a good example), a democratic government (one that respects the will of the people), protection for minorities and market economies. Socialism, unlike liberalsim, is based on economic justice not free, market or laissez-faire economy. another difference, for you guys who are grouping two opposing ideologies together, is that one is based on individualism and the other on Sociatal or community. It is my opinion that political liberalism and economic socialism is the the only ideology that is just, rational and practical enough to govern people.

Such things as your personal views (Humans well never agree on one common view) about abortion and God can have no room for the politcal organization of societies with different view of those subjects. According to the Quran believers should say to non believer "Lackum deenakum wa liya deen" or "Unto you, your religion and unto me, mine". Is this not the pluralists you speak of? Let me just say, as Fukuyama said in the end of histry, that Liberalism has fought with many other ideologies and remines the only one today. This is the best that human reasoning could come up with. Think twice, friends, before you belittle liberals. Better yet, know that it because of lebralism that you live in Sociaty that can have both people like and me in peaceful coexistence.

[Janna]

Socialist parties are pro everything. It explains why they tend to leave religion out of their discussions. My former teacher was a communist. She denied the exist of god. Detested when god's name was used. Became very passionate about freeing the Palestine’s til I found out she supported homosexuality, my long discussions with her ended from there. Perhaps we need to take into counter what Cara said: women don't enter politics.