The Somali story (Minneapolis, Eden Prairie: violent crime, how much, shop)

[Guero]

Originally Posted by Mojo Riley

I have noticed that Somalis here are very frustrated with American blacks, and don't seem to want to be associated with them.

I too have heard this, and I have also heard it in reverse.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by Mojo Riley

I have noticed that Somalis here are very frustrated with American blacks, and don't seem to want to be associated with them.

The number of African Americans in the TC who look down upon the Somalis is staggering. As an Anglo myself I can't fully understand, but a past co-worker once said something to the effect that American blacks have worked long and hard to get where they are at in this country, and in a lot of instances they still don't get the respect that they deserve-then all of a sudden all of these black people come over from Somalia and are treated with open arms-they didn't go through the struggles that American blacks did. So there is some animosity there.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by Guero

and I have also heard it in reverse.

You could be right, but I think that it has more to do with how they are treated to begin with. Just because they are all black does not mean that they will automatically get along. Look at how many white Americans, almost militantly, want to disassociate themselves from Canadians. Sounds goofy, but it is true. Or the Irish and English-they're all white, aren't they? It's not that simple. Race goes deeper then the color of skin.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

Look at how many white Americans, almost militantly, want to disassociate themselves from Canadians. Sounds goofy, but it is true.

Wow. Where have you seen this? In most places I've been, Canadians (and even Canadiens ) are seen as a positive thing, not a negative.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

Wow. Where have you seen this? In most places I've been, Canadians (and even Canadiens ) are seen as a positive thing, not a negative.

Yes, of course, but not what I meant.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

Yes, of course, but not what I meant.

Okay. What did you mean?

[TimtheGuy]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

You could be right, but I think that it has more to do with how they are treated to begin with. Just because they are all black does not mean that they will automatically get along. Look at how many white Americans, almost militantly, want to disassociate themselves from Canadians. Sounds goofy, but it is true. Or the Irish and English-they're all white, aren't they? It's not that simple. Race goes deeper then the color of skin.

What's wrong with Canadians??

[CvCmT]

New Immigrants in Minnesota: The Somali Immigration and Assimilation

Today more Somali students are attending schools with English as the language of primary instruction. More public schools must teach non-English speaking students in Minnesota. Furthermore, Somali parents and Mentors are stressing the importance of Education to the younger generation, and advising them to stay away from gangs,drugs and other crime related activities.

Enrollment
Somali student enrollment is the third highest compared to the Hmong and the Spanish speakers in Minnesota.

Drop out rate
Somali student(12.7%)
Hmong students(5.9%)
Hispanic students(23%)



http://www.startribune.com/462/story/899338.html

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by TimtheGuy

What's wrong with Canadians??

Absolutely nothing. I was just pointing out that even though both countries are predominately white and speak English does not mean that they are both on the same playing field. Canadians tend to think that they are above (literally and figuratively) the Americans, while Americans have a notion that Canada is a Socialist crackpot. Not everyone thinks this way and it does not mean that Americans hate Canadians, just that most Americans would be offended if they went to another country and were mistaken for a Canadian.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

Absolutely nothing. I was just pointing out that even though both countries are predominately white and speak English does not mean that they are both on the same playing field. Canadians tend to think that they are above (literally and figuratively) the Americans, while Americans have a notion that Canada is a Socialist crackpot. Not everyone thinks this way and it does not mean that Americans hate Canadians, just that most Americans would be offended if they went to another country and were mistaken for a Canadian.

My wife is always mistaken for a Canadian (and not just down here -- it used to happen in the Twin Cities as well) because of the way she pronounces some words, and she finds it amusing, not a negative. I've never had a problem with Canadians, and in some places of the world it might actually be a good thing for tourists from the US to be mistaken for folks from the Great White North.

I'm not sure where you get your above impressions from, but I've never seen any of those attitudes. Not in the Twin Cities, and not down here either. A "socialist crackpot"...? Uh... I think France might fit that stereotype better.