Dear America,
As a Somali American, I want to share a perspective on racism that might feel both familiar and foreign to you. Living in the United States, I’ve come to see the ways racial divides shape American society, and I can understand even the subtle forms of discrimination because I once participated in something similar back in Somalia. I grew up in a tribal society where one’s tribe could determine one’s fate, affect one’s opportunities, and even define who one could or could not associate with. In many ways, I have seen the same patterns of social stratification, discrimination, and division that now surround me in America.
I recognize the nuanced ways racism shows up here because I’ve seen these tricks before. Tribalism in Somalia and racism in America might be different on the surface, but they share the same destructive logic that separates people, reinforces hierarchies, and leaves lasting wounds. These divisions are not natural; they are constructs, created and maintained by societies that have normalized them over generations. I invite you to understand these similarities as a step toward breaking free from them.
Social Stratification and Privilege: Determining “Who You Are” and “What You Get”
In Somalia, tribal identity dictates social status. Dominant clans hold the power, resources, and influence, while minority clans struggle for a fair share of opportunity and representation. When I came to the United States, I found a similar hierarchy—only this time, it was based on race. For centuries, white Americans have held privileges denied to racial minorities, creating a society where skin color can define one’s opportunities.
Having witnessed tribal privilege in Somalia, I understand how social hierarchies are reinforced. I recognize how subtle biases create a sense of entitlement for some and barriers for others. When I see people of color facing discrimination, I recall how I saw certain tribes turned away from jobs, excluded from political representation, or denied educational opportunities. Both systems hinge on the idea that some people deserve more than others based on characteristics they can’t control.
Discrimination and Exclusion: Creating Insiders and Outsiders
Discrimination exists in both societies, enforcing boundaries that separate the “insiders” from the “outsiders.” In America, racial minorities often face exclusion in employment, housing, and even social circles. These experiences remind me of Somalia, where one’s tribal affiliation could limit their access to resources, influence, and acceptance.
As a Somali American, I can sense the subtle ways discrimination operates here—job rejections, guarded looks, and polite but firm boundaries. They echo the discrimination I saw in Somalia, where entire clans were sidelined for generations. Whether through race or tribe, these systems create insiders and outsiders, leading to resentment and division. Living between these worlds, I recognize the exclusion even when it’s cloaked in polite indifference or unconscious bias.
Conflict and Violence: The Cost of Division
Both tribalism and racism have led to conflict, stirring tensions that, when unchecked, erupt into violence. In America, racial tensions have sparked civil unrest, with minorities fighting for justice, dignity, and basic rights. In Somalia, tribal affiliations fueled conflicts that tore the country apart, with clans vying for power and survival.
When I see protests and civil unrest in America, I empathize deeply. I know the roots of this anger because I’ve seen it manifest in my homeland. It grows out of years of exclusion, systemic injustice, and denied rights. The anger of those seeking justice is a reminder of the universal need for fairness, respect, and belonging—a need unmet in societies divided by race or tribe.
Identity Politics: When Identity Drives Alliances
Both racism and tribalism shape political identity and alliances. In America, race frequently determines political alignments, just as clan affiliation has a significant impact on Somali politics. When I first encountered American politics, I realized that it wasn’t simply about ideas; it was about identity. Racial identity frequently determines which leaders, policies, and social issues people support.
Having grown up in a system where clan alliances dictate political allegiance, I understand how difficult it can be to move beyond these boundaries. The way Somali politics operates around clan interests has shown me that identity-based politics can prevent real progress, creating a cycle of division rather than unity. In America, where race still heavily influences political alignment, the divide often feels similar, limiting the possibilities for real unity.
Barriers to Unity: Preventing Progress
Ultimately, both racism and tribalism present barriers to unity. In Somalia, tribal affiliations prevent us from imagining a nation that works beyond clan interests, leaving us fragmented and unstable. In America, race has the same effect. Racial divisions weaken the idea of a united national identity, creating a polarized society where people struggle to trust one another.
When we allow these divisions to define us, we create fear and mistrust, impeding efforts to build a more inclusive society. In Somalia, this has made it difficult to establish a stable government or a cohesive national identity. In America, racism hinders the possibility of a truly united nation where all citizens, regardless of their background, enjoy equal opportunities and rights.
A Call for Reflection and Change
Dear America, I’ve lived in two worlds shaped by division, and I share this perspective not to criticize but to encourage reflection. Somalia has shown me the cost of allowing tribalism to divide us, from lost potential to generations scarred by conflict. The price of division is high, whether based on race or tribe, and it leaves scars on individuals and societies alike.
Recognizing these similarities is a step toward breaking free from these divisions. America, with its diversity, resources, and ideals, has a unique opportunity to move beyond its racial divides. The strength of any society lies in its unity, in its ability to respect and embrace differences without letting them define who deserves dignity, respect, and opportunity.
I invite you to reflect on these parallels to see the shared human cost of these divisions and envision a path toward unity that includes everyone. Together, we can create a society that embraces its diversity not as a weakness but as a source of strength, recognizing that our differences are only one part of a larger, shared humanity.