Thanks to all of you who take part in crafting the Somali Covenant, please spread this far and wide. I have made an English version, and an Af-Soomaali version.
Please post on other Somali communities you are part of, even if it's your clan facebook page, reddit and everywhere else. We must take back control of our image.
It is essential to spread these guidelines within our community to foster unity and cultural pride. By adhering to these principles, we can preserve our identity and strengthen our community.
Cultural Respect: Any use of the Somali name should be grounded in respect for the culture, values, and customs of the Somali people. It must avoid stereotyping, misrepresentation, or any form of harm.
Authentic Intent: Engagement with Somali identity should come from a place of genuine connection or intent to uplift the community. Opportunistic or attention-seeking behaviour that exploits Somali identity for personal gain is strongly discouraged.
Community Engagement: Before representing or speaking on behalf of the Somali community, individuals or organisations are encouraged to consult with members of the community and ensure that their actions align with the values and interests of the Somali people.
Positive Representation
Humility and Modesty in Representation
A Somali shall uphold humility and modesty when representing their heritage or the Somali name, refraining from acts that seek personal attention, fame, or recognition at the expense of the communityβs dignity, values, or unity.
Protection Against Exploitation
As part of the Somali covenant, all individuals, organisations, and entities are urged to refrain from using the Somali name or identity in any way that seeks personal or commercial attention, profit, or recognition at the expense of the community. The Somali name represents a rich history, culture, and heritage, and it must be treated with dignity and respect.
Act as PR Agents
Every Somali should act as a public relations agent for Somalia, consistently speaking positively about the country and promoting its strengths. Focus on creating accurate and uplifting content that highlights Somali culture, achievements, and resilience
Promoting Somali Excellence
Consistently share positive narratives about Somalis and represent your country and community well.
Reject Misclassification
Avoid associating Somali excellence with anything other than Somalia (Not East Africa or whatever the latest trend is)
Public Representation
Remember that when you are in public, you are representing Somalia and, by extension, Islam. Your behaviour and demeanour reflect on both.
Avoid Engaging with Negativity
Do not engage with accounts that promote hate or negativity towards Somalis; report them appropriately.
Do not insult other ethnic groups, races etc.
Unified Response
Remember that any attack on a Somali is an attack on all; do not fall for divisive tactics.
Constructive Actions
Respond to negativity with constructive actions rather than racist remarks, report these people to the relevant authorities, their employers/schools etc.
Celebrate Your Phenotype
Do not allow yourself to be molded to foreign beauty standards, we are a beautiful people, Masha'Allah. Use images of Somali models in your business, to emphasise a focus on our beauty standards. Don't use foreign images or models, they value different things which are poisonous to our natural appearance
Naming Conventions
Avoid naming children "CABDI," as it is offensive and translates to "adoon." Use full names or choose alternative names.
Cultural Communication
Engage in appropriate humor and inside jokes within the Somali community, but practice "code-switching" when interacting with those from different cultures.
Cultural Appropriation
Refrain from adopting other cultures' values, such as overly explicit music genres (such as Hip Hop), or materialistic behaviour. Maintain a distinct Somali identity.
Acknowledge Internal Diversity
Respect the diversity within Somalia, including variations in history, dialects, and other cultural distinctions. Celebrate this richness as a core part of Somali identity.
Qabiil Discussions
Never discuss qabiil or qabyaalad with foreigners.
Protecting Community Members
Protect Somali nationals with the same commitment as Somali ethnics.
Internal Disputes
Refrain from discussing internal Somali disputes; simply state that "it's complicated."
Language Appropriateness
Do not teach Somali insults, jokes, or curse words to foreigners.
Respecting Cultural Terms
Words like "waryaa" and "naaya" should only be used within the Somali community.
Event Invites
Avoid inviting foreigners to Somali-specific events, and recognise that being Muslim does not grant access to our cultural spaces.
Culinary Identity
Avoid using foreign names for Somali food, I am referring to restaurants that like to mislabel Somali traditional dishes.
Cultural Gatekeeping
Safeguard Somali traditions and clothing from appropriation.
Culinary Distinction
Do not ascribe Somali cuisine to foreign countries. If asked about similarities, emphasise that there are commonalities in dishes worldwide, as we are all human.
Cultural Distinction
Do not label Somalia or Somali culture as βEast African cultureβ; recognise the uniqueness of Somali heritage.
Interactions with foreigners
Cultural Sharing
Feel free to invite foreign friends to experience Somali food at Somali restaurants or your house. And of course, use the above rules around them at all times.
Please post on other Somali communities you are part of, even if it's your clan facebook page, reddit and everywhere else. We must take back control of our image.
It is essential to spread these guidelines within our community to foster unity and cultural pride. By adhering to these principles, we can preserve our identity and strengthen our community.
The Somali Covenant- "Soomaali Uu Diida Ceeb"
Guidelines for Cultural Sensitivity and Representation
Guidelines for Cultural Sensitivity and Representation
Guidelines for Responsible Representation
Cultural Respect: Any use of the Somali name should be grounded in respect for the culture, values, and customs of the Somali people. It must avoid stereotyping, misrepresentation, or any form of harm.Authentic Intent: Engagement with Somali identity should come from a place of genuine connection or intent to uplift the community. Opportunistic or attention-seeking behaviour that exploits Somali identity for personal gain is strongly discouraged.
Community Engagement: Before representing or speaking on behalf of the Somali community, individuals or organisations are encouraged to consult with members of the community and ensure that their actions align with the values and interests of the Somali people.
Positive Representation
A Somali shall uphold humility and modesty when representing their heritage or the Somali name, refraining from acts that seek personal attention, fame, or recognition at the expense of the communityβs dignity, values, or unity.
Protection Against Exploitation
As part of the Somali covenant, all individuals, organisations, and entities are urged to refrain from using the Somali name or identity in any way that seeks personal or commercial attention, profit, or recognition at the expense of the community. The Somali name represents a rich history, culture, and heritage, and it must be treated with dignity and respect.
Act as PR Agents
Every Somali should act as a public relations agent for Somalia, consistently speaking positively about the country and promoting its strengths. Focus on creating accurate and uplifting content that highlights Somali culture, achievements, and resilience
Promoting Somali Excellence
Consistently share positive narratives about Somalis and represent your country and community well.
Reject Misclassification
Avoid associating Somali excellence with anything other than Somalia (Not East Africa or whatever the latest trend is)
Public Representation
Remember that when you are in public, you are representing Somalia and, by extension, Islam. Your behaviour and demeanour reflect on both.
Handling Negative Attention
Avoid Engaging with Negativity
Do not engage with accounts that promote hate or negativity towards Somalis; report them appropriately.
Do not insult other ethnic groups, races etc.
Unified Response
Remember that any attack on a Somali is an attack on all; do not fall for divisive tactics.
Constructive Actions
Respond to negativity with constructive actions rather than racist remarks, report these people to the relevant authorities, their employers/schools etc.
Celebrate Your Phenotype
Do not allow yourself to be molded to foreign beauty standards, we are a beautiful people, Masha'Allah. Use images of Somali models in your business, to emphasise a focus on our beauty standards. Don't use foreign images or models, they value different things which are poisonous to our natural appearance
Naming Conventions
Avoid naming children "CABDI," as it is offensive and translates to "adoon." Use full names or choose alternative names.
Cultural Communication
Engage in appropriate humor and inside jokes within the Somali community, but practice "code-switching" when interacting with those from different cultures.
Cultural Appropriation
Refrain from adopting other cultures' values, such as overly explicit music genres (such as Hip Hop), or materialistic behaviour. Maintain a distinct Somali identity.
Respect for Diversity
Acknowledge Internal Diversity
Respect the diversity within Somalia, including variations in history, dialects, and other cultural distinctions. Celebrate this richness as a core part of Somali identity.
Cultural Sensitivity and Language
Qabiil Discussions
Never discuss qabiil or qabyaalad with foreigners.
Protecting Community Members
Protect Somali nationals with the same commitment as Somali ethnics.
Internal Disputes
Refrain from discussing internal Somali disputes; simply state that "it's complicated."
Language Appropriateness
Do not teach Somali insults, jokes, or curse words to foreigners.
Respecting Cultural Terms
Words like "waryaa" and "naaya" should only be used within the Somali community.
Event Invites
Avoid inviting foreigners to Somali-specific events, and recognise that being Muslim does not grant access to our cultural spaces.
Food and Traditions
Culinary Identity
Avoid using foreign names for Somali food, I am referring to restaurants that like to mislabel Somali traditional dishes.
Cultural Gatekeeping
Safeguard Somali traditions and clothing from appropriation.
Culinary Distinction
Do not ascribe Somali cuisine to foreign countries. If asked about similarities, emphasise that there are commonalities in dishes worldwide, as we are all human.
Cultural Distinction
Do not label Somalia or Somali culture as βEast African cultureβ; recognise the uniqueness of Somali heritage.
Interactions with foreigners
Cultural Sharing
Feel free to invite foreign friends to experience Somali food at Somali restaurants or your house. And of course, use the above rules around them at all times.
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