By Ahmed Hirsi

Introduction

My abhorrence towards war of words between two Somali brothers is beyond description, nevertheless, I could not help commenting on Mr. Sharmarke’s well-crafted PR and propaganda laced piece that carried immeasurable clannish undertone.

Undoubtedly we Somalis live in a world in which clanocracy pervades almost every layer of our society, so Mr. Sharmarke’s attempt to defend indefensible facts wouldn’t surprise me.

On a personal level I would like to express my profound sympathy and understanding and at the same time I do share the bitterness felt by the majority of clans in Somalia be it in Khaatumo or elsewhere toward the current government headed by President Hassan Sh. Mohamoud.

Both Somalis in the Diaspora and the government can fight injustice, but often neither does. Some people in the name of  clan and government advocate for injustices, but it does not have to be that way. Both can promote justice and fight injustice, but only if justice is seen as a priority to both.

Furthermore, clannish politicians tend to be more narrow minded and often only care about their clan members. Ultimately,  promoting injustice and that is exactly how a huge segment of Somalis feel, be it Khaatumo, Puntland and Jubaland.

Instead what we need is proposals and ways for curtailing and rectifying injustices that are being committed regardless of whom is practising them. Sadly, whenever injustice is being exposed and illuminated most Somalis tend to act like PR firms and defence lawyers for the sake of clan affiliation.

My personal assessment is that Mr. Ghelle in his article did nothing wrong in any way shape or form, apart from articulating his views regarding our undemocratically “selected Head of State”. It seems to me that Mr. Sharmarke is sleep walking into clanocracy and he may be living in an unknown planet that has yet to be discovered.

Our brother Sharmarke did not only make an effort to encumber Mr. Ghelle, but he even went at lengths to paint a fake picture of him going as far as unsuccessfully attempting to spoil brother Ghelle’s personality.

Constructive criticism or Clan Criticism

Criticism is most often understood as a negative word, but things could be said to solve problems and come some sort of common ground. Having said that, Mr. Sharmarke embarked on a personal attack, for instance in paragraph two he wrote the following:

“My first issue with Ghelleh’s article is that of its nearly 1700 words, less than one hundred words are remotely related to a small fraction of the title of the article. In a great length -and unnecessarily- the author talks about himself his friends his whereabouts his British connection and his other experience”.

As a matter of fact in this kind of situation the key is to make any given problem into a problem rather than make the person the problem. In the light of the above given example Mr. Sharmarke went after both the ball and the man, which I find not only unfair but a core violation of Mr. Ghelle’s freedom of speech.

The issue is also that if Mr. Sharmarke has a patent on what should or should not be written about Mr El-Presidente, he failed to declare that in his article. Or does Mr. Sharmarke think he is the only man who has access to a blank clan canvas that no one else can paint on except him?

Secondly, commenting negatively on what other people have written regarding any given subject fails to recognise the very essence of true fairness. Besides, the author failed miserably since he lectured us about morality and touched on what he termed as “constructive criticism”. Contrary to Sharmarke’s assertion, constructive criticism is intended to help the recipient to look forward and give him something to work with.  Constructive criticism is in contrast to destructive criticism, which seeks to undermine the recipient’s self-confidence and self-respect and close any form of dialogue between the parties.

Here are a few ideas on how to live up to the ideal of constructive criticism. Apropos constructive criticism Mr. Sharmarke has reminded of me some of the training sessions and seminars I have had over the years on this particular subject.

Criticism must provide 2 pluses for every minus: For every negative thing you point out, highlight two positive things. Always start by saying something positive. Unfortunately, none of the aforementioned attributes are present in Mr. Sharmarke’s piece.

One way to explain the mere ways Mr. Sharmarke arguments failed is comparable to something as basic as pupil/ teacher interaction. For instance, when Somali parents are attending Parent Evening Sessions at schools regarding their children educational progress the Class Teachers will typically start in their opening remarks words to praise the pupil and will end up saying but………….. Or despite this or that………………………

When this sort of events unfolds some of the Somali parents whom I have unwaveringly interpreted and translated for more than 17 years will typically get confused and will usually end up saying “Sheekadu siday u fiicneyd ayey Gadaal Ka Halawdey “.  In this kind of environment the untrained parent wouldn’t be able to comprehend the techniques at hand.

Furthermore, the criticism will consist of two function values ​​and given as conservative proposals, such as ” Another possibility is that you … “, “I’d probably suggest that you …” “Have you thought about …” People rarely say no, and if they do, it is easier to discuss than if you get in their face.
Give a few but important advices. Settle for the 2-3 most important criticisms in your feedback. It gives the person a focus and clear objectives. Here we see that Mr. Sharmarke criticism failed and appears as a straight personal attack not a constructive critticism as he claims.

Additionally, I am not willing to succumb to any of Somali Federal Government – SFG propaganda machine directed at Khaatumo and Puntland, although of late the Somali government is in full swing to pipe down and is doing a lot of sweet talking to soothe/appease donors whenever a major donor conference is underway or is about to commence.

Mr. Ghelle’s prediction and long sightedness surrounding his opposition toward Mr. El Presidente sowing the seed of animosity amongst the Somali community in Ohio particularly his “Marehan allies” and “non-Marehan enemies” is really amazing.

To my shock and horror demonstrators did clash.  The web is littered with videos and photos about this unfortunate incidence.

Ahmed Hirsi
Email: Ahmed.Hirsi@yahoo.com