Frustrations and suggestions were exchanged at a panel discussion on the portrayal of the Somali community by the media. The accusations in the media that the Abubakar mosque was connected to the missing Somali men, seemed to be the cause of the community’s resentment towards and mistrust of the media.
Somali Community frustrations:
• Media presenting a one-sided view in only consulting Omar Jamal.
• Media insensitivity towards Imams, who are respected leaders in their community and mosques, which are the most important institutions in their community.
• Language used in their reporting, this article from NPR was referenced for the descriptions of the Imam’s dyed beard and the youth directors thumbs and other descriptions.
• Media covering only ‘compelling negative stories’ and not equally ‘compelling positive stories’ about the community.
• Media lack of empathy in not realizing the negative impact of their stories.
• Asked media to do a background check on their sources before using them.
Media’s frustrations and defense:
• Somali community’s unwillingness to return phone calls, leaving them with the story of only the people that do (read Omar Jamal). Duchesne Drew of the Star Tribune said, “For every source we reported there are 50 others who couldn’t be quoted, we’re working really hard.”
• They have reported positive Somali stories, but if the community has more they should reach out to the media. Laura Yuen from MPR cited a story on a girls Muslim soccer team.
• Julia Opoti (Nekessa) from Mshale also acknowledged the difficulties of getting a quotable source, but encouraged media to engage the community more and also verify information with African media. Laura Yuen talked about how her contact list in the community grew from two to about 30 since December when she first started covering the Somali community.
My observations:
This was a great conversation that came at a bad time because there’s a lot of resentment towards the media in light of their recent reporting. However, better late than never. While I understand the frustrations of not getting a quoted source (I have experienced it when covering events in the community), I disagree with the notion that Somali’s will not talk to the media. If Ms. Yuen was able to get so connected in less than three months then no one else has an excuse.
Other avenues that the media can use to get connected with the community (and other ethnic communities) is through their blogs. Also irrespective of deadlines no TV station should use a video that they haven’t translated, that is irresponsible. Maybe the mainstream media has been working hard, but whatever they are doing is not working. If they tried to change their approach it may get easier. Furthermore, they will have to work with the Somali community in reporting positive stories. While the story on the girls soccer team was great, a story that would have garnered more appreciation would have been the story on Somalis in Minnesota celebrating the election of a new president in Somalia. Basically they would have to try to think like the Somalis or at least have strong contacts who do.
The Somali community will also have to be more forthcoming with stories and learn how to work the American media. In Kenya we say that “Empty debes (buckets) make the most noise” and in America the one who makes the most noise gets heard. There has to be a change in the way Africans think with regards to American media, we have to get them to see our perspective. And that will be a lot of work.
This was just the beginning and many Somalis I spoke to believe that more work has to be done. I didn’t get a chance to find out what the media thought about the dialogue. I hope the two groups will have the patience and persistence to continue to work towards ‘A More Perfect Union.’
Source: Twin Cities Daily Planet
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