In Nauja Kleist’s article, "Elusive Jannah: The Somali Diaspora and a Borderless Muslim Identity by Cawo M. Abdi," she expounds on the Somali idea of an earthly paradise, called jannah. Although, the place in which jannah has been referred to has changed throughout time the idea of a “paradise” existing in America is like the idea of “the American dream”. A place of belonging and prosperity that will allow for a thriving family. Even though Somalis may see the United States as a place of jannah, they may face a low socioeconomic position, challenged gender and family relations, and a sense of dislocation and religious alienation (Kleist 647). After a rise in discrimination after the events of 9/11 many Somalis have shifted their view of what …show more content…
The first theory of “popular view” hypothesizes that within three generations immigrants will become Americanized (Darboe 462). The problem with this theory is that Somali immigrants are of a different race than the dominant one living in America. Even if the Somali group picks up traits from the dominant group they will still be marginalized, similarly to African Americans. Based on this information I will survey the Somalis living in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood to see if they have been excluded from activities based on their race that would affect their ability to assimilate. Darboe then explores how Somalis are adapting to the American school system. The number of Somalis enrolled in school has quintupled between 1997 and 2002 (Darboe 464). Since more children are attending, school and are receiving instructions primary in English, they have become more immersed in American culture (Darboe 464). This is likely because more Somali community leaders and parents stress the importance of education (Darboe 464). Despite the importance placed on education Somalis still have a very high number of high school dropouts, 12.6 % (Darboe 465). With this information, I will explore to see if those who are high school dropouts have difficulties assimilating into American society, for example if this affects their ability to find a job, causing them to need federal assistance like