There are multiple stereotypes and misapprehensions regarding Somalia that tend to cover and hide the beautiful culture and history of the country. Below are some of them:
Somalia is only perceived as a country which has experienced wars: There are several factors that have contributed to the wars in Somalia, which include the civil wars of the 1990s but countries all over the world have experienced wars and settlements. There are many places where order prevails and even a way of life, customs and identities can be present.
All Somalis are one people: While the people of Somalia are often described as an ethnic group, the people of Somalia belong to clans, speak languages and have cultures that are distinct from one another. The Somali nation as we know it is as a result of historical processes that brought about different peoples together.
Somalia is synonymous with Pirate life: Piracy is an act that became popularized in the world in the late 2000s with regards to Somali based attacks, but such activities do not characterize the entire country. There are various types of piracy, and most of the Somali population is not engaged in any kind of piracy, as they have no intention of being criminals.
Somalia is Totalitarian State: Even though Somalia had so many problems in the political sphere, during the last years the country has been able to take some steps towards state and institutional re-building, as it now has local governments and there is a central authority.
Somalia is an Incurable Drought Land: Yes, the droughts may be harsh but Somalia has different climates and ecological zones. It has areas that are arable for cultivation as well as for pastoralism which are both very important for the economy of the country
100 % of the Somalis are Followers of the Islamic Faith: The most overwhelming percentage of Somalis are Muslims, there exist a few who придерживаются Christianity as well as other religions.
All the practices of the Somali Culture remain the same over the years: Somali culture, like any other, is not static; it changes with time and history, and even globalization effects and inter-cultural relations.
Such myths can help centralize the how diversity and complexity in the real sense regards Somalia and its citizens.
