Staff Reports
In today’s world, it seems that gratitude has become an elusive virtue, especially among those who have found refuge and a new life in America. A viral video of Omar Fateh, a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Somalia and who is now running for mayor of Minneapolis, has raised many eyebrows, sparking controversy with its audacious claims about America’s greatest ‘domestic threat.’ In a classic case of biting the hand that feeds, the discussion attempts to paint a picture where the true danger lies not with external foes or radicals but with the very citizens of the country that generously took in his family.
There were accusations, without a shred of direct evidence in primary sources, that the supposed menace facing America comes from white Americans, who are claimed to be the ‘greatest terror threat.’ Can you imagine moving to another country, benefiting from everything it offers, and then standing up to accuse its citizens of being a threat? Try pulling that stunt in a non-Western country and see how far you’d get before facing the harsh consequences of such ingratitude. Yet, here in America, this kind of rhetoric is somehow tolerated, and even celebrated by some.
Why is gratitude so important, you ask? It is the foundation of any healthy relationship, whether it’s in marriages, friendships, or between immigrants and their host country. A lack of gratitude is one of the main reasons why relationships fall apart—no different from the relationship between citizens and first-generation Americans. When people come from families that faced dire circumstances, like those in Somalia, and are welcomed into a land of opportunity and freedom, a little gratitude is the least one could expect.
Somalia, after all, is not exactly a paradise on Earth. With its poverty, lack of basic infrastructure, and alarming mortality rates, it’s no wonder people seek a better life elsewhere. Yet once here, some individuals choose to spit venom at the very nation that offers them a chance. This isn’t just a question of manners, but a fundamental misunderstanding of the privilege and responsibility that comes with being part of a community.
In the broader perspective, this misguidance only adds fuel to the flame of division. When you invite someone into your home, feed them, and offer them a seat at your table, the least you would expect is a ‘thank you.’ Not a barrage of criticism and ungratefulness. America opens its doors widely, but with open doors comes the expectation of mutual respect and cohesion, not divisiveness and baseless accusations. As the outcry against such ungratefulness grows louder, one hopes that it’s not too late for some to learn what it truly means to appreciate the hand that feeds them.
