 | Seeking Salaam: Ethiopians, Eritreans, and Somalis in the Pacific Northwest Subjects: Ethiopians -- Northwest Pacific -- Social conditions; Ethiopians -- Northwest Pacific -- Ethnic identity; Eritreans -- Northwest Pacific -- Social conditions; Eritreans -- Northwest Pacific -- Ethnic identity; Somalis -- Northwest Pacific -- Social c; Prolonged violence in the Horn of Africa, the northeastern corner of the continent, has led growing numbers of Ethiopians, Eritreans, and Somalis to flee to the United States. Despite the enmity created by centuries of conflict, they often find themselves living as neighbors in their adopted cities, with their children as class-mates in school. In many ways, they are successfully navigating life in their new home; however, they continue to struggle to bridge old ethnic divisions and find salaam, or peace, with one another. News from home fuels historical grievances and perpetuates tensions within their communities, delaying acculturation, undermining attempts at reconciliation, and sabotaging the opportunity to reach the American Dream. Sandra M. Chait , who immigrated to the Unites States from South Africa, taught African literature and served as associate director of the University of Washington's Program on Africa. She is an independent scholar in Seattle. |
