Page 36 - DINQ Magazine June 2020 Edition
P. 36
PRETENDING to be
Micky ATL (continued from page 32)
For many immigrants, charged with forging their own way into American cul-
ture with little to no help, ethnic grocery stores and marts were and are a bridge
to American culture. It’s either where they find help, or the conduit through which
help is found.
Not only can Ethiopian Diasporas find the desired foods and goods from back
home, but they have a chance to communicate in their own language without be-
ing suspicious, pros-and-cons political and social home land news with their own
people who may have been in the US longer and can share some insights of “mod-
el of adaptation” entitled - the Ethiopian experience in America, 2008, first edi-
tion, page 133-138. Just being able to get newspapers and books written in mother
Life’s most terrifying 10 seconds tongue can be a relief by itself. And never underestimate the power of a bulletin
are being held hostage in the cor- board or “community corner notice board” that affixed handwritten notices and
ner of the shower by cold water. advertisements in various languages, everything from room rents, car sales, and
____________ English classes to Real Estate agents.
By the time we’re all done with Some stores even prepared large preordered food to host events recognizing
this ordeal, I bet the world’s popu- festivals from their clients’ native countries, others have community outreach arms
lation will be surging by 6%. that work to unite and advocate for the immigrant community. The Ethiopian Gro-
____________ cery/ Marts are the chain of Ethiopian products and gifts, not only do bring food
and home goods to the Ethiopian-American community near by, but also handle
I don’t agree with the “Life is like community engagement and charitable support activities. Successful chains with
a box of chocolates” analogy. To resources like Ethiopian can offer donations and support to nonprofits that benefit
me, it’s more like a jar of jalape- the community, like any other immigrant stores, cultural and community center.
nos. Coz, what you do today might In big cities like Washington DC, California etc for example, tour organizers; from
burn your a$$ tomorrow. all over the US may stop by the Ethiopian flagged stores for their tours, restaurants,
____________ and bookstore. The supermarket was founded as a touchstone for Ethiopian Amer-
icans as being Ethiopian in America was not always easy.
I honestly didn’t know when the
bartender yelled ‘LAST CALL’ it Aside from their primary mission to bring high quality Ethiopian local foods,
was gonna be for three months. products to theirs and maximizing profits, stores have long been a place where
Smh members of the Ethiopian-American community can take part in seasonal cultural
____________ festivals or educate Ethiopian-Americans about Ethiopian traditional foods. As they
are living of testament to success of culture transmission efforts, plenty of people
Ladies and gents, your grandpar- believed that there are lessons to be learned from these stores’ during this global
ents were called to war. You’re be- culture clash which became teenagers-owned parents’ burning issues.
ing called to sit on your couch. You As a result, the digital culture virus has already begun to spread from country to
can do this. country across the globe, until even those nations that had tried to restrict. What
____________ makes all of these even less forgeable are those children of our time are happy to
validate technology than their parents efforts to minimize and downplay the viral
I understand that kissing a sleep- outbreak of digital culture.
ing woman in an animated Disney
movie is romantic; but doing it on Some of the Ethiopian grocery store owners owned political baggage playing
a bus...well, the judge didn’t think between the U.S and Ethiopia. They are known for showing calm, patience, and
so. Smh give good ears to listen and recognize their efforts for what they stand for to spread
____________ accurate culture-seasoned political connectivity.
ማሳል ድሮ ቀረ አባቴ! To be Continued
Page 36 “ኢትዮጵያ ለዘላለም ትኑር“ ድንቅ መጽሔት - ሰኔ 2012
