A Somali Influx Unsettles Latino Meatpackers

I think this article is especially interesting because of the uniqueness of the racial tension involved with the group of people. The majority of racial tension in the United States tends to be between caucasians and another darker skinned race, who share different customs and religious beliefs which separates the two groups. In Grand Island, Nebraska, the workers at a meat packing plant including caucasian, Sudanese, and different Hispanic workers are becoming upset with the Somali population who have been lobbying for the plant to completely change it's work schedule to accommodate for their Muslim prayer schedule. This would shorten the work day and cause cuts for many of the workers whose non-muslim prayer schedules would be unaffected. ManyHispanics, and Sudanese, a primarily Christian African race, are upset at the Somali's assumptions that they can come in, compete for the few jobs available in the factory, and on top of it try to create change that would affect the pay of the other people workingthere. As well as receiving opposition in the workplace, many Somali women who wear traditional Muslim garb such as the hijabs have been received uneasily, especially by citizens wary of Muslims because of the Muslim association of the 9/11 terrorists. Mayor Hornady of Grand Island can be quoted as saying that the sight of the traditional garb was "startling" and "I’m sorry, but after 9/11, it gives some of us a turn." I understand the Somali's want to continue following the practice's of their religion, but despite their hardship in Africa, I think many of them need to realize that while the United States will tolerate their religion, and will do nothing to deter them from practicing it, American businesses do not have to make special accommodations for select groups. I think that the Hispanic and Sudanese workers whose work schedules and pay checks will be affected have every right to be upset. I don' t think that we should send a message that one group of immigrants is better than the other by making exceptions for them. By putting priority to the one group, it creates another type of racism towards minorities which makes it more difficult for them to survive in their current jobs and lifestyles. I think that the factories need to find a compromise that will not affect the latino, sudanese, and caucasian workers who would be affected by the cuts.
A Somali Influx Unsettles Latino Meatpackers 

Kirk Semple

New York Times October 16, 2008 edition