Community in Crisis

The initial cultural context of reception of Somalis was visible in early public responses to Somali settlement. Emerging narratives included a range of perspectives – from those who decried all immigration to those who championed Somali settlement as the key to a prosperous future for Lewiston. Most characteristic of early official responses to Somali immigration, however, was the perspective that Somali settlement was a burden for the city, that the flow of newcomers was out of control, and that Somalis lacked the self-discipline required if Lewiston was to be successful. This was the understanding presented in Raymond’s letter:

Far from entering the scene as a shocking challenge to local understandings of Somali settlement, Raymond’s letter was consistent with other early assessments of Somali settlement. Somalis were widely believed to be a drain on the city’s coffers and a challenge to historical conceptions that ethnic and linguistic minorities receive limited cultural accommodations. In establishing a distinction between local citizenry and Somali newcomers, public talk emphasized the importance of hard work, self-discipline, and a commitment to community demonstrated by tenure in the area.