A group of Minnesota women, who were labeled “Leftist White women,” faced online criticism after a video showed them learning to sing Somali songs.
The video showed the women sitting on chairs outdoors and singing along to a Somali song that included the phrase “Maanta Maanta.” Text displayed over the clip read, “Teaching more neighbors Maanta Maanta Maanta Somali songs loving all my neighbors.”
The song “Maanta Maanta” is associated with Somali independence, national pride, and unity. Its lyrics celebrate freedom and the importance of people coming together, making it meaningful in Somali culture. The song is also popular during independence celebrations and among Somalis living abroad, allowing them to maintain a connection to their cultural heritage.
The video continued with the women singing along to the lyrics before showing one woman holding a microphone and leading the group. After they finished, the women clapped as the woman with the microphone told them, “You’re gonna be speaking Somali soon!” Although the group appeared to be embracing their neighbors’ culture and learning more about their community, the video drew criticism online.
Some viewers criticized the women because they opposed the presence of Somali immigrants in Minnesota and the United States more broadly. Rather than viewing the group’s efforts to learn a Somali song as an attempt to connect with their neighbors, critics appeared to interpret the gesture negatively because of their attitudes toward the Somali community.
The reactions reflected the hostility some people direct toward immigrants and cultural exchange, even when interactions center on music and community. X user @libsoftiktok also criticized the group, writing, “These dummies are celebrating their own takeover.”
Viewers Slam Minnesota Women Over Learning Somali Songs
Many viewers criticized the Minnesota women for learning to sing Somali songs, arguing that they should reject rather than embrace Somali culture. “Send them to Somalia with Ilhan Omar…,” one person wrote. Another commenter expressed disdain for the group’s actions, saying, “[expletive] pathetic. Don’t they have anything better to do with their time than singing songs which originated from [expletive] cultures? Please, ladies, take up knitting or just move to Somalia.”
Other viewers continued criticizing the women, with some suggesting they should travel to Somalia instead. “Probably better off w/some immersive learning – let’s get them to Somalia!” one person wrote. Another commenter criticized what they saw as a shift in expectations around assimilation, saying, “Assimilation used to mean newcomers learned our language. Now Democrats line up to learn theirs. That’s not compassion. That’s surrender.”
The backlash against the group showed how even simple efforts to connect with people from different cultural backgrounds can become politically charged. For some viewers, learning a Somali song was a way to build relationships with their neighbors, while the criticism reflected broader opposition to immigration and cultural exchange in the United States.
