Mohamed Ali: The linkage between Unemployment and Terrorism

When faced with difficult circumstances, ones natural instinct and response is to run; run away and never look back. Mohamed Ali, in his speech on Ted.com, entitled The Link Between Unemployment and Terrorism, he explains that terrorism may be eliminated if we provide opportunity for the youth to be something different. In this situation, with unemployment rates and the surrounding circumstance of violence and fear, the only thing for many young children and youth in many Mogadishu, Somalia the only thing to do is to stay, and become stagnant, or become involved in terroristic activities. Mohamed Ali, spoke about the foundation of many youth in Mogadishu, and the daily life of a young person living in fear.

While many believe that foreign countries are dangerous, Ali believes that there are beautiful things that come out of small unhopeful cities, and that there is hope for the youth of Mogadishu to become rich and prosperous, as long as we and everyone recognize that there needs to be contributions to help. The unemployment rate in Mogadishu is what is driving the cases of violence, or the string of suicide bombers. The youth are being sucked into believing that the only way that they can make sure that their family has money, is to join in on terror attacks, and sacrifice themselves for a payoff for their families. This, as Ali explains, is not what his city should be like, or any city at that.

One of the major things that we all can start doing in our own cities, as well as for Ali in Mogadishu, is to make sure that we are encouraging and educating the youth on what opportunities are available to them. There has to be a push in mentorship opportunities, and resources for the youth to understand how they can not only work for a person to make an income, but that they can become their own boss and be an entrepreneur. Many young people in his native city are unaware of the possibilities that they have, if they find out what they are successful at, and maximize that potential. Ali speaks about encouraging those around us to become better, and not to just be what we see. It sounds familiar because that is how many urban cities operate around the United States.

When unfortunate circumstances surround us, the new question to consider is are we going to run, or are we going to make the best out of the situation that we are presented with. Be something different, and be great.

My driving force behind my career, is to help make people better. I have a passion for working with the youth in my community, and after hearing this inspirational story, there is a chance to save if not one, but many by offering guidance and mentorship. Although this post has nothing to do with the music industry, it has to do with change, and change can only start if you realize that it is necessary. 




"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi