Culture shocks after Moving to Senegal as an American #foryou #expatlife

Comments · 62

• AF

  @AfroMillennialMomma · 6 months ago

  I feel so seen!! Married to a Senegalese 15 years, living in Senegal for 5 years. You are so on point, hit every single nail on the head. Don't worry about the negativity, people just in their feelings about the messenger, but they know you speaking general truths.

  18

• ST

  @Stargazing482 · 6 months ago

  I think a lot of the male centredness stems from survival. In societies where women rely on men, it’s literally your survival to get your self married

  11

• MO

  @mouslinembaye8664 · 4 months ago

  As a senegalese muslim sister here, I confirm everything that you're saying in this video. You're so on point and I'm telling you that I myself born and raised in Dakar I struggle sometimes with some of the things you mentionned. Nonetheless, I think you're adopting the right attitude towards it since you're a smart woman Maa shaa Allah. May Allah bless you and your familly and home. Keep it up!

  7

• HE

  @heiresslaite2950 · 6 months ago (edited)

  Sister Aaliyah, truly an African princess <br>You hit the nail right on head.. as an African sister, almost everything you&apos;ve mentioned applies to almost all of Africa. Some more specific to Sénégal, and I&apos;ve heard about..<br>What happening to you happens to even some of us born and bred here. Somethings have been normalized and you find that people have accepted it.. even though it&apos;s nonsense or against our religion... They will make you feel crazy if you are different, honest and value oriented.<br>Just stay true to yourself and make Allah your guide. <br>It&apos;s a whole thing..be strong

  14

• MO

  @moneykennedyks · 6 months ago

  Yes sis, I love this! The diaspora wars are so weird sometimes. Continue speaking your truth! You have every right to feel the way you feel. I’m excited to see more of your videos!

  6

• AL

  @aliyyaryan30 · 6 months ago

  Gurl!! Being married to a Senegalese for 10 years you clocked every single thing!! You caught on to the system pretty quick.

  7

• BG

  @bgsonsthriving. · 3 months ago

  Everything u said is straight forward 🎯🎯🎯

  3

• SE

  @seedyfofana7243 · 2 months ago

  Yes I do I enjoy your videos so much

• NI

  @nicolewillis7251 · 3 months ago

  Asalamualaikum Ukhti. Thank you so much for sharing. Jazak&apos;Allah Khairan

  1

• JO

  @jomcisee4854 · 4 weeks ago

  Aalia, I am Senegalese man,and I&apos;ve been to Tennessee. I love you

• SE

  @seedyfofana7243 · 2 months ago

  Keep it up you are doing very good Alhamduliallah God&apos;s with you always we praying for you

• MU

  @muslima9599 · 6 months ago (edited)

  I’m Senegalese and I also live in the U.S., and honestly many of the things you mentioned, like jokes and jealousy, I have experienced them here too. Sometimes even worse, including racism, and even from some Black Americans who unfortunately dislike Africans. But at the same time, I have also met some of the kindest Black Americans and many other Americans who are genuinely welcoming and not racist at all.<br><br>That is why I believe that wherever you go in the world, you will find both good and bad people. Human behavior is not limited to one country. Many of the things you described can happen in other African countries and in the U.S. as well. The only thing that is very specific and disturbing in Senegal is the shirk practices we sometimes see from certain fanatical individuals using religion as a cover.<br><br>Still, Senegal is a beautiful country with many kind, authentic, and straightforward people who genuinely like foreigners. Sometimes people make jokes, but the intention is not always bad. Of course, some people exaggerate or behave badly, but that does not represent everyone. Teranga is still very real in Senegal.<br><br>As a Senegalese person myself, I do not like jokes with bad intentions. I am very honest, transparent, punctual, and not jealous of others, but that just shows that Senegalese people are not all the same. Every human being is different.<br><br>The workplace in Senegal can actually be tough even for Senegalese people. Many times the behavior people interpret as hostility toward foreigners is simply jealousy or personal attitudes that they show to everyone. I understand why foreigners might think it is because they are outsiders, but often it is just human behavior. Just to say that your cultural shocks are acknowledged <br><br>As an example, when I was asked in the US what my cultural shocks were I was so focused on the good things because my immediate environment was good persons and I didn’t care about the racism or the hate without reasons I saw. Just to say that: ignore those jealous Senegalese so you can have a better experience while living there (they will drain you if not). This is not an advice just sharing my view( I don’t want it to get misinterpreted for what it is not)<br><br>I respect your opinion, I recognize that everything you said can be experienced in Senegal. It’s specific to being abroad! &nbsp;But I recognize that some Senegalese are not kind. <br><br>I personally think you may have encountered some undisciplined or difficult individuals, the bad seeds. For those who did not acknowledge your homesickness, I am truly sorry. Even as Senegalese, we sometimes feel neglected in our own country. Senegal itself has gone through. Maybe those people will one day rectify themselves.

  6