Media Hub infographics artwork created for HOASR
This is a story of cultural clashes, humorous misunderstandings, and the journey of navigating life as a newcomer in America. Meet Ali, a proud Somalilander man who has recently arrived in the land of fast food, strange expressions, and—apparently—reptile-based goodbyes.
Ali is a hardworking, well-meaning man who takes pride in his roots, his dignity, and his straightforward way of expressing himself. But what happens when Ali’s direct nature collides with the playful, nonsensical banter of American culture? Enter Linda, his cheerful coworker at a movie theater, who innocently jokes with him at the end of every shift. What Linda sees as a friendly joke, Ali hears as an outrageous insult to his looks!
Then there’s Abdi, Ali’s seasoned roommate and cultural interpreter—an immigrant who’s been in America long enough to understand its quirks but hasn’t lost his love for poking fun at his friend. Through their banter, advice, and occasional exasperation, we’re reminded of how something as simple as saying goodbye can become hilariously complicated in a multicultural world.
So sit back, relax, and prepare to laugh as Ali grapples with this “alligator” nonsense, navigates his new life, and learns that sometimes, even the most absurd expressions are just another way to connect with people.
Scene One – Ali’s Flat
Ali’s tiny apartment in a bustling New York city. He storms in after a long shift at the movie theater, visibly upset. Ali, a newcomer to America from Somaliland, has been struggling with cultural differences, while his roommate, Abdi, who has lived in America for years, is casually eating chips on the couch.
“Wallahi, Abdi, I cannot take it anymore!,” says Ali upset, throwing his bag down.
“What happened now? Did someone steal your popcorn again?” Replied Abdi, without looking up.
“ Worse! This Linda, my coworker, she keeps insulting me every single night!”
Abdi, sits up, interested. “Insulting you? Linda? Isn’t she the one who trained you well for your new job? What did she say?”
“See you later, alligator!” Every single night!”, he replied.
“That’s what you’re upset about?”, Abdi bursts out laughing, nearly chocking on his chips.
“Don’t laugh! Do I look like an alligator to you? Is my skin rough? Is my face long?”
“Ali, you’ve got it all wrong! It’s not an insult! It’s an expression, a rhyme. Like, you know, a friendly goodbye.” said Abdi, trying to hold back laughter.
“A rhyme? How is calling someone an alligator friendly?”, replied Ali, narrowing his eyes.
“It’s American humor, bro. When someone says “See you later, alligator,” you reply, “After a while, crocodile.”
Ali felt scandalized: “What?! Now I have to call her a crocodile? This is madness! First, she says I look like an alligator, and now I’m supposed to say she looks like a crocodile? What kind of strange jungle is this?”
Laughing harder, Abdi said: “No, no, no! It’s not about actually being an alligator or crocodile. It’s just a playful way of saying goodbye. It means you’re on good terms with the person.”
Ali, folded his arms and blurted: “On good terms? Where I come from, we say, “May Allah protect you,” not, “See you later, lizard monster.”
“It’s not that deep, bro! Look, next time Linda says it, just beat her to it. Say, “See you later, alligator,” before she does.”, said Abdi wiping tears from laughter.
“So now I must initiate the insult?”, Ali said confused.
“It’s not an insult! Trust me, she’ll find it funny, Abdi said rolling his eyes.
“And if I don’t say it?”, said Ali still skeptical.
“Then she’ll just think you’re too serious. Americans love these little jokes. It’s like… friendship seasoning.”
Grumbling, Ali replied: “Friendship seasoning? In Somaliland, we season our food, not our friendships.”
“Welcome to America, bro. Just try it. You might even enjoy it.”, Abdi consoled him, patting his shoulders.
Scene Two – The Movie Theatre.
The next evening Linda and Ali are cleaning up after the last show. Linda grabs her bag and heads for the door.
“See you later, alligator!”, she said cheerfully.
Ali pausing dramatically, then blurting out: “After a while, crocodile!”
“Oh, you’re catching on, Ali! I love it!”, said Linda laughing.
“Friendship seasoning… ridiculous.”, Ali murmured to himself.
Scene Three – Back at the Apartment
Ali storms in again. Abdi is watching TV.
“Abdi! She laughed! She laughed so much when I said it!”, said Ali excitedly.
“Told you! How does it feel to be an alligator now?”
“I am not an alligator. I am a Somali crocodile.”, said Ali grinning.
“That’s the spirit!”, Abdi said bursting into laughter.
“But tell me why not “See you later, camel”? Or “After a while, goat”? Those are good animals, too.”
“Man, you’re overthinking it again. Just go with the flow.”
Finally, Ali sighed dramatically and said : “Fine. But if someone calls me a penguin next, wallahi, I’m quitting this country.”
“Welcome to America, bro. The land of rhymes and reptiles!”
Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin is a researcher, educator, journalist, and geopolitical analyst specializing in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, international law, diplomacy, and strategic affairs. To read Full Bio click on this link: ABOUT THE AUTHORProf. Nassir Hussein Kahin
