Clash of Cultures

One of the overarching themes of The Burgess Boys is the clash of cultures between the traditional, conservative white residents of Shirley Falls and the Somali refugees who have settled there. This is not the first time the small town has faced these issues, as it is noted that previous generations had difficult accepting French immigrants.

The presence of the Somalis is a controversial topic in the town. Some people welcome the diversity, noting their colorful clothing and unique cuisine, while others are openly mistrustful. Much of the problem stems from misunderstanding and miscommunication. Many of the Somalis do not have good English skills yet, so they are simply unable to communicate effectively with their new neighbors. Their Muslim faith also causes problems, not only because of the difference in faith, but also because of cultural differences. For example, Muslims are not supposed to...