The Daily BS • Bo Snerdley Cuts Through It!
The Daily BS • Bo Snerdley Cuts Through It!

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Ilhan Omar says she ‘assimilated’—the internet immediately grabbed a dictionary

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A social media dust-up began after Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer delivered blunt remarks during a discussion about immigration and assimilation. Emmer argued that politicians have become overly cautious about discussing whether immigrants embrace American culture, saying critics are too quick to accuse opponents of racism or Islamophobia.

His comments quickly made the rounds online.

Rep. Ilhan Omar fired back on X with a post that was clearly intended as a rebuttal.

“I assimilated all the way to Congress and this idiot still tells me to go back where I came from.”

Instead of ending the debate, however, Omar’s choice of words became the story. Within minutes, social media shifted away from Emmer’s comments and zeroed in on Omar’s use of the word itself.

One user replied:

“That’s… not what assimilated means?”

Another wrote:

“Ilhan Omar does not understand the meaning of the word ‘assimilate.'”

Still another joked:

“You use the word ‘assimilated,’ but I am confident you do not know what it means.”

It was one of those rare internet moments where conservatives, grammar nerds and people who haven’t cracked open a dictionary since high school suddenly found themselves on the same team.

The criticism wasn’t simply that Omar had become a member of Congress. Many commenters argued that winning elected office isn’t the same thing as assimilation.

Traditionally, assimilation refers to immigrants gradually adopting the language, customs, civic culture and shared identity of their new country while maintaining aspects of their heritage. Getting elected to Congress may be a remarkable accomplishment, but critics argued it doesn’t answer the larger question of whether someone has embraced the culture and identity of the country they serve.

That, of course, reopened a debate that’s been simmering for years. What does assimilation actually mean in America?

For some, it’s fairly straightforward, learn the language, obey the law, contribute to your community and embrace the ideals that make the United States unique. Others argue America has never required complete cultural assimilation and that preserving one’s heritage is part of what makes the country strong.

And then there’s social media, where nobody bothers debating the philosophy because everyone’s too busy arguing over the definition of the word.

Critics of Omar also resurrected past comments and speeches they believe show she identifies more closely with Somalia than with the United States or is excessively critical of America and its allies. Her supporters countered that immigrants can celebrate their heritage while serving the nation that gave them refuge and opportunity.

It’s a familiar argument that has followed Omar throughout much of her political career.

What’s amusing is how quickly the original story disappeared. Tom Emmer probably expected the conversation to center on immigration. Omar probably expected the focus to remain on his remarks. Instead, the internet collectively yelled, “Hold on… that’s not how that word works.”

Politics is funny that way.

One tweet. One word. Tens of thousands of opinions.

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