My Tactics for Survival (as an Immigrant in Germany)
First of all, reference to the inspiration of the title: @joshuaidehen@mastodon.social
And secondly, here are the tactics that I use to maintain my dignity and emotional well-being.
1. Community-Building
- Seek out leftist and queer groups to make friends and build support networks.
2. Conversational Strategies (“Discursive Weapons”)
Understanding right-wing, racist, and conservative values/arguments (which are often similar, repetitive, and universal) helps me respond effectively.
a) Identify Hidden Meanings
- Most of the time they won’t address things directly but imply them.
- Pay attention to what they’re curious about, where you’re from, their choice of wording, lack of eye contact, or the use of “but.”
b) Predict What’s Coming Next
- Anticipate the trajectory of their arguments to be ready with a response.
c) Subvert Stereotypes
- Use their stereotypes to surprise them.
- Example: “Oh, a Turkish guy who is an atheist!”
d) Ask Challenging Questions
- Challenge their assumptions in the guise of curiosity.
- Example: When they complain that “Ausländers can’t speak proper German,” ask, “Do you know any Turkish words, although in your city there are so many?”
e) Show Similarities with Your Own Country
- Most often they presume your country is inferior; point out parallels.
- Example: When they say, “In Germany we speak German,” reply, “Oh, I know this argument — Turkish nationalists say the same even though there are so many languages in Turkey.”