"Ask a German": Taking the Invitation Seriously (And Why the "Too" Matters)

What happens when a majority group responds to systemic struggle with the word "too"? This post explores the idea of "derailing"—how universalizing experiences can inadvertently silence the specific realities of immigrants in Germany.

Compte Rendu of Hamid’s Story Series: Disappearing Responsibility

I wrote this series first of all to vent about it, but also to preserve a trace of what was said and how it was answered—to keep both the story and its afterlife visible.

Dead Ends: What Happens After a Complaint Leaves the Language School

I would ask them to keep in mind that many of us came here because of state violence or political pressure, and that we are often more skeptical (because of prior experiences with the state) and afraid (due to our fragile status as immigrants) in this country.

Everyone Appreciates Your Feedback: How the School Handled My Complaint

I said that it is not fair to ask an immigrant to write such complaints to BAMF. They asked why. I answered: because of the dependency relations we have with these institutions.

Hamid's Glow-Up and Sloppy Terms: What the Publisher Said

"after feedback from our editorial team, we can understand your concerns, but we do not share the same view that a text about personal plans in a textbook at B1/B2 level should also include the topic of the difficulties faced by migrants in Germany. "

Hamid’s Story and the Politics of Gratitude in German Language Course Book

From the perspective of an immigrant from a Muslim-majority country, this story sends a troubling message: the message is that simply escaping war should be enough reason to be grateful.

Discrimination Happens Everywhere: What Support Do States and Societies Really Offer?

Do I have the energy to go through that process? Will it really change anything?

The Infamous "But" or The But Reflex

A short reflection on how a tiny word reveals much larger patterns — about privilege, ideology, and the but.

My Tactics for Survival (as an Immigrant in Germany)

in case the reader and I feel careless, helpless or (politically) cynical, so that we have something to read as a reminder that despite all the misery in the world, we still have ways to resist!