What “Kanak” Means and Why I Claim This Identity

The term 'Kanak' originated from the Hawaiian word 'kanaka' meaning 'person' or 'human being', but in Germany acquired a derogatory meaning towards immigrant workers (Wiki). Kanak is a term that originally served as a derogatory label in Germany, aimed at immigrant workers—particularly those of Turkish origin—who arrived during the guest worker era. Over time, many communities have reclaimed the term as a symbol of cultural pride and resistance against social exclusion and racism (Zaimoğlu 2007, Özbek 2017).

My immigration to Berlin is tied to political reasons rather than economic ones, unlike the guest workers’ case. Additionally, I was (somehow*) among the privileged in the country I come from (as a cis-man, upper middle-class, urban, ethnically part of the majority), whereas the “Kanaks” (referring to those who migrated to or were born in Germany) were also often looked down upon by people living in Turkey. I believe this creates a significant difference in terms of identity formation. Therefore, I think Turkish immigrants or those with a migration background have every right to tell me that I am not one of them and that I should write under a different label —if it's the case reach me on @douuuu@mastodon.social.

Until that moment, however, I plan to keep it as it is—because despite these differences, many people in Germany still see me as a Kanak based on my appearance, and I feel empowered to use this label.

#MigrationNarratives #Kanak #Immigration #Germany

* “Somehow”, because being leftist and/or atheist often means giving up certain privileges, at least in the country I come from.