Tabakovic: "Ich Hasse Das Wort 'ankommen'"

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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Tabakovic: "I Hate the Word 'Arrive'" - A Reflection on Integration and Belonging

The phrase "I hate the word 'arrive'" may seem jarring at first. But when uttered by professional footballer Edin Tabakovic, it carries a profound meaning, reflecting on the complexities of integration and belonging in a new culture. The statement, made during an interview with German magazine "11 Freunde," resonates deeply with anyone who has navigated the challenges of adapting to a new environment.

Challenging the Notion of Arrival

Tabakovic, born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, moved to Germany at a young age. Despite his success on the football field, he struggles with the concept of "arriving" in Germany. He argues that "arriving" implies a finality, a completion of a process of integration. This finality, however, doesn't resonate with his lived experience. He feels that integration is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

The Constant Evolution of Belonging

For Tabakovic, "arriving" implies a static state of being. He challenges this notion, emphasizing the fluid and evolving nature of belonging. Integration, he contends, is not about reaching a fixed point but about navigating a continuous process of learning, adapting, and connecting with the new culture.

Beyond Stereotypes and Expectations

His perspective highlights the pressure individuals from minority backgrounds often face to conform to certain expectations. "Arriving" can be seen as a demand to fulfill a specific image of what it means to be integrated. Tabakovic, however, refuses to be boxed in by such expectations. He embraces the complexities of his identity, rejecting the need to prove his belonging to others.

A Call for Deeper Understanding

Tabakovic's words are a call for a more nuanced understanding of integration. He urges us to move beyond simplistic narratives of arrival and embrace the constant evolution of belonging. His perspective challenges us to acknowledge the challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds and to appreciate the richness that comes from embracing cultural differences.

Embracing the Journey

By rejecting the concept of "arriving," Tabakovic invites us to embrace the journey of integration. He encourages us to celebrate the constant learning and growth that comes with encountering new cultures and perspectives. His statement is a powerful reminder that belonging is not a destination, but a continuous journey, one that is filled with challenges, opportunities, and the constant potential for growth.