"I think there is nothing worse than knowing where you belong, but not being able to be there."

("Origins", Sasa Stanisic)

What can lead to the loss of one's roots?

Maria Fellner - 04.01.2020 @ 09:15

How can one lose their roots?

by David Hammer and Felix Wolter, translated by Sofia Olsson, VKS Växjö/Schweden

In a time, when constant reports of refugees fleeing their homeland is bombarding the news channels, the question of whether or not roots are crucial arises. In this text, we will discuss what effect the loss of origins will have on the future generations.

By culture or origin, you can for example mean common language, traditions and lifestyle. These things can undoubtedly differ immensely depending on where you come from. It can be small differences such as whether you wear shoes inside your house or your culinary preferences from the homeland.

Armed conflicts all over the world are causing a distortion of roots for many, many people. To be a refugee today can mean many things, but the most hurtful thing is perhaps to be disrooted. Knowing that more and more people have to give up their roots in today's world of conflicts making us worry.

The loss of roots can mean different things to different people. To come from a different place than everyone else in the new environment can be both a blessing and a curse. It can give you a sense of togetherness with people who have gone through similar things and lead to new social connections. At the same time, there can be a distance between you and the locals, since they would identify with a different culture.

There are many great books on the subject in all different languages. In Sweden, we have a well-known author - Jonas Hassen Khemiri - who has written interesting pieces of literature in which he discusses the loss of roots.  He believes just like we do that there is nothing worse than knowing where you belong but having no way of getting there…

Foto: Dominic Nahr

                 Sofia Olsson - 23.03.2020 @ 08:38

Hello,

I enjoyed reading your article; you think in a similar way as I do of this topic. Nowadays, the loss of roots is omnipresent, due to the refugee crisis. People have to leave their country without knowing where they are going to live afterwards. The only thing those people know is that they will be forced to assimilate their behaviour to the local culture. I can't imagine how hard it is to leave your home forever. There are many other ways to lose your roots, but they all have one thing in common: you have left your home. 

Julian Stöckl - 28.04.2020 @ 19:15

Hey,

I really enjoyed reading your article! It is a great pity that more and more people start to lose their roots, or have difficulties in adjusting to a culture. And even though I can imagine that it truly is difficult to integrate into a new culture, I do not think that it is impossible, because at heart we are all the same and in every country you will find someone who will be the same as you and will make you feel home. And, feeling home is often the first burden you have to overcome in order to become a part of a new culture. :) 

Anastasia Sobol - 16.09.2020 @ 16:23