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# My Tactics for Survival (as an Immigrant in Germany)
- URL: https://educatedkanak.pikapod.net/my-tactics-for-survival-as-an-immigrant-in-germany/
- Published: 2026-09-24T18:23:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-24T18:23:16.000Z
- Description: Practical, discursive tactics for maintaining emotional well-being, preserving dignity, and resisting everyday prejudice as an immigrant in Germany.
- Author: Educated Kanak 
- Tags: tacticsforsurvival, immigration, immigrationnarratives, writing, blogging, resilience, #Import 2026-10-14 06:15

In case the reader and I feel powerless, 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!

First of all, reference to the inspiration of the title: [@joshuaidehen@mastodon.social](https://mastodon.social/@joshuaidehen?ref=educatedkanak.liberta.vip)

And secondly, here are the tactics that I use to maintain my dignity and emotional well-being. I also thought that it makes sense to make such a post as early as possible.

### 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" see: [the infamous "but" or the but reflex](https://educatedkanak.pikapod.net/coming-soon/)

#### 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 — but keep using **"we"** (inclusive language) so they can't just think "you're different/exceptional" and dismiss everyone else — I go into that 'one of the good ones' trap in ["What Well-Educated Means and Why I Wear This Label"](https://educatedkanak.pikapod.net/what-well-educated-means-and-why-i-wear-this-label/).
- Example: "Oh, a Turkish guy with long hairs who is an atheist" for more typical stereotypes see: [Esra Gülmen's work](https://www.esragulmen.com/work/brilliant-questions)

#### 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."

#### f) Recognize When Prejudice Is Expressed More Openly by the Less-Privileged

- Prejudiced views are widespread, but privileged groups often express them more subtly or hide them, while less-privileged groups may voice them more openly (e.g., lower-class white Germans vs. upper-class, East Germans vs. West Germans, Turkish immigrants toward Syrians, cis people toward trans people). The narrative is usually the same, just aimed at a different group. Once you see which group they belong to, show them that the same narrative was once directed at them.
- Example: if an East German complains that "Ausländers are lazy," ask, "Didn't West Germans used to say that about East Germans?" [(see the full story: Two AFD supporters)](https://educatedkanak.pikapod.net/coming-soon/)

This is an unfinished list and will be updated over time. Feel free to reach out if you know other resources that might help!

#tacticsforsurvival #immigration #immigrationnarratives #resilience