Universidad del Rosario

Gabriela Espitia Rengifo

Migraciones Internacionales

As a child raised in a diverse metropolis, I took great pride in my open-mindedness and

embracing of different cultures. Despite this, there was a certain incident that made me
acutely aware of how strict societal norms can be, even in a globalized world. This moment
occurred while participating in a cultural exchange abroad. Eager to fully immerse myself
in the unfamiliar surroundings, I soon discovered that no matter how hard I tried to conform
and adapt, I was constantly reminded of my "outsider" status.

As the sun set on a festive community gathering, I found myself immersed in lively
conversation with a group of locals. While we swapped tales and shared genuine laughter, a
small voice inside me couldn't help feeling a slight sense of disconnect. Despite my earnest
curiosity and desire to connect, there seemed to be an invisible barrier standing between us.
Reflecting on this experience through the lens of Scheel and Tazzioli's critique on the
concept of "migrant," I began to understand the deeper implications of feeling "out of
place" within the context of the national order of things. The term "migrant" traditionally
conjures images of individuals crossing physical borders, but Scheel and Tazzioli challenge
this narrow definition by highlighting the fluidity and complexity of migratory experiences.
Scheel and Tazzioli challenge the traditional concept of "migrant," arguing that it overlooks
the complexities of movement and displacement that exist both within and beyond national
borders. By rigidly labeling individuals as either "natives" or "migrants," society upholds a
binary division that reinforces unequal hierarchies of inclusion and exclusion.
Although I did not fit the traditional definition of a migrant, my experiences directed me to
navigate a different type of border - one shaped by cultural norms and societal obligations.
Despite my sincere attempts to adapt, I continued to exist as an outsider, lingering on the
outskirts of social acceptance.
This experience taught me valuable lessons about empathy and humility. It made me realize
the importance of acknowledging my own privilege as someone who can move relatively
freely within the world, while also recognizing the barriers that others face due to factors
beyond their control.

Through this experience, I gained invaluable insight into the power of empathy and
humility. It opened my eyes to the significance of acknowledging my own privilege and
mobility in the world, while also understanding the obstacles that others encounter due to
circumstances beyond their control. Additionally, it brought to light the subtle yet pervasive
influence of social codes dictated by national hierarchies in shaping our interactions and
sense of belonging.
Universidad del Rosario
Gabriela Espitia Rengifo
Migraciones Internacionales

By challenging these deeply ingrained norms and promoting a more inclusive conception of
identity and belonging, we can pave the way for a society where everyone is valued and
respected regardless of their background or origin.
As I reflected on my sense of not fitting in, prompted by the societal norms ingrained in the
national structure, I was struck by how migration and belonging are both intricate and
multifaceted.
By heeding Scheel and Tazzioli's insightful analysis, we can transcend the oversimplified
categories of "us" and "them" and strive towards constructing a more empathetic and all-
embracing community.

There are several valuable lessons to be gleaned from this situation:

1. The Significance of Structural Inequality:The feeling of displacement illuminates the
existence of deep-rooted inequalities in society, often perpetuated by societal norms
and expectations based on national identity and social status
2. The Relevance of Intersectionality: It is crucial to recognize and understand how
various aspects of identity, such as race, ethnicity, class, and nationality, intersect and
shape the experiences of those who feel marginalized or alienated in a new social
environment.
3. The Need for Critical Examination of Migration Discourses:Scheel and Tazzioli's
criticism urges us to critically analyze dominant discourses surrounding migration,
questioning narrow categorizations and simplistic narratives.
4. Ensuring Inclusivity and Social Justice: To truly tackle exclusion and marginalization,
it is crucial for us to come together and break down the systemic barriers that hinder
inclusivity, social justice, and respect for human rights. Regardless of borders, we must
recognize the inherent worth and rights of every individual an urgent need highlighted
by the feeling of displacement caused by societal norms based on nationality. It is time
for a more equitable and inclusive approach to migration.