New conceptions of belonging: Rethinking migration in Germany
Mark Terkessidis, a German journalist and migration researcher, will present his concepts of “multiplicity” and “collaboration” at the Goethe-Institut in Washington. The event will be moderated by Katea Stitt, a social justice activist and Program Director at WPFW / Pacifica Radio.
We warmly invite you to join Mark Terkessidis and Katea Stitt for an engaging conversation. Following Mark Terkessidis’s presentation and a collaborative discussion, we will be offering light refreshments.
Mark Terkessidis illuminates the concept of “multiplicity,” explaining his intentional choice of this term over “diversity.” At its core, this idea addresses the pluralization of Western societies since the 1960s, driven by migration, travel, and media, which have collectively fostered new ways of life. Terkessidis views this multiplicity as an enrichment rather than a threat to democracy. He highlights that the ongoing dialogue between state institutions and diverse social groups in Germany propels democratic processes. For instance, he underscores the significance of engaging religious and civil society organizations in these exchanges.
Political life in the USA has long been marked by pluralistic developments. However, the current challenge lies in how polarized social groups can engage in dialogue through a constructive philosophy of cooperation. This issue is especially pertinent given the rise of extreme political movements on both sides of the Atlantic.
Be sure to check out the article,
‘Migration Policy in Germany: A Perceived Crisis,’ by Mark Terkessidis in ‘Gegenüber,’ the Goethe-Institut’s North American magazine.
This talk will also be
streamed live on our YouTube Channel.
This event is proudly supported by the
Friends of Goethe (FoGI).
Part of the Festival “Longing / Belonging”
Stories of migration characterize our modern societies, in which people from different cultural backgrounds search for belonging. Cultural diversity is celebrated on the one hand, but at the same time new social boundaries are emerging. The Goethe-Institut's “Longing/Belonging” festival presents artistic contributions and social discourses from Germany and North America.
Festival Website ➜
Mark Terkessidis is a freelance author with a focus on (popular) culture, migration, racism and social change. He studied psychology and holds a doctorate in education. He was editor of the music magazine
Spex, radio presenter for WDR Funkhaus Europa, fellow at the Willem de Kooning Academy Rotterdam and lecturer at the University of St Gallen. He has published numerous articles in newspapers, including
taz, Die Zeit, and
Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Latest book publications:
Nach der Flucht. Neue Vorschlage für die Einwanderungsgesellschaft (Stuttgart: Reclam, 2017);
Wessen Erinnerung zählt. Koloniale Vergangenheit und Rassismus heute (2019, Hoffmann & Campe); ed. with Natalie Bayer:
Die Postkoloniale Stadt lesen. Historische Erkundungen in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg (2022, Verbrecher Verlag).
Katea Stitt attended Georgetown University, and began her career as a
performing arts producer in 1987. In 1994, she launched her
company, Anyanwu Management, to offer event, tour, and artist
management services to individuals, ensembles, and organizations.
Since 1991, she has hosted Beyond Borders, a weekly Jazz/World Music program, on DC Pacifica station WPFW. She is currently Program Director for Pacifica radio station WPFW in Washington, DC, and Tour Manager for singing ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock.
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