The complexity of belonging

Belonging, in my opinion, is simply existing in your uniqueness with neither the pressure to conform nor the discrimination associated with your differences. However, I have realized that this very sense of belonging sometimes sparks a varying level of entitlement.

Being from a different community, country, and continent from the one I now live in, and being significantly different from the people I live among, has brought to my attention that some people who certainly belong here, on grounds that they are of this nationality, exhibit entitlement. Unfortunately, this is often accompanied by discrimination which in turn serves as a reminder that I probably do not belong here.

It is said, "Just because you fit doesn't mean you belong. Just because you belong, doesn't mean you fit." In my case, I certainly do not fit but the question of my belonging is rather a matter of perspective. Hence my conclusion is that belonging is rather relative, varying from one person to another, and is subject to structural factors, which range from hostility from existing administrative institutions to everyday discriminative instances.

~ J. N. NDETI