THE WAYS WE MOVE

Migration is as old as humanity itself. Recent scientific developments tell us that we have been on the move for about 60,000 years, exploring every corner of the world as a species. However, today's narrative around migration often focuses on its drawbacks. We are in a global migration crisis, according to some. Developed nations grapple with the complex interplay of globalization, economic stability, and refugee acceptance. A crisis in which too many people, particularly from the southern and impoverished parts of the world, are moving to the northern, prosperous part, to put it bluntly. Economic arguments claim an unsustainable burden on living standards.

It is true that the scale of migration we will likely witness in the coming centuries is expected to surpass anything we have experienced so far. Climate change, disease, state failure, wars— all of these factors will compel hundreds of millions, perhaps billions, to cross the borders of their birth countries, unable to return. People forced, often by necessity, to sever their roots in a particular place. Refugees. Unfortunately, they don't have a good reputation in our culture, and if you've been following the news in recent years, you know about all the unfortunate consequences.

The perceived global migration crisis represents a tug-of-war between border protection and human rights, between national interest and global empathy. As people move, legal and geographical barriers tighten, often overlooking the human element in migration. The resistance to human movement, poses a moral dilemma: how do we balance national interests with our innate human interconnectedness?

A COUNTRY BUILT UPON MIGRATION

The Netherlands is recognized as one of the most prosperous and economically influential countries globally. This status is not just due to its wealth but also its history of embracing migration. The Netherlands has a long tradition of welcoming immigrants, contributing significantly to its economic success. This openness to people, ideas, skills, and goods, and the interplay with other cultures, has propelled the country to its current status. If there's one place where people have been in constant movement, it's the Netherlands. This makes our country a key player in how we perceive migration.

Amsterdam serves as a prime example of this phenomenon. The city's growth and prosperity are deeply rooted in its history of cultural exchange, ongoing for centuries. The Southern Dutch refugees, who began arriving in the seventeenth century, have had a profound impact on the Northern Netherlands' religion, culture, economy, infrastructure, and language. The welcoming attitude towards these refugees was crucial for the development of Amsterdam into the vibrant metropolis it is today. This blend of cultures is reflected in the country's infrastructure, such as the red-tiled streets, beautiful houses, and highways, financed by the nation's economic triumphs. However, the influence extends beyond the physical to a rich cultural legacy, encompassing literature, music, architecture, poetry, paintings, traditions, crafts, customs, and social connections. This cultural wealth is a testament to the creative and imaginative interactions between different cultures throughout the nation's history.

THE BORDER-DRIVEN MINDSET

Today's challenge lies in the changing perspectives on migration. While historically the movement of people has been seen as enriching, current debates, not just in the Netherlands but also in other prosperous regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, often highlight the negative aspects of migration. Despite the advantages brought by globalization and capitalism, these countries are increasingly hesitant to accept refugees. As noted by Indian-American author Suketu Mehta, there's an unprecedented level of human migration today, paralleled by a significant rise in resistance to this movement. This shift in attitude towards migration, perceived as a complex economic issue, raises questions about the concept of livability and the impact of our privileges on others.

In school, we're often taught a limited view of migration, focusing on a static notion of culture, akin to deeply rooted trees. This perspective may not fully acknowledge the dynamic nature of cultural exchange. I believe that the right to migrate should be as fundamental as freedom of speech. Without this recognition, we risk creating a divided world where passports define our worth and rules enforce conformity. If we do not recognize and allow the right to migrate, are we not, in fact, building a planet of apartheid where our passports are our currency, and obedience can only be enforced with more and more rules?

The border-mindset seems to stem from a reluctance to acknowledge the fluidity of culture. Despite our country's progressive stance on many issues, there's a lack of genuine recognition for the contributions of other cultures. Reflect on the history lessons from school: our interactions with other countries were often presented in a narrow context. We learned about the Dutch explorers, the Dutch East India Company, the colonial era, and European migrations in the 20th century. However, the roles of Moroccan, Indonesian, and other cultural influences were marginalized, portrayed more as background actors in our national narrative. This narrative focused on the concept of being a 'guest' in another country, overlooking the enriching outcomes of cultural exchange.

Ironically, our seafaring nation, with its recent history of defined borders and a distinct identity, has only existed for about 200 years. In essence, there is no singular 'Dutch culture'; it is, and always has been, multicultural, much like every other country. Yet, many Dutch people, myself included, are still grappling with understanding what multiculturalism truly means and how it is intricately woven into our cultural fabric.Fortunately, at this moment, we have a valuable privilege that we can use: looking at ourselves, culture, and history from different perspectives. Broadening our mental horizons. I believe it starts with accepting who we are as humans: a moving species. From this acceptance, there emerges room for a different idea of culture that is less bound by borders.

EXPLORING PERSPECTIVES ON MIGRATION

Today, we have the chance to reassess our identity, culture, and history from diverse viewpoints, broadening our mental horizons. This starts with embracing our innate human characteristic: our nomadic essence. This understanding paves the way for a view of culture that isn't confined by physical borders. For some, including postmodern philosophers, culture is seen as a fluid exchange of energy, expressed through symbols and rituals by a community. This idea, though abstract, highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of cultural interactions, which cannot be replicated or manufactured. This dynamic is a key aspect of what makes a country 'livable' and is highly valued globally.

To better grasp this concept, let's shift our metaphor from trees to a harbor. Imagine our country as a vast cultural harbor, open to all kinds of vessels. Ships of every size and hue anchor here, each with its unique journey and story. The sailors, recognizing their shared experiences, are drawn to each other's diverse backgrounds. In this harbor, there's no singular identity; the connection lies in the diversity. If you're a harbor, you know that people come and go. You don't just know it; you are it. The constant movement of ships is its essence. A harbor is defined by the ships that dock, each contributing to its ever-changing identity. On some days, the harbor buzzes with a festive atmosphere as ships gather, celebrating in their unique ways. On others, it's tranquil, allowing each vessel its space. The harbor itself has no fixed identity; it adopts the collective identity of the ships present at any given time.

This harbor is a metaphor for the Netherlands, envisioned as a cultural hub akin to other diverse metropolises like New York, Singapore, or Qatar. These cities are celebrated for their cultural exchange, forming part of their modern urban identity. However, the real-life response to migration flows remains to be seen. While such ideals paint a rosy picture, they shouldn't overshadow the darker aspects of history, including centuries of overseas trade, colonization, exploitation, and cultural suppression for national gain. It's crucial to acknowledge and not ignore these parts of our past.