Who knows this sentence? Admittedly, at the beginning in Germany I didn’t understand anything why anyone should have anything against foreigners at all, why he/she had to say this sentence explicitly and why to me of all people.

Admittedly, I only believed in modern, value-oriented Germany. After all, they offered me a place to study here.

And if I work hard and I’m a fair person, then all doors are open to me.

I remembered the name Jan Ullrich because he won the Tour de France the year I arrived. I was thrilled. I only learned to ride a bike in Germany in 1997. I was fascinated by the bike paths.

I was also fascinated by the open attitude of many Germans.

Between learning and fascination, between trips to the authorities and making friends, I often heard: “I have nothing against foreigners, but…”

Only then I didn’t know how to react to it. I realized that this phrase has an aftertaste, and often people are not aware of it.

As long as I had no attitude myself, I remained silent. However, it did something to me.

When an old acquaintance told me, as I briefly describe in my book, “Don’t take your children to kindergarten, there are too many foreigners”, I began to wonder what makes him tick when push comes to shove.

I found it amusing because he told me that, and scary at the same time.

Between “I have nothing against foreigners” and “Don’t take your children to kindergarten”, a lot happened that moved me to ask: What are people really afraid of when they talk about diversity?

What motivates people to make xenophobic statements?

What makes me remain silent?

The current situation leaves me stunned. Nevertheless, I am convinced that taking a stand does not only begin when people publicly announce themselves as pro-xenophobic or xenophobic.

Everyone is allowed to ask themselves what fear they feel today. Exploring this fear and getting factual information gives you a voice.

Let’s be louder than the xenophobic voices. We are so diverse and there are so many different approaches. Find your way. Here are some ways you can take a stand around you:

Ask yourself: What do I stand for?

Start a dialogue, ask your counterpart (with or without a migration background): What does this current development do to you?

And in your company as a manager: Your team is grateful for your clear stance.

Personally, the conversation with my husband has strengthened me, because I take many things for granted over time.

I think a conversation about the current development in the family/in your environment is fundamental.

Now I ask you today:

What do you stand for?