In the German language there exists the idea of Heimat. It most directly translates to “home” or “homeland,” but holds a deeper emotion than those English words convey. More than just the place you come from, it describes the place where you feel a sense of ease and belonging, a place you miss when you’re not there.
Like many Americans, I struggled to call the United States my Heimat for years. In 2024, one-third of Americans said they would settle in another country if free to do so; I sometimes think about it, too. With every election cycle, I wonder if a disappointing result will finally push me to Germany, Canada or elsewhere. Even during electoral interludes, human rights are vulnerable and political angst increases. The more cynical part of me wants to give up and move on to a new place.
It’s easy to envision a simple solution that involves moving from country to country, or even state to state. If home is too red, why not move somewhere blue or to another country where the two colors don’t even matter?
Unfortunately, this resolution is not accessible to everyone. Consider the cost and stress of moving abroad, and it’s clear that not everyone can leave, even if they want to. Indeed, there will continue to be people stuck in a nation or state opposed to them or their beliefs. But for those with the opportunity to move, staying might do more to improve your life and that of your community.
Whichever place you consider more desirable than your current home, it was not that way since its inception, nor did it become that way overnight. Finland is not 2024’s happiest country by some miracle, but due in part to factors that have been in place for decades, such as its gender equality and social safety net. These factors were implemented by citizens who stayed to make nationwide improvements. Rather than move to places we consider superior, we should take inspiration from them and advocate to implement these same systems.
Also, no country or place is immune to positive or negative change. Despite how you may feel about the direction of your home, positive change is possible with effort, just like the nations we idealize, such as Finland, who has also experienced ups and downs.
The idea that the U.S. is, and always will be, on the decline is a simple, pessimistic notion. It’s easy to accept defeat and make an exit. This political doomerism, however, does little to change the situation.
That’s not to say someone’s obligated to stay and fix their home, especially when their home does little to protect them. Moving to a new city, state or nation may promise an individual better mental health, fundamental rights or safety — all of which are valid desires. But the more people in opposition to a government leave, the more power the government has. And what’s more, there will always be women, Queer people, disabled people, people of Color and other minorities who are born and raised in red states who are unable to leave.
If you can stay and champion the rights of yourself and others, think about being part of that force for good.
In the face of pessimism, it’s far more empowering to be pragmatic about the present and optimistic about the future. Instead of simply checking out, physically or mentally, we can focus on what present issues require change and envision solutions. Taking no action or removing yourself from the equation does little to address broader issues. Then again, doing something, no matter how small that action is, lends more support to a community that needs people like you.
As college students, we’re likely not going anywhere anytime soon. We still have degrees to complete before we move on to graduate school or begin our careers. For most of us, a future in Canada, some Italian village or a remote tropical island is more of a fantasy than a real possibility. Still, we’re now adults heading into another four years under President Donald Trump. You or your friends may understandably feel unsafe or unsupported with no means out. Now more than ever do we need less doomerism and more community, belonging and Heimat.
Audra Woehle is an Opinion Columnist currently studying abroad in Freiburg, Germany. In her column, “Audra Abroad,” she writes about culture, identity and travel. She can be reached at awoehle@umich.edu.
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