The word "home" has long been associated with safety, comfort, familiarity, belongingness, love, affection, support, security, family, identity, stability, community, roots, history, tradition, culture, and attachment to a place.
For individuals who are rejected from moral communities, such as homeless people, immigrants, refugees, prisoners, and marginalized groups, "home" can take on a different meaning that is often accompanied by feelings of loss, displacement, vulnerability, alienation, isolation, exclusion, estrangement, disconnection, loneliness, fear, grief, anxiety, sadness, shame, guilt, uncertainty, insecurity, powerlessness, hopelessness, and despair.
Homeless people may feel like they have lost their home when they become unable to afford shelter and must live on the streets or in shelters. Immigrants may struggle to find acceptance in their new country, feeling alienated from the local culture and customs while also missing their own homes and loved ones left behind. Refugees may face discrimination, prejudice, and violence, making them feel unsafe and unwelcome in their new environment. Prisoners may experience separation from their families and friends, causing emotional pain and social isolation. Marginalized groups may be subjected to discriminatory policies, laws, and attitudes, resulting in exclusion from mainstream society.
These experiences can lead to a profound sense of dislocation and disorientation, where individuals no longer have a clear sense of who they are or where they belong. They may question their own identity, self-worth, and purpose in life, feeling cut off from their past and future. The idea of "home" becomes tainted with negative associations, such as rejection, abandonment, neglect, and betrayal.
Despite these challenges, some rejected individuals may still hold onto the idea of "home" as a source of hope, resilience, and courage. They may view it as a place to which they can return after overcoming adversity, a reminder of what was lost but not forgotten, a symbol of potential growth and transformation, or an ideal to strive for. Others may use creativity, community building, activism, spirituality, art, literature, music, poetry, dance, theatre, performance, storytelling, and other forms of expression to redefine "home" on their own terms, creating new meanings that empower, validate, and liberate themselves and others.
The meaning of "home" is complex and multifaceted, shaped by individual experiences, cultural contexts, historical legacies, and societal dynamics. For those who feel rejected by moral communities, it can take on a poignant significance, evoking powerful emotions and motivations that drive them to seek belonging, connection, recognition, and acceptance.
What moral meaning does the idea of “home” hold for those rejected by moral communities?
The concept of "home" holds different meanings for people who are marginalized or excluded from mainstream society due to their belief systems, gender identities, sexual orientations, or cultural backgrounds. For them, home can represent a place where they feel accepted, valued, and safe from discrimination, prejudice, and judgement.