From locals to cosmopolitans: Transferring the territorial dimensions of cultural citizenship

Abstract

This article deals with the territorial categories of cultural belongings of community members. First, Ahponen discusses the feelings of home and familiarity as the local basis of cultural identity. This aspect is followed by contemplations on how people are located and dislocated, both concretely and symbolically, when they move across regional, national and continental borders and adopt the identities of border-crossers in cosmopolitan conditions. The basic question concerns cultural political reasoning of the sense of togetherness in the transition of local dwellers to global citizens. This problem is exemplified by personal experiences. Ahponen also points out that transculturally mobile denizens are exposed to the feelings of being disconnected from their fixed identities. Global citizens are imagined to be at home everywhere with anybody. Nevertheless, without learning how to become cosmopolitan locals, they continue to be either dislocated locals or alienated cosmopolitans, missing the trustful and satisfying social interactions that would guarantee their own existence.