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I'm not Norwegian, but I would be surprised if this was really a fair description. The author appears to be making an implicit comparison, where things are well

I'm not Norwegian, but I would be surprised if this was really a fair description. The author appears to be making an implicit comparison, where things are well if they are as in GB. Of course, there is no claim of objectivity.

pmoriarty 10y ago
Yeah, I tend to agree about the lack of fairness or objectivity, especially in part 2 (which I'm still making my own way through right now). The author really lashes out there, sometimes without very much justification. It almost sounds in parts like he's still undergoing culture shock. At the very least, the author is very opinionated. It does make for some interesting reading, but makes me skeptical of some of the conclusions and it would be nice to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. Example: "At the personal level, the inferiority that seems to lie deep in the psyche makes itself known in all kinds of little ways. 'What made you come to Norway?', ask many people... certainly hoping for a positive comment on their country and culture." Asking what made one move to one's country is supposed to be a sign of having an inferiority-complex or begging for a compliment? Come on. There could be any number of reasons for asking that, ranging from simple politeness, to making small talk, not being able to think of anything else to ask, or amazingly enough: being genuinely interested in the answer or in the person its being asked of. I'm always interested in seeing the world through other people's eyes, and that's one of the main reasons I ask people for their impressions.
- abreu 10y ago
  > "At the personal level, the inferiority that seems to lie deep in the psyche makes itself known in all kinds of little ways. 'What made you come to Norway?', ask many people... certainly hoping for a positive comment on their country and culture." Can confirm this is actually very accurate. Inferiority-complex is indeed a thing in Norway.
- Broken_Hippo 10y ago
  I'm an immigrant here and get asked, "what made you come to Norway?" Quite often. I don't view it as negatively as the author. Most Norwegians seem genuinely proud of the country, but at the same time, realize that it is difficult at times, the climate is rough, it is expensive, and other such things. It is comparatively small. And as such, folks get curious about stories. It is easy small talk and more interesting than talking about the weather. Occasionally some folks get asked this in a nearly racist way: But racism isn't unique to Norway, and not sure that the racism of the US is better. I do, in a way, understand where the author is coming from. Some immigrants are really miserable here or struggle with the society. Mileage varies, I guess, according to personal temperament and beliefs. I rather enjoy life here for the most part - even as I'm in the alternative crowd the author says has a rough time - so I'm probably more prone to positive reviews.

pmoriarty 10y ago

Yeah, I tend to agree about the lack of fairness or objectivity, especially in part 2 (which I'm still making my own way through right now). The author really lashes out there, sometimes without very much justification. It almost sounds in parts like he's still undergoing culture shock. At the very least, the author is very opinionated. It does make for some interesting reading, but makes me skeptical of some of the conclusions and it would be nice to get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. Example: "At the personal level, the inferiority that seems to lie deep in the psyche makes itself known in all kinds of little ways. 'What made you come to Norway?', ask many people... certainly hoping for a positive comment on their country and culture." Asking what made one move to one's country is supposed to be a sign of having an inferiority-complex or begging for a compliment? Come on. There could be any number of reasons for asking that, ranging from simple politeness, to making small talk, not being able to think of anything else to ask, or amazingly enough: being genuinely interested in the answer or in the person its being asked of. I'm always interested in seeing the world through other people's eyes, and that's one of the main reasons I ask people for their impressions.

abreu 10y ago
> "At the personal level, the inferiority that seems to lie deep in the psyche makes itself known in all kinds of little ways. 'What made you come to Norway?', ask many people... certainly hoping for a positive comment on their country and culture." Can confirm this is actually very accurate. Inferiority-complex is indeed a thing in Norway.
Broken_Hippo 10y ago
I'm an immigrant here and get asked, "what made you come to Norway?" Quite often. I don't view it as negatively as the author. Most Norwegians seem genuinely proud of the country, but at the same time, realize that it is difficult at times, the climate is rough, it is expensive, and other such things. It is comparatively small. And as such, folks get curious about stories. It is easy small talk and more interesting than talking about the weather. Occasionally some folks get asked this in a nearly racist way: But racism isn't unique to Norway, and not sure that the racism of the US is better. I do, in a way, understand where the author is coming from. Some immigrants are really miserable here or struggle with the society. Mileage varies, I guess, according to personal temperament and beliefs. I rather enjoy life here for the most part - even as I'm in the alternative crowd the author says has a rough time - so I'm probably more prone to positive reviews.