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I’ve never found Chiang’s stories to be particularly engaging and his comments here illustrate why: he doesn’t seem to understand much about technology or polit

I’ve never found Chiang’s stories to be particularly engaging and his comments here illustrate why: he doesn’t seem to understand much about technology or politics. His opinion is basically that if the entire world operated like Denmark, no one would fear technological change. No, I’m sorry, but it’s much more complicated than that. “Technology” as a broad entity is responsible for a lot of horrible things that have nothing to do with capitalism; for example, poison gas or nuclear weapons. Any time someone says [complex problem] would go away if only people adopted [specific political program], you can be certain they don’t understand the complexity of the issue.

ThalesX 6y ago
When I reached the part about Denmark is where it totally lost me; I am very familiar with Denmark and have a lot of connections to the country. While it is truly a great place to live in as a person, they do have some civil freedoms touched upon recently with surveillance systems, and I know people greatly concerned about it.
- ceilingcorner 6y ago
  The ironic thing about the “social democratic” left’s admiration of Scandinavian countries is that in actuality, these places are the opposite of the global universality ideal. Denmark is a small, mostly homogeneous country that has immigration but strongly enforces assimilation. Making America like Denmark would require things that these same social democrats are vehemently against.
  - Daho0n 6y ago
    Could you give an example?
    - ceilingcorner 6y ago
      The language requirements for long term residency in Denmark would probably be considered excessive by many Americans. In 1973, the first policy regarding immigrant language acquisition was enacted. This law required all foreign workers in Denmark to complete 40 hours of language instruction within a month of their arrival in Denmark. The Ministry of Social Affairs expanded this requirement in 1975 from 40 hours to 180 hours of language instruction accompanied by 40 hours of courses to introduce workers to norms of Danish society.[68] Today, all applicants for permanent residency in Denmark must sign a Declaration on Integration and Active Citizenship in Danish Society[69] which includes the following provision: "I understand and accept that the Danish language and knowledge of the Danish society is the key to a good and active life in Denmark. I will therefore do my best to learn Danish and acquire knowledge about the Danish society as soon as possible. I understand and accept that I can learn Danish by attending Danish classes offered to me by the district council."
      - Daho0n 6y ago
        While Denmark have problems and many policies I disagree with I do see this one as a good idea but I agree it wouldn't work in the US. I do feel this is a bit sad though as it would be helpful in the US too, likely more so. Comparing the Deceleration on integration with the US version that is both religious and force you to accept the US above all others I find quite ironic in The Land of The Free Vs. So-called socialist Denmark (I know it isn't but Americans often say it is). I'm Danish btw. with English and Pakistani first and second generation immigrant family members that come from a poor background (textile factories in England and rural Pakistan) who are now well integrated ranging from university degrees to working industrial jobs.

ThalesX 6y ago

When I reached the part about Denmark is where it totally lost me; I am very familiar with Denmark and have a lot of connections to the country. While it is truly a great place to live in as a person, they do have some civil freedoms touched upon recently with surveillance systems, and I know people greatly concerned about it.

ceilingcorner 6y ago
The ironic thing about the “social democratic” left’s admiration of Scandinavian countries is that in actuality, these places are the opposite of the global universality ideal. Denmark is a small, mostly homogeneous country that has immigration but strongly enforces assimilation. Making America like Denmark would require things that these same social democrats are vehemently against.
- Daho0n 6y ago
  Could you give an example?
  - ceilingcorner 6y ago
    The language requirements for long term residency in Denmark would probably be considered excessive by many Americans. In 1973, the first policy regarding immigrant language acquisition was enacted. This law required all foreign workers in Denmark to complete 40 hours of language instruction within a month of their arrival in Denmark. The Ministry of Social Affairs expanded this requirement in 1975 from 40 hours to 180 hours of language instruction accompanied by 40 hours of courses to introduce workers to norms of Danish society.[68] Today, all applicants for permanent residency in Denmark must sign a Declaration on Integration and Active Citizenship in Danish Society[69] which includes the following provision: "I understand and accept that the Danish language and knowledge of the Danish society is the key to a good and active life in Denmark. I will therefore do my best to learn Danish and acquire knowledge about the Danish society as soon as possible. I understand and accept that I can learn Danish by attending Danish classes offered to me by the district council."
    - Daho0n 6y ago
      While Denmark have problems and many policies I disagree with I do see this one as a good idea but I agree it wouldn't work in the US. I do feel this is a bit sad though as it would be helpful in the US too, likely more so. Comparing the Deceleration on integration with the US version that is both religious and force you to accept the US above all others I find quite ironic in The Land of The Free Vs. So-called socialist Denmark (I know it isn't but Americans often say it is). I'm Danish btw. with English and Pakistani first and second generation immigrant family members that come from a poor background (textile factories in England and rural Pakistan) who are now well integrated ranging from university degrees to working industrial jobs.