Norway believes in humanitarianism abroad, but does it practice it at home?
Posted by African Press International on May 16, 2007
Many in Norway believe in humanitarian assistance that is given to suffering people in other countries. It is in the heart of very many people in the country that they should assist the needy and the people go to great lengths once every year to collect money in a country-wide televised program whereby donation outlets are used to the maximum.
One question, however, comes to mind. How generous are the people who donate funds during the yearly collection? Many who do not understand the Norwegian mentality will simply give an answer that those who donate are very generous and are interested to help the needy. When one goes deep in a study on the will to be party to the collections, the process engaged, and the real feelings of the contributor, it is not difficult to understand what the whole thing is really about. It is about marketing Norway internationally because it is a small country with a less impact in international affairs.
Looking at Norway as a peace maker whenever there is a conflict internationally, one will find that their contribution is over-focused on by the Norwegian media with intent to market the country as one nation with high moral standards in thinking peace and humanitarianism. Those who understand the Norwegian people will have no problem in agreeing with me that the people would rather assist the needy far away than having them become their neighbours, a situation that may result in getting acquianted, bearing danger that may cause inter-marriages to become a reality.
The major thing in the country that clearly indicates the dislike of having foreigners as close neighbours is the fact that Norwegians through their patriotism ensure that non-Norwegians get the message when there are huge celebrations on public holidays. They make the foreigners to feel unwelcome during the planning of such functions and also remind them to be integrated and rooted, constantly reminding them to master the Norwegian language even if the foreigner in question has no use for the language in question.
People who get involved and willingly making donations to help the needy in other countries should be able to take a stand and give assistance in good faith and expecting nothing in return, unless otherwise. The same people should accept as neighbours those foreigners who are able to travel to Norway and establish themselves.
Learning the language and integration should come along in a natural manner when the new-comer sees it fit to learn the language and join in the society whole-heartedly, but on condition, that the Norwegians execise patience and understanding.
Written by Korir, Chief Editor,African Press in
Norway, apn, africanpress@cchello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525
