Multicultural Norway

One of my former Nordic Studies professors brought up an interesting discussion about some of the issues that arise now that Norway is becoming a more multicultural country. It may be suprising to learn that almost 1 in 4 people in Oslo have immigrant background and 35% of the school children in Oslo have an immigrant background.

The current policy for the Oslo 17th of May (Independance Day) parade is that only Norwegian, Sami (approved last year), and the United Nations flag can be used. The Immigrant Forum (Norskinnvandrerforum) has requested that students with immigrant background be allowed to wear costumes from their home countries and to carry flags from their countries. This request has been denied.

The 17th of May celebration is taken very seriously in Norway and many people do wear their traditional costumes. I don't own a bunad, but my friends all wear those and I have typically worn a dress when celebrating Syttende Mai in Norway.

The leader of the Immigrant Forum says thefollowing: "We think that minority cultures,languages, and costumes are a part of the Norwegian society. Minorities also celebrate 17th of May. Therefore, we think that theyshould be able to show their uniqueness, inaddition to the Norwegian, not instead of the Norwegian."

I agree with this point, but immigration and the status of what dictates whether someone is truly "Norwegian" (ethnicity vs. upbringing and langauge) is a growing debate and conversation. Then again, I am sure this is the case in many countries as people become more mobile, but it is also particularly interesting to me as someone from a country of immigrants (or at least grounded on those foundations).

If you would like to read the full article that spurred this conversation (note: in Norwegian), click here.