54 responses so far ↓

• 1 Lothiane // Nov 10, 2007 at 5:46 pm

  I don’t really agree with your friend. If you were dining out, I don’t see why you shouldn’t pick out things you don’t like. I’d do the same, so would people I know. I pay for the food, why should I eat it if there are things I don’t like?

  But it’s different if you visit someone and they serve you something. Some would say it’s impolite to pick things out… but it depends. I mean, if there’s something you _really_ don’t like, I wouldn’t have minded if you left that. Others would probably not like it. I guess people are just different… but most would understand if you explain in a nice way.

• 2 Erik Midtskogen // Nov 21, 2007 at 7:37 pm

  It’s a minor faux-pas that I wouldn’t expect would raise an eyebrow at a restaurant. It does become a bit more of an issue to the degree that your host has spent time and effort preparing a big meal for you.

  The heart of the matter is a deep respect for and appreciation of food. This is a part of Norwegian culture, born of the short growing season of a harsh climate. For thousands of years, getting enough to eat was the foremost concern of most Norwegians, and starvation was a very common way to die.

  And so, when Norwegians see American-style eating where you casually jettison entire plates of perfectly good food (many of them “the size of your head”), it really strikes them (us? [jeg er jo bare så vidt Amerikaner]) as an atrocity.

  As I’m sure you have noticed, Norwegians are generally pretty preoccupied with avoiding waste. This is one reason things are so clean over there–the creation of garbage consumes scarce natural resources. Norwegians have “reuse, reduce, recycle” in their blood.

  So whatever you do, please don’t ever get caught littering. I’m sure you don’t litter anyway, but I just wanted to give you fair warning.

• 3 Julia // Nov 22, 2008 at 3:34 pm

  whatever.. half these people in Norway are inbred peasants and I´ve seen them behave horribly- they completely lack in social skills, so who the f$#” cares what they think? Eat like you want and be proud of the fact you are american. At least americans know how to chit chat, smile at each other in the street, and are friendly!

• 4 atjulia // Dec 4, 2008 at 5:09 am

  At Julia , as a non american yes non american living in northern california I think you just hit the nail on the head about how arrogant and agressive Americans are seen by the rest of the world.. Oh I am sorry you American right yup thats what was wrong.

  Nothing wrong with the 3 r’s reduce reuse recyle something I am not seeming to see as much here in California

• 5 lisa // Feb 7, 2009 at 7:14 pm

  Jesus, you are so naive…Norwegians perceive Americans as “rude” out of pure jealousy, they can’t come up with any other “accusation” so they call Americans “rude” they are “rude” because their country is the biggest and the most powerful, and we, we Norwegians are supposed to be the most important in the word, this is so “unjust” the are “rude”. He, he, he, you know nothing about Norwegian mind, they are peasants and fishermen dreaming of “greatness” because of oil money, they are just pathetic little villagers who cry because in reality they mean nothing in the world. looking for mindless nationalism, that’s Norway.

• 6 Eirik // Feb 9, 2009 at 4:12 am

  Oh my…I can assure you Lisa, as a Norwegian I am not in the slightest way “jealous” about The U.S or the average American citizen for that matter. And I would suppose that the majority of your “great” country’s population consists of farmers ["peasants" is a very demeaning word for farmer btw] and fishermen too. As for mindless nationalism, I must admit I got actually quite fed up with the us after an endless stream of pretentious propaganda that could to the works of Nazi Germany’s Joseph Goebbels. The are very few countries in the world where it’s people are so blindly patriotic and proud, but where they in fact have very little in the present day and age to be proud of. America is today neither the “most powerful” nor biggest, but I don’t claim the Norwegians are the most Important ones as well. We ALL play a role in the state of the world, something America more than often has chosen to completely ignore and go about on their own ways.

  As for the point about Norwegian cultural etiquette, don’t bother:) Just try to avoid calling Norway a nation of inbred peasants and lowlifes and you will do fine^_^

• 7 shiela // Apr 21, 2009 at 5:18 am

  I would like to know the clothing women wear in Norway in May.. Having a difficult time finding out and am leaving for Bergen soon.. thanks to anyone who answers

• 8 Kristie // Apr 21, 2009 at 8:17 pm

  Shiela: I assumed before moving to Norway they might wear something different and had to ‘figure out’ what I was going to wear. They wear the same things as we do in America. The women dress in very little clothing if the weather permits. It seems most anything goes. I would not stress. Just check on the internet what the weather would be for when your going and dress how you normally would for that weather. Good luck, and enjoy! May is a GREAT time of year to be in Norway :)

• 9 LaDonn // Apr 23, 2009 at 8:37 pm

  Shiela, it depends on what part of Norway you will be in. It is a country with many climates, but dressing in layers will be your best bet… a warm sweater, a rain jacket, perhaps an umbrella, water repellent walking shoes, pants that zip off to shorts, a long skirt, footless tights – all in coordinating colors so you can adjust according to the weather and the place you’ll be. A scarf can be an emergancy turtleneck, an accessory, change the look of a skirt, a shawl. Norwegian women are masters of a few things providing many solutions and looking terrific at the same time. May is a beautiful time in Norway, and later in May is the best time on the coastal area – normally late May has the best chance of sunny weather on the coast. SE Norway gets hot later in the summer. Northern Norway is barely out of winter in May, so dress accordingly if you are headed up there. If you are staying mostly around Oslo, you can expect a more sophisicated level of style. But like America, there are all types of styles worn. And your activities will also help dictate what will be best to wear.

  Good luck and have fun. It’s a wonderful place to experience.

• 10 shiela // Apr 24, 2009 at 3:34 pm

  THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSES KRISTIE AND LADONNE.. SOME PLACES JEANS . SHIRT AND JACKET ARE APPROPRIATE . THEN OTHER PLACES YOU FEEL THE NEED TO DRESS FROM CHICO’S..

• 11 W- // Sep 21, 2009 at 7:20 pm

  Would some kind soul from Norway explain to me what is the best way to attract a Norwegian exhange student whom I’m just dying to ask out?
  She seems very nice and approachable but I don’t wish to commit any social faux pas that would displease her. Are there any unusual sensitive or disagreeable topics?

• 12 Kristine // Oct 1, 2009 at 11:47 pm

  Hi W- If you are going to talk to her,make sure you smile and look her in the eyes,because it is considered rude to look away.Don’t ask personal questions the first time meeting her,and sensitive topics?Not really.

• 13 Mary // Nov 13, 2009 at 5:08 am

  Eirik, I got the impression that Lisa was Norwegian, not American. I don’t know any stereotypically rude Americans. I think the “ugly American” is a myth.

• 14 Aw // Nov 18, 2009 at 11:29 pm

  I have travelled in around forty different countiries and I can tell you that the ‘ugly American’ is not a myth unfortunately, but a daily reality for many people around the world.

  The majority of Americans are very nice, but there is also a pervasive attitude of cultural superiority and an insular mind-set which sees a small number of Americans disregarding or belittling other cultures. Fortunately I don’t think Kristie fits this mould and the mistakes she describes would not be taken seriously.

  I’m not Norwegian, but I have far more respect for Norwegian attitudes towards the world (multilateralism etc), the environment, social issues and our obligations to one another, than I do the US. A lot of what I see from America is a greedy selfish culture which has consumption as its over-riding ambition and highest cultural precept. When this is combined with an ignorant self-belief (for example Sarah Palin) it is a little hard to stomach.

  It’s not all bad though. I know there are many good Americans who would cringe as much as I do when confronted with the Sarah Palins of this world

• 15 Ingrid // Dec 3, 2009 at 6:19 pm

  I must say I agree with Aw, as a Norwegian myself, I can assure you that most Norwegians have no form of jealous feelings towards the americans, rather the opposite in fact. Most Norwegians that I know think of America as a country filled with overly religious people who think they are gods gift to man. My impression is, based on the impression given by the media and through people I know, is that the majority is a bunch of brainless idiots that live their lives based on their own selfish feelings, stuffing their faces each day with enough junk-food to feed several african countries, spending millions of dollars on make-up, clothing and plastic surgeries, while driving around in their overly large cars, making sure global warming is indeed a fact, while claiming themselves the greatest nation of the world, despite the large amount of poverty and crimes that they have. Then there’s also the “war on terrorism”, which has led to the destruction of millions of innocent human lives, and also, guess what, even more terrorism. But of course, more people got killed in one year because of gunshots, than a three year war in iraq. All because everyone is allowed to carry a gun, but that’s just their right as Americans, right? Anyway, this does probably not apply to all Americans of course, but it’s kind of the impression that you give to the outside world, no matter what you tell yourself. In addition to lousy politicians controlled, just like Sarah Palin and also there’s the dearest George Bush, who’s managed to leave an indestructively bad impression on the outside world, forever. Luckily you got Obama now, so things are slowly starting to move uphill, but I suppose we should just wait until you manage to shoot him too, just like all sensible and good people that have achieved any kind of popularity or power throughout the American history, like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King jr., John F. Kennedy and so on.
  Hopefully you’ll be able to change our minds about you, after a while. Getting rid of some of those A-Bombs and gun-laws might be a good idea. And perhaps it’s time to realize the biggest terrorist in the world is not Osama bin Laden, nor Russia, though both of them deserve a high ranking spot on the list, but a country named U.S.A.
  A bit harsh yes, I realise, and maybe incorrect after Obama arrived, but honestly, this is an opinion shared by a lot of of the people I know, both Norwegians and non-Norwegians. it is not the opinion of all, but still quite a lot.

  When it comes to your opinions on us being a nation filled with merely peasants and fishermen, I can understand that you may think that way because you have not been educated properly on the matter. It is my impression that most Americans don’t really know much about Norwegian culture, while Norwegians know much more about America. In fact, Norwegian society is just as modern as American, despite the fact that we are a small nation, we have been voted as the worlds best country to live in several times in a row. Our health care is fare more advanced than the American, and we believe everybody are entitled to the help they need, however much money they earn. if we cannot afford to go to the doctor, the government pays for our medical bills, and also if we cannot work because of of liability we receive support and help so that we manage to survive in every day life. there is virtually no poverty in Norway, and the beggars in the street have chosen that life themselves because the government will help whoever needs it, and most of them, if not all, are drug addict, which is an increasing problem in this country.
  Also the unemployment rate is very low, and we have luckily not been as highly affected by the economic crises as many other countries. And for the record, there are a very few amount of farmers and fishers left in Norway, because it’s simply not a very lucrative profession, and the majority of people, believe it or not, actually have normal jobs like working at a hospital, teaching, industrial work, ect. And I believe that based on the population rate, there is a larger percentage of the american population that are farmers, than the norwegian.

  Anyway, when it comes to how you behave around us, I think most of us expect you to treat us like you treat most people. We do not have a long list of social rules to follow, but we are a more laid back kind of society, that go by the basic rules of society, except don’t compare us to the swedes, that ought make every conversation awkward and some will even get deadly insulted. Just think of Norwegians/Swedes in the same way as English/Scottish or English/French, and you’ll be alright. Not everyone reacts the same way of course, but you’ll have to discover that yourself.
  When it comes to table manners I personally am not a great eater, and have to admit I most often don’t manage to eat everything I’m served, but as far as I know people don’t take that much offense of it, just make sure you smile and thank the waiter for the food, and I’m sure you’ll have no trouble. I don’t really find Norwegian people that stuck up on the rules anyhow, and as long as you think before you open your mouth, it should really take a lot to insult us.
  Besides, we don’t really expect much of you anyway, so it might be a nice surprise if you proved us wrong. :)

• 16 Marcea // Dec 5, 2009 at 2:46 am

  Ingrid,

  I think that long comment was very hurtful. As an American living in Norway, I think Norway is a great place, and like many countries, it has its issues and its strengths, as well as America and every single other country in the world. And although some countries stand out more then others in weakness and strengths, there is no need to belittle them to the point of shame.

  Norway has very nice people with a very nice and, special ‘cozy’ culture. You enjoy great food with great friends and family, and you really value relationships first. Jeg har mange norsk venner som jeg elsker mye. You are a smart people with a smart government, and you should be proud of your land.

  I am from a country where there is no social norm because diversity rules. I cannot say that one thing is the same everywhere, because things are always different. And I am not the same as all my fellow citizens. We vary in variety and that’s just the way it is. Unfortunately, many, because of criticisms and bitterness or maybe growing up under parents or people who are prejudice, come out to say things that seem un-educated and plain stupid. I am sorry for that. But that can happen wherever you go. We are a people who cannot speak for our government; at least I cannot. And I do not want to be held accountable for mistakes I am not making. Just as I will not hold you accountable for mistakes you are not making.

  I just don’t understand why we can’t respect each other, agree to see strengths and weakness without being biased and denigrating.

  If only we could all learn to stand outside of our own culture glasses and be able to look clearly into one anothers.

• 17 Kristie // Dec 5, 2009 at 5:43 am

  Marcea- I really appreciated that kind and understanding point of view. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I second them.

• 18 Aw // Dec 7, 2009 at 8:47 am

  Well, this has turned into an interesting discussion!

  I don’t know if people were deliberately trying to be hurtful, but if someone makes a statement as patently ridiculous as “Norwegians perceive Americans as “rude” out of pure jealousy” you can expect a reaction.

  Most Norwegians, and many non-Norwegians like myself, think Norway has a vastly better system of governance than the US – a better respect for nature, respect for international law, respect for each other, compassion for others etc.

  Americans should be aware that their country is perceived by many to be a problem in the world rather than a solution. I wouldn’t really care what happens in the US, expect for the fact that it is forced upon others, and the consequences of US actions affect us all.

  The US has at times been progressive, but especially in the last 30 years it has become a rogue state, with a highly destructive attitude to the world. That is why Obama is so popular abroad – we hope that he represents a different direction for the US.

  Having said all that, I don’t go judging individual Americans for their government, but you should be aware that there’s a lot of resentment towards the US bubbling just under the surface in many countries and an American who fits a certain stereotype – as rude, loud and obnoxious – is likely to bring some of this to the surface.

  Marcea – I’m sorry you were offended by comments here and for what it’s worth you sound nice, intelligent and respectful, in which case I would never pre-judge you simply because you’re American.

  Here’s hoping Obama can put the US on a new path.

• 19 Bedda // Dec 12, 2009 at 1:36 am

  Many Norwegians look at Americans as pigs.
  Lots of fat people in Texas and stuff lol (I’m a Norwegian)

  And we often very negative to Americans because they’re so noisy. True we’re a bunch of angry people, and we do like Americans who are cool and stuff. But we really dislike Americans that think they’re superior.

  My mom is American and i always tell her that Americans are stupid, and they don’t even know anything about their own country.

• 20 Ingrid // Dec 12, 2009 at 6:19 pm

  Macea

  I’m sorry if you found my comment hurtful, it was not my intention to hurt anyone, I was just aiming towards those previous comments that seem to think Norway is jealous of America and think Norway is a country full of farmers and fishermen. I did not mean to say that all americans are like what I described, I’m just tired of hearing americans telling the world how great they are compared to others, which is not true. I am aware of the fact that not all americans are like that, and it’s not what I said, or at least not what I meant to say, and I’m very grateful that you have a positive view on our country. I suppose what I meant to say that sometimes those are the americans we notice, not the once who behave like normal people, but those who don’t and therefore give a bad example. In that way, because they are so much more obvious to people than others, it’s perhaps easy to think that everyone is like that. The same goes for norwegians for that matter. I for one is ashamed of how some norwegians behave when going on vacation, making a bad example out of themselves just like some americans do. In Norway we have a vast drinking culture, and on the weekends a lot of people drink until they drop, and the entire point for some people is to get so drunk you don’t remember what happened, not to have fun, but to drink. This culture combined with the freedom they think they have when entering another country, often results in some incredibly disgusting behavior, which makes other Norwegians hesitant to tell people they’re norwegian when traveling in southern europe for one, as we know what kind of association you might get.

  And so I understand very well how one person cannot be held responsible for the action of others, and I honestly don’t ever prejudice people based on their background, whether they are american or not, despite the fact that might be the impression someone got from my previous comment, and if that is the case then I am sorry.
  But I do however still mean that the US government has made a lot of extra trouble for themselves and the world, and it is not something that you can just hide away. I’m not attacking the american people as much as I’m attacking the country of USA perhaps.
  but I once again agree with AW, let’s hope Obama can get them on the right track again, despite the fact that it will take a while for him to fix what it took Bush 8 years to ruin.

• 21 Marcea // Dec 17, 2009 at 10:26 pm

  I understand very well that many people do not agree with the US’ government and their involvement outside the US, etc, in which, I agree with them. Unfortunately, I wish more could be done about it. I hope, as well, that Obama will be able to do something amongst the mess.

  I also hope that people can display better attitudes and outlooks upon countries they may disagree with or have issues with. I appreciate what you said, Aw, and your outlook on the whole thing. Thank you!

  I only wish people wouldn’t just look at American’s as “fat pigs” and believe in stereotypes as simple as “They are all noisy” and they “know nothing about their own country”. If you truly knew some great Ameriacns, you would not think this true. Stereotypes like this are immature and, to me, show how ignorant and non-understanding people are (and not just Americans). Of course there are fat people in America, and there are fat people in Norway too. Let’s not be idiotic and create hurtful stereotypes about a place just because you desire too.

  In the same way that I hope people won’t make ridiculous stereotypes about the States, I hope they won’t do the same to other countries or people groups. For example, the Middle East, or Russia, or China…or Norway, or wherever else!!!

  Just because we do not agree with governments, or we see some people from a country representing it poorly, doesn’t mean the people are all the same.

  Okay all this to end with, of course I recognize that many Americans can be obnoxious and give off an air of superiority…In which I can only say again, I am so sorry for that. It’s just pride, or insecurity. And remember, we are not all like that ;) Everyone has their own gaping faults.

  Be blessed all! :)

• 22 moni // Dec 19, 2009 at 1:12 am

  I read this area and i will never say that americans are pigs, neither that norwegians are heavy drinkers. You find all kind of people all over the world, yes i did experience around some people’s face insulting that americans are stupid, but i will say it is lack of education, ignorance or simply passing it on from parents to children. I live in the US and i respect the country and I found all kind of people from different walks of life, and there is highly educated and poor educated, the same thing in China, Japan, latinamerican countries, no education or poor image based on media communication make you believe silly things instead to get to know the person, there is good and bad, and ignorance is the enemy of an empty brain, what does govermment do, it doesn’t mean that people are like that. I found excellent americans born in US as poor and uneducated ones. People who are rich in their heart doesn’t discrimminate others based on race, gender or political view, come on guys you are going way to far, take your time to live in Norway and US then you get your own conclusions and opinions, don’t judge based on what other people say. My kids encountered a big problem when they were invited in Norway to eat, for example when they ate pizza, they are used to eat with their hands not with a fork and knife, in Europe is with fork and knife not in US because it is a fast food or served in birthdays or partys for teenagers, or for casual parties, also everyone looked at them and norwegians were schocked to see them eating with their hands!!! secondly, here in the US most of restaurants will ask you if you want more to drink let’s say coke, waitress will ask you on the second time but when my daughter was out of coke, she asked the waitress in Norway if she can have more soda?? norwegians went insane, this is extra money and my child being so young didn’t have a clue why they were looking at her as she did something wrong!!!! also they almost forced her to eat a supreme pizza but my youngest daughter is honest and she only likes cheese pizza, so her aunt was insane as she had to eat the best what they offered her, but i will say it was a cultural and misunderstanding situation, i told my daughter you should of let them know that you just don’t eat supreme or a pizza with so many things on it!!!! see that’s why you guys cannot go to the extreme because each country is good and bad and both are unique!!!!!

• 23 Butchie // Dec 28, 2009 at 4:02 am

  I have really enjoyed reading the comments and the different points of view voiced by thoughtful and intelligent people. My husband and I have been very fortunate to have traveled quite a bit outside of the United States and, adding to the fact that I am an Air Force Brat who had the good fortune to have lived in various parts of the world; people of different cultures, colors and character were a part of my life from day one. It never occured to me that the couple next door (she a beautiful and tall German lady and he a a burly teddy bear of a black man) were any different than my Tennessee and North Carolina born parents. We were accepting of everyone because everyone accepted us. In a perfect world we would all be politically correct specimens representing our different nations and customs with impeccable manners and social skills. Like I said, “in a perfect world.” Not all Americans are obnoxious, nor do all Italian men pinch female rear ends, I’m sure you’ll find a few French citizens who are not rude and a few Brazilian women who don’t wear thongs to the beach. Let’s all just learn to be a little more tolerant, a little more accepting and a little more patient. Remember: we’re all in this world together……….

• 24 flavia // Jul 29, 2010 at 5:08 pm

  Could any kind Norwegian consider giving me advice about the most common mistakes made by tourists in Norway?

• 25 A Canadian // Aug 7, 2010 at 11:45 am

  I’ve been living here for years… first of all your faux pas are ridiculous examples of cultural difference.

  Every obnoxious American posted here I see… inbred pesants.. yeah that’s why there are more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world. Highest education, wages, health care, civil rights, and standard of living in the world.

  American’s are so insecure.. and why? Because you have every right to be. Just because you have an economy that has been bankrupting the underprivileged of the world is no reason why most of you can’t get an education or a clue about global issues.. let alone manners. Grow up.. read a book and get a clue fat people..

• 26 Kristie // Aug 12, 2010 at 2:09 pm

  As far as I am concerned, with all of the profanity that I had to edit out of your ignorant, rude and completely hateful comment, it makes me think that you might be talking about yourself. You seem to know an awful lot about inbred peasants, obnoxious, uneducated and rude people….

  Anyone can have different opinions and experiences..and one thing I love about this blog is that everybody is free to share their opinion, whatever it may be. I welcome it. But in my opinion there is no need to post a comment with every other word being the “f” word, and no need to be so hateful.

• 27 My beer // Aug 12, 2010 at 2:42 pm

  Don’t steal a Norseman’s beer then everything will be alright. ELLERS BLIR DET JULING

• 28 The French Waffle // Sep 6, 2010 at 2:45 am

  Does anyone have any advice for living with Norwegian exchange students? For the post part we are pretty similar. However we differ on a few things. Since I live closer than them to school I bought all the cooking supplies needed for the apartment and a few other staple foods (which put me out of quite a bit of money). After we were all moved in one of them told me that it was normal for Norwegians to cook for themselves when they were hungry, instead of cooking and eating together. That is reasonable and understandable. One day we needed to buy groceries and the one girl told me that she was just shopping for herself. That sounded okay but the strange thing was that we bought nearly identical groceries. For me it makes more sense for all of us to equally chip in for food supplies that we all need (ex: eggs, milk, cheese) and then buy the food we want for ourselves individually. Am I making any sense? I just feel so awkward about this. Thanks.

• 29 Keanu // Sep 9, 2010 at 10:18 am

  As an American, I can honestly say that, unfortunately, a lot of the stereotypes are true. Ours really is the fattest country, and there are quite a few horrifically ignorant, blindly patriotic people. The nationalism here is ridiculous. But it’s important to realize that the US is also a very large country with around 3o0 million people living in it, if I’m not mistaken. Because our country has a large population it is naturally going to have a higher percentage of people which one may be ashamed to call a fellow citizen.

  As many people have said already, there are ups and downs to every country and every culture. I for one am ashamed of a great many things which my fellow countrymen and women have built their lives around; the rampant materialism, the obsession with cosmetic alterations, be it in the form of make up or surgeries. It’s stuff that I have no problem calling utter filth, and which I am proud to say I distance myself from as much as I can.

  At the same time, like I and plenty of other people have said, there are redeeming qualities. One of my favorite things about the US is the ease with which one can start his/her own business; as an aspiring entrepreneur, few things excite me more than the notion of owning my own businesses (my two ideas being a cinema and a bookstore.) Along with this, there is one of the more obvious perks; our freedom. I understand that this is a very broad term to use in this case, especially seeing as how there are gobs of countries that are pretty free. But I’ve yet to learn of another country which is so thoroughly based on personal choice. In the US the idea of banning things (i.e., films, music, etc.) is virtually unheard of.

  We have a tremendous gift in being able to choose what’s right for ourselves, generally speaking. This is what I believe to be one of our greatest blessings, but also one of our greatest curses. With great power comes great responsibility (excuse the cliche), and also accountability. The latter of which most Americans just don’t seem to have. The lack of accountability is something which isn’t restricted to any one class or political alignment; I’ve known plenty of Liberals who were just as quick to point fingers as the Conservatives they were so quick to condemn. My point here is that we in the US have an incredible breadth of potential choices to make, but very few of us are disciplined enough to consider the implications of our actions. The US really is a nation of excess and a lot of people suffer for it, be they sweatshop workers outside the country as well as in, or our own citizens. Take the modeling and cosmetics industries, for instance. They’re all about setting ridiculous standards for “good looks” which have in turn contributed to an obscene amount of instances of distorted self-image in young women, but also in men, too. I could easily write a book about this stuff, that’s how dire I think the situation is. But my goal isn’t to make the US out to be heaven or hell.

  I just want non-US citizens to understand that not all of us are mindless, flag-waving, self-obsessed “fatties.” I also would like to see fewer US citizens take the “holier-than-thou” stance which is all too prevalent. These people are not representative of the entire US population, but they make up a much larger portion of the total than I think many Statesfolk care to admit. There are very legitimate reasons why the US and its citizens seem to be almost universally looked down upon.

  Phew! Now that I’ve gotten all that out of the way, I’d just like to say a couple more things:

  First, I really am proud to be an American. I’m just not proud of what my beautiful country has become of late. Secondly, I’ve really enjoyed reading the more intelligent comments posted here. I’m always interested in hearing what non-US citizens think – and not just about the country, but about things in general. It’s always great to find fora in which I can share my views with intelligent people of all ages. I recently turned 18, but there’s still plenty of age-ism all over the place. People just don’t expect someone my age to have thought as deeply about… things.. as I do – though I can’t really blame them, as the youth of today (especially in the US) are only interested in the most shallow of superficialities.

  Anywho, it was fun writing this long and drawn-out post for you all to read. I’d love to hear people’s thoughts on what I’ve said.

  Hugs and kisses from the good ol’ US of A.

• 30 A Canadian // Sep 9, 2010 at 9:10 pm

  Yes I’m the hateful one.. it’s funny when it is American’s spreading the hate that is just fine and dandy, but when someone else opposes a view. Lookout! Give me a break…

  Perhaps if you read the previous posts closer you would have realized that it was an american who first wrote the inbred pessant comments.. but hey.. that’s cool right?

  Wow .. the I know you are but what am I defense is pretty impressive.

  Heaven forbid someone else force their oppinions down your ignorant throats for a change.

  The odd part is that I don’t have contempt for Americans but rather ignorant and uneducated ones sharing their uninformed oppinions regarding culture and manners.

• 31 A Canadian // Sep 13, 2010 at 7:13 pm

  There needs to be more people like Keanu here who gets it and sees where there needs to be change. The culture needs to change in general all together in North America and grow up in it’s views.

  Overblown misplaced patriotism is fine during sporting events or national hollidays, but otherwise it is just disgusting and annoying.

  It is fine you all love your country but keep it in your hearts where it belongs.. here is a secret. Everyone else loves their country too.. get over it.

• 32 ASferzii // Oct 13, 2010 at 12:20 am

  There is a difference between being proud of what country you are from and loving it, and being arrogant about it. You can be extremely proud to be a Norwegian, American, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Nigerian, whatever…and yet realize that everyone else can be proud of their own country and have legitimate reasons to be so. I am an American and I am very proud of it. I do not like what my country does or how the government is ran. I am extrmely proud to be a Californian. I would show an American or Californian flag with pride. I cannot stand what my Californian government is like. I am ashamed of some of the people in my country and in my state. Yet, I am proud.

  I also do my very best to see things with as little ethnocentricism as possible. Countries are going to do things differently and see different things as right and wrong; it’s just how it is. You have to be able to step outside of your own culture and look at others from their point of view; but that doesn’t mean you have to be ashamed of your own. There is a big problem with obesity in America, but I would never treat those people poorly because they are obese or overweight. There are lots of people who follow whatever others say and who seem to get a kick out of being as outragious and obnoxious as possible. I am ashamed and embarrassed by these people but I do not hate them. They have a right to voice their opion, even if it is ignorant or hurtful. In America, we are all about individualism. That is the primary and founding concept of this nation. The right to be what you want to be and do what you want to do. That is why laws like owning a gun are legal – you can make the choice to have one or not, so that you may make the choice to defend yourself in this manner if the time or need ever approached. Guns being legal has nothing to do with the vast crime rate involving shootings. That problem has to do with the large criminal organization and gang problem in America. Whether guns were legal or not, they would still have them.

  There is nothing wrong with being a farmer or fisherman. I live in the country, and I prefer it that way. Working hands-on with nature is something to be proud of, not ashamed of. It is sad to me to see that saying a country is full of farmers or fisherman is somehow an insult. Sounds like a compliment to me.

  I am fascinated with different cultures from around teh world and love them. Just because I am proud of where I am from does not mean I think I am better or that my culture is better. No culture is better or worse than another. That is a fact; one culture will percieve another to be bad, but that is based on their own culture; viewing it from teh other culture, they may think the first culture is bad. It goes in circles. I admire other countries and cultures as much as I admire my own. If I moved to another country, I would wave their flag with pride to be be there and be a part of life there. But I would still be proud of my own country.

  It is true that America is based on consumerism. This is overdone and I believe people need to chill on materialism. There is far too much focus with what you look like and what kind of car you drive in America. But I also don’think you should be put down if you want to dress fashionably or drive a loud, attention-drawing car. I personally like to dress in funky outfits and I like loud music that makes cars go “bumb.” Some cultures may detest this, but I wish people were able to say “Hey, I don’t like this, but I’m not going to put you down for being like this.” I try to practice this principle as best I can.

  I am increasingly liking the idea of moving to Norway, a concept I have been tossing around in my mind. After reading these comments, however, I am worried I will come across an over-whelming amount of prejudism because I am American. Will I be insulted or perhaps even worse if I had both an American flag and a Norwegian flag in my home? Would I face discrimination because of my American English accent when speaking Bokmål? I take great pride in my love of learning and educating myself. I do not want to be labelled an ignorant American pig. I would love to hear from Norwegians on what degree of prejudism my family and I would face in Norway. It seems pretty dramatic in these comments.

• 33 Silje // Oct 14, 2010 at 12:30 am

  Hei Asferzii!
  First of all, my English is not very good.

  I really don’t think you should worry about discrimination because of your American English accent when talking Bokmål (no one really talks Bokmål in Norway). I think it’s more the attitude of the Americans like “God bless America (and no country else)” that most Norwegians don’t like. Prejudices in Norway are more directed at foreigners from the Middle East than to Americans. Many Norwegians are afraid that the Norwegian culture will disappear because of influences from other cultures (read: cultures from the Middle East). You should know (or perhaps you already know) that a Norwegian is incredibly proud to call himself a Norwegian. Many Norwegians praises the Norwegian culture and Norwegian inventions, such as “ostehøvelen” (cheese slicer) and the Norwegian “matpakke” (ehm… food package in English?). People from the outside might think we are a “cold” people. For example when taking the bus: You should NEVER sit beside someone if a double seat is available (except if you know someone that already is sitting on the bus). Norwegian rarely smiles to each other when out in public, but if you smile to them, you will most likely get a smile back :)

  Another thing: it is considered ignorant not to take your shoes off when indoors, unless you are told to keep them on. And as mentioned before in the comments above, you should never, I repeat, NEVER say that Sweden is better than Norway, or say that these to countries are the same. Norway, Sweden (and Denmark) have some (friendly) jokes about each other. Some examples of the jokes:

  There shall be made three madhouses in the Nordic countries:
  - One in Norway.
  - One in Denmark.
  - And a roof over Sweden.

  Originally, God had thought that Jesus would be born in Sweden. It was just a problem that forced him to move it all to the Middle East – he could not find three wise men.

  A Swede was in a disco in the USA. There he danced with a beautiful girl. He whispered gently into her ear:
  - I love you!
  She replied:
  - I love you too!
  The Swede was a bit puzzled, but then he said:
  - I love you three!

  You should know that these kind of jokes are friendly, and they exist in both Sweden and Denmark (only that there the Norwegian is the dumb one) :(

  But I think you might want to visit Norway first before moving here :) Where in Norway did you plan to move to?

• 34 John Johansen // Oct 20, 2010 at 4:28 am

  My great grandparents came here from Norway to the US about 100 years ago. My grandfather died at 34 of rhumatic fever when my father was 10, but always taught him to be a proud Norwegian. My dad was a policeman and died saving someone’s life at 43 and I was 18, but always taught me to be a proud Norwegian. I re connected with my family from Norway in 2002 and had a really nice visit there. I was in my great grandmother’s old house in Oslo exactly 25 years after my father died..and felt that he had sent me there!
  I just went back to visit my cousin Tom in Oslo and visit the county. I was wearing a colombia jacked, jeans, Polo sweaters and a Red Sox hat. I come from Boston… I couldn’t believe how rude some people were to me! This is the land that my dad had always told me to be proud of! There were comments being made about me in both English and Norwegian, and especially young girls making a game out of laughing hysterically at me. I have never seen anyone from any county treated like that in the USA! There was in large letters spray painted on the trainride to Bergen “F**K THE USA” I never voted for George Bush and don’t agree with his political decisions. However, The USA was attacked on Sept.11, 2001 and about 3,000 innocent people lost their lives. The Pentagon was attacked, and a plan to attack The White House was foiled. There is a real danger to the USA and the rest of the world out there. It is unfortunate that people of your own blood don’t recognize that! I listened to the propaganda on “Russia Today” being broadcast in Norway…Half the interviews with “Americans in New York” I could hear Russian accents! I hope that it doesn’t take a bomb going off in Oslo to make Norwegians understand the war that we are engaged in on terror. Lastly, I am not an ugly rude American, just a Norwegian American who was searching his past roots and left stunned by some of the unfriendly Norwegians I was taught to be so proud of.

• 35 Chris // Nov 1, 2010 at 2:12 am

  “Would I face discrimination because of my American English accent when speaking Bokmål?” If you had been playing around with the idea of actually moving to another country, you would have done a simple Google search to actually find out what language is spoken in the particular country. Just to make it clear if you are not getting the message here: It is NOT Bokmål. Btw, there are several hundred dialects spoken in this country and they might be as different as languages. The main reason for people all over the world seeing the americans as ignorant, undeucated people, are proven several times in this blog. It does not take much effort to actually do a quick search on the internet to learn a few basic fact about the country you are visiting (Or thinking about visiting). For me, assuming that things are just the same as in your home country, when being on the other side of the planet, really sums up what being rude and ignorant is all about. Don’t assume anything! This way, you will learn and adapt, regardless of which country you are in. Most countries have traditions and norms that may be hard to understand on you own, so just ASK! Most likely, people will be thrilled to answer your questions, as this is seen as you are interested in their culture and you will therefore be seen as polite and respectful. I have many american friends, and havr spent several years living in the US, as well as close to a dozen other countires. However, in terms of being condescending, ignorant and uneducated in terms of what is actually going on outside the US, there are no one over or next to americans. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule in all conutries. And yes, not all americans fits the stereotypical profile. But the fact, that people from the entire world share this view of americans, proves that there are a lot of truth to it. To whoever stated that “americans do not agree with their government”: What is that suppose to mean?? Most americans I have spoken to say this, and yet President Bush was elected TWICE! This means that the majority of americans actually voted on this man, and not only once! So I’m sorry, excusing yourself with saying “oh no, we don’t agree with our government, that’s just because of everybody else” just doesn’t cut it! The people of a country shapes its politics, its called democracy, period. If the average american would step up and demand that USA would get rid of all social problems, chance is that it probably would be done. The reason why USA is so far behind a lot of other countries when it comes to these social things is that the average american does not know that things is a lot better in other countries, and secondly if they actually see this, many americans will not accept the fact that the US is NOT a great country to live in for most people. Americans are bombarded with propaganda through the media every single day on how great America is and the sentence “God Bless America” could not put the arrogance and ignorance better. Americans are fat, its a fact. We call your language English, you call ours a foreign language. See the difference? We call US a problem in this world, making it worse. You see yourself as a self-proclaimed World Police. Actually, do us a favour, and stay in your own country instead of polluting the rest of with your sickening behaviour. We don’t want fat, ignorant, rude, obnoxious americans in Europe! So either, change yourself first from the inside of your own borders and then visit, or just don’t visit at all. To the thread starter here: If you are under the impression that the minor little things that you felt so incredibly embarrassed actually is a cultural difference, you might wanna read a book or two. Its called universal politeness and common sense. Sadly, most americans lack this and that is why you are the most hated people in the universe. You can either make a change and accept your flaws, or get deffensive or even poit fingers on every other americans but yourself, the fact is, it will take a good while for americans to regain the worlds respect, if ever.

• 36 ASferzii // Nov 1, 2010 at 10:07 pm

  Thank you Silje! What you detailed was very helpful. And thanks for the list of jokes. And yes, I think visiting first is the best idea. I was thinking about maybe taking a semester of college there. I’m not actually sure exactly where. I will have to finish with my college education first, and then I was hoping on possibly moving to Norway. I have looked a bit into some regions, but I really would just have to see where I could find a job opportunity to enable the move. I hope for something in the country, for I don’t really like living in big cities, but favor nature as my home. =)
  You’re English is very good! I don’t know why you would think it is not. =)
  When I was doing some research, I found that Bokmål was the official language of Norway. I have been learning it now, as I love the language and, as you already know, have an interest in possibly moving to Norway some day. So I was curious when you mentioned that no one really speaks it there. What do they speak, in that case? And where is Bokmål spoken in Norway to have made it an official language? Thank you once again for your help. =)

• 37 Keanu // Nov 3, 2010 at 5:29 pm

  Chris,

  You’ve summed up most of what I dislike about Americans. The sense of entitlement here is off the scale. Thanks for pointing out English vs. foreign languages; I hadn’t noticed it, but now that you point it out I definitely see it.

  You’ll undoubtedly be written off as a snooty European, but for someone like me it’s a breath of fresh air. Your comment is horribly blunt. I commend you for writing it. Given the general arrogance and aloofness of most Americans, the more blunt the better. Sometimes people need a tremendous kick in the pants to realize that mistakes that they think are little are actually quite huge.

• 38 Caroline // Nov 8, 2010 at 7:07 am

  Chris,
  I find you to be an idiot for stereotyping Americans in a way that has been argued extensively throughout this blog. Haven’t numerous people just commented that you cannot judge an entire society based off of a few people? Not everyone in America is fat, lazy, and ignorant. As one of the of the many Americans who does not meet your criteria, I am deeply insulted. Being from the south, everyone I know is polite, it is instilled in us since birth. Having just recently moved to the West Coast, I also find copious amounts of politeness and common sense here as well. Do not judge every American based on our government! Myself and many of my friends are not satisfied with America acting as the “world police.” However, there is very little we can actually do about that other than elect a new president when the chance comes around. I do not go into other countries imposing my beliefs on them. Nor do I accuse them of being idiots. I would appreciate it greatly if you would do the same.

  As for the propaganda, most people I know are fed up with it as well. The people they portray on the television, usually in reality shows, are some of the most vile Americans to be portrayed. Many of them are vapid and materialistic humans. Are you claiming that your country doesn’t have these types of people? I personally do not watch these shows. Seeing that you do and stereotype entire countries based off of what you see on these shows, I can say doesn’t speak very well of you. An entire country cannot take responsibility for those few who fit into your stereotype. There is nothing I despise more than a Southerner on television fitting the stereotype of fat, lazy, and uneducated. Of course, when that’s all you’ve been exposed to, I don’t blame you for judging Americans in that way. Nevertheless, this NOT all that you have been exposed to! Therefore, there is no excuse other than your own prejudice. The saying “God bless America” demonstrates pride in our country. We do not expect you to agree with it. We are not always proud of the actions of our country, but if we didn’t like it here, we wouldn’t be living here, so what is wrong with showing a little pride? I’m not shoving it down your throat, and most Americans I know wouldn’t either.

  As for languages, would you not also call English a foreign language in your own country? Anything not spoken regularly in our own country we refer to as a foreign language because it is foreign! Lord have mercy, we are not looking down on your language! Where on earth would you get that idea? Many speak Spanish regularly in the United States. We don’t refer to it as a foreign language. See my point? I’m not sure why you would find that insulting anyway.

  If you don’t care about Americans, why do you spend so much time and energy saying such negative things about them? Perhaps you should obtain a bit of education yourself before you stereotype another nation based off of the actions of a few. No wonder so many Americans feel the need to defend their country to you. You would bring out the worst in anyone. Good luck in your future ventures with the American people. I certainly hope that you are not as rude to them.

• 39 Keanu // Nov 10, 2010 at 6:24 pm

  Caroline,

  As unpleasant as it is, the reason why most of the world sees Americans in such a bad light is BECAUSE the majority are so blind to the rest of the world. It comes from our long history of exceptionalism. The study of other cultures has never been big here, but in this Age of Information that kind of knowledge is even more important. On those grounds, most Americans just don’t seem to be on equal footing with the rest of the world. And this is coming from an American. In my personal experience, the polite, kind, AND intelligent Americans really are a minority. It doesn’t mean that all of us are jerks, but I’m often taken aback by just how ignorant a lot of people are today; my generation especially. Telling Chris to “obtain a bit of education” due to his opinions does come across as a pretty typical angry American response. That’s just my take, though. I’m sure he knew that he would get remarks like that.

  I think one of the saddest things is that immigrants often seem to be the ones actually pursuing the American dream. They’re usually quite willing to work hard for it; a lot of Americans are so entitled that they think the dream is just something that falls into their laps.

  I’m just not a fan of a lot of my countrymen. I wish things were different, but they aren’t. It’s my hope that other Americans would understand WHY we’re so disliked throughout the world. Maybe then we could do something to change our entitled attitudes.

• 40 Silje // Nov 10, 2010 at 8:28 pm

  Hei ASferzii!
  In Norway we write in Bokmål or Nynorsk. Bokmål and Nynorsk are not spoken anywhere in Norway, instead we speak different dialects in Norway. I can use “Bergensk” as an example of a Norwegian dialect since I speak it myself. Like (almost) all Norwegian dialects, Bergensk is neither Bokmål nor Nynorsk (Neo-Norwegian). While the vocabulary has words from both Bokmål and Nynorsk, it has characteristics that are not covered by any of these written languages. Although Nynorsk has its stronghold in western Norway and the areas surrounding Bergen, most of the inhabitants of Bergen itself write Bokmål, and generally is Bergen considered to be one of the strongholds of the Bokmål written language.
  Why Bokmål (and Nynorsk) are the official languages in Norway? Norway was in a union with Denmark, and Danish was the language people in Norway had to write in. A debate started in Norway in the 19th century. The question was if we should norwegianize Danish, create a new written language based on the dialects in Norway or if we should just keep Danish as the official language in Norway. Ivar Aasen created Nynorsk and Knud Knudsen is called the father of Bokmål.
  Since this doesn’t have anything to do with etiquette in Norway, you can send more questions to my e-mail: sjokoholik@gmail.com

• 41 Steve // Nov 18, 2010 at 11:21 am

  Oh my god, all you people have way too much time on your hands, I’m even more dissapointed in myself for reading so much of the crap that been written up here but since I have I’ll put my two cents in. Firstly it doesn’t matter what country you go to there is some form of dickhead especially if they are not in there home country, on the contrary there are excellent people from all different countries (I’m Australian) and generally can’t stand meeting Aussies abroad because they can be just as annoying as a rude American or a Norwegian abroad (we get plenty of those in Australia). However my wife is Norwegian and She is the most amazing person I have ever met. Norwegians are alot more introverted than Australians but they are just as friendly once you ‘break the ice’. One thing I did find funny is that even though the majority of Norwegians speak English very well they don’t do so because they are embarressed about making a mistake.

  By the way I too think the 2 examples of cultural embarresment that were put up were pretty lame, its not like you dropped a big fart at the dinner table or anything.

• 42 Christine // Nov 21, 2010 at 9:38 pm

  Hi! I was hoping to get some information about Norwegian culture here. I’m a Brit, IT professional and am currently working in Germany. I’m very European and can’t handle conservative attitudes very well. I’ve always been fascinated by the Skandinavian way of life. Deep at heart I’m a socialist. I would love to learn another language and move again; so I’m doing my research … I would prefer to live in a city – so Oslo would be the only place I would consider.

  What I don’t like about my current life in Germany is the ‘Macho’ attitude men have. I find it very difficult to be taken seriously by my male colleagues. I heard Norwegians are very progressive and that women have an easier time in a technical profession. Is that true?

  One thing that worries me about Norway is being isolated. I’ve heard and read here that it can be close to impossible to make Norwegian friends and they tend to be very much to themselves. I do not want to end up spending all of my free time around other ex-pats; I would like to be immersed in the culture.

  I remember having a problem when I was down in Southern Germany (near the Swiss boarder) where people thought I was strange because I talked too much and being real nutter – I would even start conversations with strangers. Someone told me Norwegians find extroverted people odd too. Is that true?

  Thanks very much for any information ;)
  Christine

• 43 Sonja // Dec 10, 2010 at 8:51 am

  Well Uff-da to y’all. There are a lot of very rude Americans whether they are here at home or visiting a foreign land. I am of Norwegian heritage – but the Vikings weren’t the nicest folks around way back when either. THe norwegian- americans have a certain way about them due to the influences of their predecessors- as do all the different peoples who come to America-
  But they saying is- When in Rome- do as the Romans… any traveler should make some attempt to become familiar with the customs and language of the place they intend to visit- it is called Respect- The more tolerant of countries are of course more tolerant of visitors…
  if you read some of the WW2 stories of the Norwegian resistance you will learn why the Norsky’s are the way they are- because of the climate they had to be resourceful, prudent etc to survive… I dont know why we are so damn funny- some nations have no sense of humor..

• 44 George // Dec 27, 2010 at 3:18 am

  MY UPPER COMMENT NEEDS TO BE DELETED, AS IT HAS SOME PROBLEMS WITH PARAGRAPHS. HERE IS THE BETTER VERSION. I am apologizing for the inconvenience.

  This is going to be a long, answer, I am apologizing for this.

  Generalization is the mother of all assumptions.
  Every single human being on this rock in our galaxy is different, even the twins have some kind of difference between themselves, as the genes do not only determine a human being, but a breeding, life impressions, education…
  But, still some kind of generalization can be made when it is about the nations, or parts of the nations etc.
  For example, a Japanese man, and an Spanish man, can be very similar (of course I am not talking about the outer look, but about the personality, the inner part of the human being), but still some generalization can be made. For example, the first ones are calm, disciplinable, obeyable. The spanish have stronger temperate, they talk more, and often, etc. There for this generalization is mostly true.
  So some generalizations (of course there are exceptions) can be made. This is why, I am going to generalize my opinion on Americans and Norwegians. I spent 2 years in Northern Carolina, and 3 months in Oregon, near Portland. From my generalized opinion and experience (from both places – Carolina, and North West) american people are quite nice. Friendly and honest. Working people. In average! But their government is a lot more different than the people itself. It is a well known fact, that US government acts like a big bully, for the last few decades. Now, I am not an expert in field of economy, army, nor politics. But from my layman point of view, the case of the US government is very specific, and you can not take a look at it, as you would take a look at other nations governments. US government – or should I say, US corporations and banks because it is all the same, runs and rules the world, or most of its part. It is a fact, there is no question about it. So there goals and aims which can not be compared with an ordinary, regular people of america. Some of you are going to call me an anti-globalist, or faker, or Michael Moor fan, or what ever, but from my point of view one thing is certain: the US government (or US corporations and banks) are not humanitarian organization. They are not red-cross. They are private companies, which only and first goal and aim is – profit.
  This is why so many things are not good in US:
  They force you to work more and longer, there for you do not have the time to eat properly – they literally force you to eat fast food, as a consequence of your long lasting work, and low prices of fast food. This is why most of the middle class US citizens have problems with obesity – fast food. But still you can not judge on them by their weight, they are still people.
  Second thing – health care. Your health system was sold to the private companies. And the only goal of these companies is profit. This is why you can not have a normal and good medical care.
  Third thing – consumerism. You have been forced to buy as much as you can, things that you need, things that you do not need. They bombard you with commercials, media, public people, every day, all along, that you need to buy as much as you can. And there for increase their profit. This is why you do not think about reduce, reuse, recycle rule. There is nobody to tell you so.
  Fourth thing – they destroyed your education system – both by the level of knowledge in
  primary and high schools, and by making it so expensive. It is a lot easier to rule the people when they are not well educated. If you do not know nothing about Norway, France, England, then you can not know if their citizens live better or worse than you. Then it is quite easy for “them” to convince you that the US and its government is the best country in the world. So my point is that regular american citizens, plain people are in basis, quite good people.
  But their government is trying, or it succeeded in making and shaping them, in the form as we “rest-worlders” know about. So this is the problem, we are talking about. Their government teaches them that they are the greatest, smartest, good looking, advanced, peace and democracy keepers, and due to this, they act according to it.
  Also their government influences on the rest of the world. So this is one reason more, why people generally, in average have bad opinion of americans – they are connecting its government with its people. Someone would say: “they can change it, they can vote”. Well, this is the story for another topic, whenever they tried to change something, the murder of the main “changer” happened, or even nothing happened. We will see what will come up with Obama.

  To be honest, the main reason why I decided to put my comment in here is related to Norwegians. Based on my almost 3 years experience from Oslo and its suburbs I am going to make a small part generalization of Norwegians. I have also been to Bergen and Trondheim, but only as a tourist. I think you need to really live on one place in order to meet the people. You can not do this by just visiting the places, as the locals are always nice and smiley to the tourists – after all, they bring money to their communities and cities. Do not get me wrong, I adore and admire Norway and Norwegians. Norway is the country that gives the highest amount of money – foreign aid compared to the number of its population. This means a lot. They are very humane, honest, nice, caring people. This can be also reflected trough their health care, were each citizen can get a needed medical care, no mather what amount of money he earns. Someone would say that they did not accomplished much in there peace efforts in the world. But even if this is true (and it is not), the will is the one that matters – they are really trying to help people, and they gave so much money for it, and accepted so many people from this war areas. They encourage colectivism and equality for every single person and living being.

  But there is only one thing that bothers me about Norwegian – lack of some basic universal culture(or should I say bon ton) rules, which can be applied and generalized all around the world:
  I am constantly hitting my head up onto the doors, when a Norwegian in front of my does not hold it (the door). Also, it happened to me many times, that my neighbour or colleague from the work, pass the other side of the street whenever he sees me. Or when I am waiting for the train, and I enter to those waiting rooms – shelters, and there is only one person in it. I say “god morgen”, but I do not get a reply. I am even satisfied with a smile, but I do not get a
  spoken reply, very, very rare. Maybe I am doing something wrong. But still in almost 3 years, it repeats constantly.I talked with some of the norwegians, and they explained to me, that Norway and its citizens, did not evolved like other european nation, that the population have been scatter around the country in minor groups, and that due to small number of people and harsh climate and land, there was no chance and need for “social lubrication”. They told me that reasons are quite honest – they do not want to bother you, or take your time. My colleague crossed the street because he did not know if I am going to stop, and have a chat with him or not. But even if I would stopped him, it would take much of my time just because of bon ton. There for, he crossed the street, just because he did not wanted to disturb me. After this I managed to realize and to understand a little bit more of your culture and social behaviour. Like I said, I have really nice and positive opinion about Norwegians. Still I think that a bit more of this universal bon ton would not hurt you. Again, this is all from my point of view, based on very little experience not even full 3 years. Also this is only based on Oslo and suburb area, some Norwegians told me, that people from the North are different and more communicative and friendly. Again, this is what they told me, I am not saying that this it the fact.
  I am apologizing if I offended or insulted someone. That was not my intention. I made a generalization, but like I said, generalization is the mother of all assumptions. And assumptions are not theoretically proved, they are just that – an assumptions.

  Cheers.

• 45 Matthew // Jan 30, 2011 at 9:52 pm

  For all these people saying that bokmål is not spoken anywhere in Norway, you’ve clearly never been to a language class for immigrants. I’m in one now in central Oslo, and we’re learning to speak bokmål. Straight up bokmål. I sound like a stiff reporter from NRK when I talk, and clearly stand out as a non-Norwegian when I talk (though just based on looks I seem like a Norwegian). After two years in Norway, speaking good “bokmål” Norwegian as the University of Oslo taught me to do, I have not had one conversation in Norwegian, because everyone hears either an accent or the straight-up bokmål and switches to English. So Chris, you are wrong (maybe should have done a Google search about it?), because if ASferzii came to Norway and learned Norwegian in Oslo, he would in fact be learning to speak bokmål, and combined with an American accent he would have a hard time speaking to Norwegians in Norwegian, because they will almost always switch to English (often with a thick Norwegian accent, it can be noted).

  Second, in Oslo at least, you’d have to work pretty hard to be “rude” and culturally screw up somehow. This is a big city – people push, shove, complain, don’t say “please” or “thank you”, cut people off, talk too loud in restaurants, don’t hold doors open, and will generally avoid talking to everyone else. There’s no “normal” here – homeless people & drug dealers are the street next to young Norwegian fashionistas and men in suits & ties, there are sections of town where you fit in more being Pakistani than Scandinavian, you see protesters & sightseers mingling in the main streets, and I even saw the king of Norway get cut off by a cab driver on Parkveien behind the palace. In other words, this is a big, busy, diverse, and occasionally rough city (don’t worry, though, there’s basically no crime and people are actually friendly when need be), so whoever you are and whatever you do, you won’t stand out, either in a good way or a bad way. Small towns in Norway may be more strict with dos and don’t, but in Oslo, just relax, be yourself, speak whatever language you want, don’t worry about the people around you, and you know what? You’ll fit right in.

  Oh, and for all that the Norwegians love to say crap about America, they’re also pretty obsessed with the place. It’s a weird love-hate relationship. And they have plenty of critical things to say about Norway as well, if you get them going.

  Finally, there’s only one real “rule” for hanging out with Norwegians. If you’ve invited to a Norwegian’s house, bring them a gift from the Vinmonopolet – after that, you’re good to go.

• 46 Jennifer // Feb 22, 2011 at 6:28 pm

  So I have a question, I’m not planning on moving to Norway, only visiting but out of respect I would like to have a general understanding of Norwegian. I’m assuming were I to take a class here in the US, they would be teaching either Bokmål or Nynorsk without any specific dialects. My question is, if that is all I am able to learn before visiting, will I come across like an idiot or are the different dialects more just regional differences in language? Forgive my ignorance, but English is the only language I know at the moment and I would find it rude to visit another country with no understanding of their language.

• 47 Nat // Feb 24, 2011 at 3:18 am

  Okay so I realize that there’s probably nobody reading this anymore, because it’s several months old, but I would like to put in my two cents. I have heard two different opinions in these comments “America is stupid and fat” and “Norway is inbred and a backwater.” I am actually a Norwegian American, fancy that, and I don’t understand why any of you have chosen to comment like this. Both of you are acting the same and that’s childish. You’re responding to jabs at your country with jabs to another, how does that do anything? I know nothing about Norway, other than my great grandparents came here and that they invented krumkake (LOVE IT [please excuse the spelling]). I can however tell you about America. Yes, there are fat people. There are also hicks, jerks, hippies, party-ers, sport freaks and bigots. But that doesn’t mean that we’re all that way! We have millions of people in our cities, and guess what? they’ve all gone through twelve years of schooling at the very minimum, they’re not uneducated. Please, everyone, don’t make generalizations about a country’s inhabitants unless you have lived there or at least, met more than a few people.

  Sincerely,
  Nat

• 48 Sunniva // Mar 17, 2011 at 7:04 pm

  This is a pointless discussion that dances on the line of stupidness. Just be polite; look people in the eyes; say thank you or Tusen takk; and don’t stare at people, that’s creepy. Don’t forget that people of non-norwegian ancestry is norwegian too, just because they look pakistani doesn’t mean you can communicate with them.

• 49 IzuL // Mar 27, 2011 at 7:05 am

  well,my life in norway i could resume it in 1 word,or two… FUCKING UNFAIR!
  Im south american(Colombia) i been living in norway the last 10 years,we latinos might looked middle eastern unfortunately,i experienced some of the most barbaric racism,discrimination,prejudges one person could think of… not only me but my family too.
  dad happens to be a electrical eng. working for oil companies all his life,he pays 41% in taxes of his income,i worked since i was 15 and paid taxes too,my brothers went to school,were friendly and polite to everyone just as the rest of my family.
  cant possibly see what we did wrong,however wherever i go i feel people look at me like a possible rapist,thieve,parasite living off the welfare… sometimes people get to know im not middle eastern and actually there is abit improvement in their attitude,however most norwegians are just some rude hillbillies,they all feel superior and rightfully perfect for being norwegians,how f—- anoying.

  i seen it all in norway after 10 years,i grew up here,im 21 now,at school i was taken out while maths and sciences lessons to learn norwegian,well this led to a major failure for me in natural sciences in high school,obviously they gave shit since i was a lesser being who should be cleanin the shit norwegians poop.
  so ofcourse accordin to my perception norway is a shithole with the worst people on earth,but that mainly cause THATS what i experienced,a good chance to survive in norway is changin ur name to a norwegian name and talkin 100% fluent norwegian,givin up ur identity and behave like a norwegian,i tried that when i was 14 and almost ended up commitin suicide cause of identity problems.
  dad works for a oil company and the norwegians cooworkers are a pain in the ass,takin smoke breaks often,and letting the foreigner personal do most of the work,i worked in several places and thats a trend norwegians do,talk shit about others while drinkin coffe and smokin meanwhile i was actually workin,then later talkin shit behind my back.

  it is certainly true alot of foreigners do most of the shit here,mainly muslims,but WHY THE FUCK most me and my family pay for their acts??? not only that but is norwegian culture to look down on all others who are norwegian,how naive and stupid ignorant are these ”pig farmers”,like one english friend of dad said.

  well i can go on and write a book tellin how much i hate this country their culture their stupid useless language bla bla.. but this is only like injectin me with poison.
  yes,to all u worthless norwegians im movin out from here soon enough,i expect to study astrophysics and planetary sciences.
  if i would had experienced a positive outcome of living here i would be writin entirely oppositive undoubtly,but since this was MY experience thats what i can tell about norway and norwegians

• 50 Céline // Jun 5, 2011 at 12:18 am

  Hi IzuL!
  Fordi du har bodd mange år her i Norge, håper jeg det går bra at jeg skriver på norsk. Engelsken min er ikke kjempegod.
  Først og fremt ville jeg si at det du skriver om dine år her i dette landet på en måte sjokkerer meg, men på en god måte. Det er helt sant at mange “utlendinger” som kommer hit blir møtt med en fryktelig rasisme, og jeg skammer meg fælt over å måtte innrømme dette. Jeg har selv sett og møtt så altfor mange eksempler, eksempler som aldri noensinne burde ha skjedd. For å gi deg et eksempel så vet jeg om en kar fra Irak som der arbeidet som en jagerflyger, der en svært bra jobb med veldig bra inntekt. Her i Norge fikk han ikke bedre arbeid enn en bussjåfør.
  Men, som de over har skrevet finnes det mange ulike mennesker i ett og samme land. Det blir feil å si at alle muslimer er voldtektere og terrorister, det er feil å si at alle amerikanere er feite og late, og det blir feil å si at alle nordmenn er rasister. Selvfølgelig finnes det noen, til og med mange, men langt i fra alle.

  Mange av mine beste venner er innvandrere fra ulike forskjellige land, og trives godt. Det er helt riktig at de innimellom blir møtt med rasisme, men alle sier at absolutt alle (etnisk nordmenn eller ikke) de lar bli kjent med seg ikke viser tegn til rasisme eller utoleranse. De sier at jo mer de bilr kjent med andre og deres kultur, jo mer forstår de hverandre. Noe som selvfølgelig stemmer. Som kjent er rasisme ofte basert på frykt for fremmedhet enn noe annet. La dem som viser rasisme mot deg bli kjent med deg og din (for dem) fremmedartede kultur, så vet jeg at ting blir bedre.

  Du sier at du vil studere astrofysikk og sånnt. Det har vi her i Oslo, på Blindern. Her er utdannelse mer eller mindre gratis, og du må lete lenge etter land som tilbyr det samme :)

  Lykke til videre, og jeg håper du får også gode opplevelser sammen med nordmenn før du drar :)

• 51 Joppekim // Jun 18, 2011 at 8:03 pm

  -Izul Wow, as a norwegian i don’t know what to say. Looks like you really hate Norway all together, im really sorry for the experience you’ve had in this country. I hope you find happiness in near future :(

• 52 Karen // Aug 3, 2011 at 5:26 pm

  Wow. Was really looking forward to my trip to Norway next year to see the family, some of which I have yet to meet and was looking for etiquette-”when in Rome”. I am Norwegian, but very American. I see nastiness on both sides and I am quite shocked. Umm, my family over there are not peasants, pig farmers, nor do they think they are better than us. However, my Grandfather WAS a fisherman. He left Norway to come here because it was more lucrative. He opened 7 restaurants in New Jersey-four of which are still open-he died a multi-millionaire. He had a vision. Hmmm…pretty interesting story about a man who was “just a poor fisherman”. Peace from a proud American-Norwegian.

• 53 Senthil // Oct 16, 2011 at 12:33 am

  ooops…. such a long chain of interesting views.
  Very informative. I hold an indian passport and worked in a dozen countries and been into another dozen+ countries as a tourist. And last 3 years in Norway in a town called Alesund.

  I am yet to experience any racism or discrimination in norway. It is true it is not easy to get closer but with time it has to happen. I can experience it. You need to earn it. Whole of Scandinavia is quite educated, speak adequate english, most know another european language. They are generally welcoming but in an un-intrusive way. Very tolerant society. No one is pushing another. Process heavy and hence things can move slow. People talk straight. No playing politics. Huge emphasis on health. Probably nature has pushed them to what they are – hike in summers and ski in winters and that helps remain fit too.

  I am impressed by the people but wish some items are cheaper…. you know what !!

  And I had Americans as colleagues and they were just fine. But I should say that in general America has lost its mindshare world over. One cannot just ask another to change their views. Love should be earned.

• 54 Ryan // Nov 28, 2011 at 11:17 pm

  After reading the entire discussion ( a great one at that ) I have concluded that perhaps my two cents will add something to this conversation.

  I was born in Canada, and now live in Northern California. I study American culture as a hobby and I feel that there is something that hasn’t been pointed out about Americans here.

  America is unique. I don’t mean that in the silly everyday way of “oh yes, everyone is unique, we are all special.” I mean that people in America are seriously diverse. People are just different here, and probably more than any other country. It is so important to think about the following points that I have:

  1) Each American is very different (yes, more different than your average person from Norway, or France, or England).

  2) Although Americans do tend to be louder than many other cultures, you must also understand that culture shock might add to this. It is quite possible that these tourists are simply overwhelmed by all of the new sites and so they become loud to feel as though they have a place, or a say, in a place that they know nothing about.

  3) Just because many Americans sound dumb doesn’t mean that they are. Many Americans, espcially ones from the South, and Midwest, follow the attitude of “Look dumb, be smart”. They will even pretend not to know about certain subjects, or will be less willing to engage in subjects that are considered academic.

  4) Most Americans are not racist. Yes, even the ones who say “you talk funny”, or “Oh look over there that’s a foreigner.” This is something that is highly misunderstood. America is one of the least racist countries in the world. But our idea of not being racist doesn’t mean pretending that everyone is the same. It’s just the opposite. We point out differences, WHILE embracing them. We may even point out a difference and then laugh. Something that in many other countries can be perceived as racism.

  5) Americans value frankness. If there was only one thing I could brag about America it would be honesty in society. People are dead honest, and not even in a blunt way. People are not afraid to tell you what they believe. This sometimes contributes to the dumb american stereotype.

  I must also point out that no American should fear reinforcing any stereotype. Act as you are, and nothing different.

  Feel free to contact me with replies or anything of the sort.

Leave a Comment