27 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

Leave a Comment