National pride

A lot of Norwegians are frustrated these days. Our athletes haven’t won more than two gold medals in the Winter Olympics in Turin. 2 gold medals, 8 silver medals and 8 bronze medals is not enough for the national pride I guess. Why does it affect us when athletes win or loose? I’m not the one risking my life and welfare for gold and glory. Someone else, who coincidently lives in the same country as me is doing it for me; sweating, struggling and crying while I’m in my chair complaining that they’re not doing better. I’m not that concerned though. When I was younger I was following every competition, writing all the results in a book. Not anymore. I guess nationalism isn’t as important for me as it used to be. Perhaps I’ve found other parts of my identity that is more important? I don’t know. I am reminded by a book by Benedict Anderson called “Imagined communities” where he talks about nationalism as created, and not something “natural”. Events like the Olympics or the Eurovision Song Contest are probably great tools in this respect; creating national pride and a feeling that I’m a part of a community of winners. If we’re able to process the need to compete and win in events like this, and not on the battlefield, I think it’s great!

Cartoon controversy

Yesterday the Norwegian Embassy in Damascus, Syria was attacked and burned by hundreds of demonstrators protesting against a Norwegian magazine's printing of cartoons depicting the Prophet. The Danish Embassy was attacked and burned as well, and the story is covered by CNN, BBC and all the major networks. Once more the power of symbolic actions are manifested throughout the world. By printing these images Muslims in different parts of the world feel provoked in their honor and religious beliefs. Thousands of demonstrators are in the streets, even in London, Copenhagen and other cities in Europe. Danish and Norwegian flags are burned, stamped and spitted at in the streets of Palestine and Syria, and politicians and commentators are bewildered by what's going on. Here in Norway the situation is calmer. Church of Norway and The Ecumenical Council had a joined press conference with the Islamic Council of Norway where they have criticized both the publication of the cartoons and the violent reactions. The Lutheran Bishop of Oslo (Church of Norway), Ole Christian Kvarme, said that an insult against one religion is an insult towards all religions, because as religious people we should know and understand the necessity of respect. Therefore it's especially regrettable that it was a Christian magazine (even though it represents only a very small fraction of Norwegian Christianity) that published the cartoons. I am a little worried though, without healthy debate, discussion and friendly criticism all systems, political or religious, might be dangerous and a threat to society. Freedom of press should not be used for dishonoring religious symbols (as is the case with the printing of the cartoons of the Prophet), but are we free to ask questions and criticize other parts of our own, and other religious traditions? The next days, weeks and years will give us answers. I truly hope for a world where criticism and questions are asked and answered in a framework of respect, humility and openness!
Parts of this conflict reminds me of my impression after reading Knut Nærum's book "Krig" ("War) - (My posting November 9, 2005). He describes how the public is manipulated into certain positions because there are a few people that wants an open conflict / war. Let's not be a part of it! Let's not forget that we are people trying to cope with our existence, our understanding and our lives. If we live in Norway, Saudi Arabia, USA, Israel, Denmark, Palestine or Syria we are first and foremost human beings hoping to live our lives in peace. Hoping to create meaningful lives, living with the knowledge that we all need each other and that we are created for living in community with others.

Bye bye homepage!

Yesterday my website / homepage was erased after being on the web for years. I'm moving to another apartment in 1 - 2 months and I have to change internet provider. I had a lot of information on the web, and I've actually had thousands of visitors through the years. Now it's gone, and it feels OK. I'm a blogger now, and my homepage felt a little outdated. Maybe I'll be back with a homepage, but I'm not sure. The web has changed, and so have I. Now I'm a blogger, and that feels a little more immediate and fun (and not as much work).