This is a debate post. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
Could the Norway we know today have emerged anywhere else in the world? Perhaps, but much hinges on its people and their culture.
In both sports and business, there’s a saying: culture devours strategy for breakfast. This notion extends beyond those fields and permeates every facet of society. A Norway populated by individuals steeped in different values and cultural backgrounds would likely resemble a very different nation from the one we recognize now. The achievements of the welfare state, the oil fund, and our international alliances did not just spring from chance; they are products of a distinctly Norwegian culture and identity.
Indeed, Norway might have found itself among the ranks of failed states, had circumstances unfolded differently.
Culture Provides Direction
Norway is not merely a haphazard assemblage of individuals on a map in Northern Europe. We are a nation imbued with a rich history, culture, and identity that have evolved over centuries. This cultural essence has empowered Norway to forge one of the world’s most stable and prosperous societies. The Norwegian welfare state, our democratic principles, and our collective resilience in the face of crises are not mere happenstance; they arise from a shared understanding of who we are and the values we uphold. Without the framework of Norwegian culture, Norway would cease to be Norway, a reality we must discuss openly.
When Asle Toje questions whether Norway will endure what lies ahead, he strikes at a core truth: a state is not simply a collection of laws and institutions. It is a community of individuals bound by a shared history, culture, and aspirations. It is this culture that provides direction, fosters mutual trust, and allows us to make collective decisions. Stripped of culture, we become mere individuals living within arbitrary borders; enriched by it, we embody a cohesive people.
Culture is fluid; it evolves, is influenced, and takes shape through engagements with fresh ideas and diverse populations. Yet for a culture to grow sustainably, it must possess a core essence—a foundation to build upon. Norwegian culture is not a closed tome, but a vibrant tradition that has absorbed and transformed new influences across generations. It is precisely this ability to innovate while honoring our roots that has propelled Norway forward.
We Are Not Immune
We find ourselves at a crucial juncture. Observations in our European neighbors reveal that unity can be imperiled when cultural divides widen. Trust erodes as common reference points vanish, and political systems falter amid a lack of shared understanding.
A disregard for both written and unwritten norms contributes to this fragile fabric. A glance at Belgium, where celebrations of Morocco’s football victory spiraled into near riots, serves as a stark reminder. Similar echoes emerge in the worrying rise of anti-Semitism across Europe.
Norway, too, is not immune to these tempestuous forces, and signs suggest we are already feeling their effects. Would a different demographic landscape have steered Norway towards active NATO membership? Would we have developed our oil fund in the same manner?
The Framework for Our Community
This is not an argument for shutting ourselves off from change. Quite the opposite: a robust culture is one that assimilates new influences while reshaping them according to its values. However, this requires clarity about our foundations. We must possess the courage to assert that the Norwegian language, values, and history form the bedrock of our community. This is not about exclusion, but rather inclusion on our terms, accompanied by clear expectations of adherence to these values.
Articulating what it means to be part of this society is critical, not to deny anyone a place, but to clarify the standards required for reaping the benefits of belonging.
Values such as equality, trust, and respect for the individual are not inherent truths isolated from context; they have germinated in Norwegian soil, shaped by our history and perpetuated through our institutions. Without these shared values, what binds us together? What fosters trust, collaboration, and the vision for a shared future?
The Grip on the Future
An open society thrives when its members understand their identity and exhibit confidence in the face of new cultures. Many immigrant groups arriving in Norway from distant lands are resolute and proud of their traditions. Yet, it is equally essential that we articulate and stand firm on the values that have defined Norway. This demands a consensus on what it means to be Norwegian.
It’s all too easy to take our cultural identity for granted, to assume that community will persist regardless of our actions. History and current events teach us otherwise. Nations that lose touch with their culture teeter on the brink, facing internal strife and external pressures. We observe this phenomenon throughout Europe and beyond; we cannot afford to think ourselves immune.
This reality compels us to engage in discussions about culture and acknowledge its significance in shaping our societal structures, our alliances, and the priorities we set. It is essential to advocate for the preservation of Norwegian culture—not because it is superior to others, but because it is uniquely ours. It is what binds us as a people, fortifying our unity in challenging times and attracting individuals who choose to make this place their home.
The Problems of Immigration
Our community and culture face challenges from immigration, particularly from distant regions. While Norway has embraced immigrants and undergone transformation, not all these changes are beneficial. Cultural issues, such as domestic violence rooted in parental control, social pressure, religious extremism, and escalating politicization manifest friction, risking the erosion of societal norms.
In discussions about immigration, integration, and our social fabric, Norwegian customs are sometimes depicted as hindrances, impeding progress. Yet, these traditions are the very foundation of our community. Abandoning them leaves us without a base to defend, preserve, or pass on to future generations.
A Crossroads
We stand at a crossroads. We can either perceive culture as a barrier to be dismantled in our pursuit of a “modern” society, or we can recognize it as a source of strength, equipping us to meet the future with assurance. Our history can be seen as a burden, or it can be regarded as a treasure.
READ ALSO:
Plus
A Broken Conversation About the Meaning of the Nation
The choice should be clear. Norway has flourished and evolved due to a culture that has fortified our identity. If we wish for Norway to remain an appealing and viable place to live, we must nurture that culture. We must take pride in it. We must defend it. And we must ensure it thrives for future generations.
This does not imply a rejection of progress but an informed use of our past to shape the future. We should be an open society, yet one that recognizes its identity and principles—one that confidently asserts that Norwegian culture is worth defending.
Norway is more than mere geography; it is a community sustained by more than laws and regulations. It demands a culture and a collective identity rooted in that culture.
We cannot afford to take this for granted. Community will not sustain itself—it begins with an inclusive pride in our culture, not because it is flawless, but because it belongs to us and has helped shape our nation into what it is today.