Framing crime in terms of culture often leads us astray. In Norway today, the discussion frequently veers toward religion and ethnicity, with fingers pointed at “the others.” Yet, the reality is far more complex: crime is rooted in alienation, born from economic disparity and a breakdown of community, rather than the appearance or beliefs of individuals.
Crime does not stem from a person’s religion or cultural background; it emerges when young people lose hope in their ability to succeed within society. The widening chasm between “us” and “them” cultivates a fertile ground for feelings of exclusion and resentment.
The financial struggles faced in countless homes play a crucial role. Children raised in poverty face a higher risk of falling out of education and the workforce, drawing closer to criminal behavior as a result.
Time and again, we hear the same refrain: “It’s the immigrants,” or “It’s the culture,” or “It’s the religion.” But each time we misidentify the root cause, we exacerbate the problem.
The polarization evident in Norway today categorizes individuals as “problems” based solely on their backgrounds. This damaging narrative ensnares many within a vicious cycle. The more we frame culture as a causal factor, the more those individuals feel marginalized, further entrenching the very outsider status that can lead to crime.
We are not enemies
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It’s essential to remember that Norwegians themselves have a history of migration. Up to a million Norwegians have left their homeland in search of better opportunities abroad. In those instances, no one demonized us; rather, we were welcomed as people seeking stability and a brighter future. Why, then, should we not extend the same compassion to others seeking refuge in Norway? Those arriving here need community and opportunities, not suspicion and isolation.
The issues we’re witnessing today are not the byproducts of culture or religion; they are the outcomes of alienation. It is not inherently easier for a Christian or a Muslim to slip into criminality than for a Jew or a Hindu. Rather, it’s circumstance—upbringing, living conditions, community—and financial stability that shape who we become. To suggest otherwise is merely a form of discrimination.
When we let the finger-pointing dictate our understanding of crime, neglecting the essential issues of alienation and community disintegration, we jeopardize the future of our nation—a place people will shy away from, rather than cherish. As the community falters, crime is bound to rise.
It’s high time we stop pointing fingers, Norwegians. Let’s instead focus on building a nation we can all take pride in calling home.
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