Dec 18
some friends' description of the challenges that the local school
systems face due to their emphasis on equalizing circumstances instead
of using merit-based rewards. They said that the school system is very
good at boosting kids' self-esteem, but not quite as good at promoting
excellence.
I think the education system has changed since I went to school in both places, but the same mentality exists, that you better not brag about being good at something unless you really have cause to do so. Jantelagen is so strong in me still, that some of the American customs just nauseate me. Like putting bows on bald girl babies. In Scandinavia you would never place a bow on anyone unless you wanted to enhance the fact that they had beautiful hair. So by putting a bow on a bald baby is in essence saying that you think your baby needs a bow, which is of course laughable. There are layer of cultural aspects to this. Some that I will never outroot in me this life, some that I want to keep and others that I abhor. I have for example learned since coming to America, that if you have a talent for singing for example, you can still be glad about it, even if there are others who sing much better. It does not take away anything from your own abilities.
Strange coincidence
Coincidentally, and for the first time since I got here, two people asked me for directions on my way to work today. I was able to manage enough Norwegian to apologize for not being able to help them.
I have a short walk at the end of my commute to work after arriving at Lysaker station. Right now, due to some construction, there is a detour that takes me through a residential area. I've taken pictures of some of the homes I walk by. Norwegians use a lot of wood in their homes, and they usually paint them with bright colors. Olve, one of my coworkers, mentioned that there is a certain degree of social pressure to keep your house looking neat and well-maintained, among other societal duties. Although it's not usually this extreme, there is a concept articulated by Norwegian/Danish author Aksel Sandemose describing this tendency called Janteloven ("The Jante Law"):http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jante_Law
Although the author described this tendency negatively, there are also plenty of benefits to this custom. Without at least some of this, communities can't hold together.
Comments (3)
Dec 23, 2009
markandvictoria said...
I just have to say that it was Jantelagen that made me leave Scandinavia and LOVE the US.
Dec 25, 2009
Carl Youngblood said...
Yeah, I can definitely see what you're saying. I was surprised to hear some friends' description of the challenges that the local school
systems face due to their emphasis on equalizing circumstances instead
of using merit-based rewards. They said that the school system is very
good at boosting kids' self-esteem, but not quite as good at promoting
excellence.
Dec 25, 2009
markandvictoria said...
Actually, my experience is that people WERE excellent but only the TRULY excellent had earned the right to think that they were, And competition was fierce, to say the least. When I went to school we were graded on the curve, so beating your buddies was the only way to get an A. My BYU classes were about as hard as my High School classes, some were easier in fact. I had expected tougher demands at college based on my Swedish High School experience. When I came to the states I was astonished at how easily one could excel and how generous people were with compliments and praise. I loved it. Absolutely loved it. I think the education system has changed since I went to school in both places, but the same mentality exists, that you better not brag about being good at something unless you really have cause to do so. Jantelagen is so strong in me still, that some of the American customs just nauseate me. Like putting bows on bald girl babies. In Scandinavia you would never place a bow on anyone unless you wanted to enhance the fact that they had beautiful hair. So by putting a bow on a bald baby is in essence saying that you think your baby needs a bow, which is of course laughable. There are layer of cultural aspects to this. Some that I will never outroot in me this life, some that I want to keep and others that I abhor. I have for example learned since coming to America, that if you have a talent for singing for example, you can still be glad about it, even if there are others who sing much better. It does not take away anything from your own abilities.
Okay, I ramble. I LOVE that you are in Norway. Christmas in Norway is just the best. Much love to all of you!!
