I'm so happy to see another post connecting expatriation and DEI!
In fact, I started my Substack to advocate for this very cause — because living abroad teaches you, deeply, what it means to be the different one in the room.
Great interview! I’d never heard of “hygge racism” either. It’s a great term to describe how Danes often are very tolerant and inclusive, but selectively in a way immigrants can’t quite penetrate.
My experience, and it’s a quarter century since I lived in Norway, is similar to what Valentina described about Denmark. Even after living there 20 years, speaking the language fluently, and being a blue-eyed white guy, many people didn’t introduce me to their friends as “my colleague Paul”, they introduced me as “Paul from Canada”. To me that sounded like “this is Paul, he’s not one of us.” Maybe I was overly sensitive. I have many great memories and good friends in Norway.
Thanks! Do you remember any incidents of "hygge racism" ? I am not trying to find something wrong in the Scandinavian countries, I am just asking to see if there are any patterns around this topic.
Italy, Erasmus, Australia... I can't help but wonder how many of us shared similar life choices and just never crossed path! I am so glad this interview exists! That thing about hygge racism was very interesting, I don't think I've come across it in my journeys.
I had that thought as well when writing down the answers. It could be that Valentina was still in Australia, or that you were in Denmark, talking about hygge racism.
Regarding the latter, I hadn't heard the term either, but what Valentina describes is definitely familiar. That is maybe one of the 'darkest' parts of daily life in Denmark.
I have also linked in the post to an article describing what 'hygge racism' is. I found it both helpful and interesting, in case you want to check it out!
I'm so happy to see another post connecting expatriation and DEI!
In fact, I started my Substack to advocate for this very cause — because living abroad teaches you, deeply, what it means to be the different one in the room.
Great interview! I’d never heard of “hygge racism” either. It’s a great term to describe how Danes often are very tolerant and inclusive, but selectively in a way immigrants can’t quite penetrate.
Thanks for the comment Paul. I am curious, what is your experience/opinion about Norway on the topic?
My experience, and it’s a quarter century since I lived in Norway, is similar to what Valentina described about Denmark. Even after living there 20 years, speaking the language fluently, and being a blue-eyed white guy, many people didn’t introduce me to their friends as “my colleague Paul”, they introduced me as “Paul from Canada”. To me that sounded like “this is Paul, he’s not one of us.” Maybe I was overly sensitive. I have many great memories and good friends in Norway.
Thanks! Do you remember any incidents of "hygge racism" ? I am not trying to find something wrong in the Scandinavian countries, I am just asking to see if there are any patterns around this topic.
Italy, Erasmus, Australia... I can't help but wonder how many of us shared similar life choices and just never crossed path! I am so glad this interview exists! That thing about hygge racism was very interesting, I don't think I've come across it in my journeys.
I had that thought as well when writing down the answers. It could be that Valentina was still in Australia, or that you were in Denmark, talking about hygge racism.
Regarding the latter, I hadn't heard the term either, but what Valentina describes is definitely familiar. That is maybe one of the 'darkest' parts of daily life in Denmark.
I have also linked in the post to an article describing what 'hygge racism' is. I found it both helpful and interesting, in case you want to check it out!
You thought of everything! I appreciate that about your essays
Aww thanks for the kind words😊