National Pride....

Is mostly frowned upon in Sweden. Which is why we often have a hard time understanding for example the fellow Americans that circle the internet. Now don't get me wrong, I don't disrespect you or anything, it is just so... different from how I've been raised!

In Sweden for example, the national anthem is not taught in school. And if a school does, it is mostly as a joke, or maybe we know the chorus. It is not sung at graduation really, not at the end of the year, and definitely not at assemblies. Sure, the somewhat older generation knows it, and sings it on let's say 1st of May celebrations. But not in the same way.

Pride. With it comes so many complex issues, issues that we can't, or won't deal with. There have been instances where Swedes have been called out as demeaning against non native citizens for singing it at church, Hell, we aren't even allowed to go to church with primary school anymore. Now I know that some people use the anthem as a tool, and misuse it, but to not even teach us it?

We are widely known as "skippers". "Passive". "Kinda there, kinda not there". Any of these ring a bell? As our beloved country Switzerland, we remain non-hostile. That is until you start bickering about sports I'd say! Apparently, (and I say that because I know nothing what so ever about sports), we were once pretty good. Or are, what do I know. This brings on a sort of "pride", or how some would take it "joy". It's not the collective-ness of it that Americans on TV show.

I wouldn't go as far as saying that we as a country are losing our identity, but how long will it be until being Swedish can only be identified as having a piece of cardboard and paper stamped with our name and a birth date with a European flag on it? Can't we at least try to export more potatoes? Throw some IKEA into the world! Assemble, minions! Or how about that car you've got? Bet that three-point seat belt that saved your life last month doesn't feel that bad, huh? And ABBA.. Let's stop that ship right there, maybe we should invest in exporting earplugs. Let's all take pride in our countries, and not stuff it in others faces! (see the intended irony of this point right here? Good, good, you got it)

Yours truly,
ETBlogsHome 2013-07-04