News and Noteworthy Events Part 1, From Oslo

Esteemed Readers,

I thought, the most important piece of news I would get from Oslo in this super hot July of 2011, would be that a very good friend of mine –more like a half-brother- had a baby girl. They named her Gina. 10 fingers, 10 toes and bright red hair like mommy… The parents were enjoying the generous benefits granted by the welfare regime of social democratic Norway. All is good…

Alas, the usual calm and peace of this Nordic heaven was recently shattered by the senseless acts of a lunatic psychopath. It is impossible to feel anything other than grave sadness for this catastrophic event.

Norway is an open, liberal society that truly embraces a social democratic way of living. This is why the government buildings, including the office of the Prime Minister, are easily accessible to the public. This is why civil society organizations, including political parties, try to cultivate a culture of tolerance and empathy at a young age through summer camps. This social democratic vision is also extended to Norway’s asylum policy. After rigorous screening, Norway would extend a hand to those who were born in less fortunate parts of the world.

It seemed to me that the lunatic murderer who created havoc in this serene country was critical of the essence of Norwegian political culture. He wanted a closed, xenophobic, mono-cultural fortress.

Let me be very blunt here.

Please look at this picture:

Ugly, isn’t it…

I thought so too…

Well, that’s the result of inbreeding. The Habsburg dynasty of Europe degenerated and eventually collapsed, thanks to its unyielding tradition of seeking spouses of royal blood, even if they happen to be first cousins…

Traditions, religions, languages and cultures have never been completely isolated from each other. Contacts and mutual interaction always enrich both sides. “Viability of the hybrid” thesis is not confined to Mendel’s cross-pollinated peas.

Let us eat, pray and work hard so that our children won’t grow up into a xenophobic world, where nations are penned up behind exclusionary, mono-cultural fortresses.


The heterogeneity loving Academic Mommy.