Norway’s split image in the massacre aftermath

Democratic. Open. Safe. Just one week ago these words described the country of Norway. Yet, the massacre of July 22, 2011 revealed the darker side of the Scandinavian country. Much like other European countries, Norway is dealing with the sensitive topic of multiculturalism, a rather hidden debate in Norway that was uncovered in the most terrible way.

Norwegians are determined to continue living open lifestyles. A New York Times article mentions the events have actually strengthened the faith of young members of the AUF (Labor Youth party) in participatory politics and the principles of openness. Americans held a similar attitude after the 9/11 attacks. They were resolute on carrying on with their free lifestyles; however, a trip to the airport could quickly confirm the opposite. An account by Jo Nesbø, the Norwegian author of The Snowman, depicts the beginning of the end of innocence:

Yesterday, on the train, I heard a man shouting in fury. Before Friday, my automatic response would have been to turn around, maybe even move a little closer. After all, this could be an interesting disagreement that might entice me to take one side or the other. But now my automatic reaction was to look at my 11-year-old daughter to see whether she was safe, to look for an escape route in case the man was dangerous. I would like to believe that this new response will become tempered over time. But I already know that it will never disappear entirely.

But, the real questions linger although it is too early to have a clear answer: Could this have been prevented? Will it happen again? What will Norway become? In an NPR article, Anne Holt, a former police official, a former justice minister and currently one of Norway’s best-selling writers of detective fiction expressed herself on surveillance and security:

“The only way to prevent this from happening in the future is to turn the mirror, look at ourselves and see what the hell happened,” says Holt. “This boy is born in the best and richest country in the world, he has had every single chance of being happy, perfectly adjusted human being, but something went terribly wrong, and we have to ask ourselves why.” Norway’s image as a caring, loving society, the crime writer says, is only half true. And the country must now brace itself and try to deal with its darker, less tolerant side.

Perhaps with the exception of Israel, people from around the world have joined Norway in mourning and wish them the best to find once again a paradise of innocence lost.

(Photo: Eclipse and Vega)