In the aftermath of the 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway comedian Are Kalvø made a list of things he appreciates about the Norwegian society. The daily paper Aftenposten then invited its readers to do the same thing, and these were among the most popular contributions:
“That people hang forgotten hats and mittens on trees and fences, in the hope that the owners might recover them.”
“That I once overheard the country’s prime minister introduce himself like this at a party: ‘Hi, my name is Jens, I’m Camilla’s brother.’”
“Immigrants with (Norwegian) dialects”
“That a terrorist attack lead to record-high sales of flowers – not weapons.”
“That everyone has the same opportunity to succeed, get an education and become what they want, without regard to gender, economy and background.”
“Good water”
“That we can say, write, think and mean whatever we want. Loudly.”
“That we can hike wherever we want in forests and mountains, and that we greet whoever we meet on our way.”
“That our king in times of sorrow is seen more as a consoling grandfather than an authoritarian king.”
“That people can be at each-other’s throats in a TV debate, before sharing a taxi home.”
“That when you forget your wallet at the store, you can retrieve it the next day with everything still inside.”
“That the healthcare system doesn’t care about your income, but about how sick you are.”
