Denmark's presence in the world became a bit more noticeable after a Danish newspaper published cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad in September 2005. What started as a discussion of self-censorship quickly evolved into a religious debate that questioned Denmark's values and ideals about culture and religious differences. The Danes realized that their isolated world was rapidly changing and no longer exclusively filled with tall, Scandinavian blondes. Over the years, immigrants from Middle Eastern countries have slowly began to populate Danish culture. The effects of this change only recently exploded once the cartoons were published.
Before the Muhammad crisis that took place during the end of 2005 and beginning of 2006, Denmark was characterized as "plus-minus ten percent." In political and social terms, this means that the Danes are generally a homogeneous culture with only a few individuals who have different opinions. The citizens of Denmark pretend as if their political issues compare to those of the world, but in reality, all Danish political parties are nearly the same. This observation ascertains the belief that all Danes are simple-minded, easy-going individuals without a worry in the world.
After the Mohammed crisis broke out, the world's attention shifted to the quiet, peaceful country of Denmark that was in cultural and religious strife over cartoon drawings. The main aspect of the conflict is the fact that the drastic actions were un-Danish and did not fit into the "consistent" society. It challenged Denmark's proud concept of freedom of speech, which had not been questioned in years. Denmark immediately became immersed in discussions around the world and new conflicts emerged within minority groups in Denmark. In my opinion, Denmark was most shaken by the Muhammad conflict because it greatly disrupted their everyday life. In general terms, the events that took place revealed Denmark to the world in a way which they had never witnessed.
As the world becomes larger in a cultural sense, Danish culture and values are forced to undergo a reformation. By learning from the Muhammad debacle, this change is inevitable and will happen much more smoothly if time and attention are given to it. Denmark's culture is used to isolation and homogeneity. These characteristics have been slowly evolving since the first Turkish guest workers came to Denmark in the 1960s. Many Danes did not realize that this change was taking place until Denmark became the center of attention this past year.
In my opinion, Danes could learn a thing or two from the younger generations that are speckled among them. With the advances in technology, youngsters are more exposed to various cultures and therefore more adept to the changes that are taking place in their society. It is somewhat possible for a middle-aged woman to avoid the Muslim population in Denmark, but children are with them everyday in school and on the playground. Perhaps they do not even notice the headscarves or religious and political differences. The values of young children in Denmark should be examined and copied by their elders. The world is changing and many Danes are beginning to figure it out.
After the Mohammed crisis broke out, the world's attention shifted to the quiet, peaceful country of Denmark that was in cultural and religious strife over cartoon drawings. The main aspect of the conflict is the fact that the drastic actions were un-Danish and did not fit into the "consistent" society. It challenged Denmark's proud concept of freedom of speech, which had not been questioned in years. Denmark immediately became immersed in discussions around the world and new conflicts emerged within minority groups in Denmark. In my opinion, Denmark was most shaken by the Muhammad conflict because it greatly disrupted their everyday life. In general terms, the events that took place revealed Denmark to the world in a way which they had never witnessed.
As the world becomes larger in a cultural sense, Danish culture and values are forced to undergo a reformation. By learning from the Muhammad debacle, this change is inevitable and will happen much more smoothly if time and attention are given to it. Denmark's culture is used to isolation and homogeneity. These characteristics have been slowly evolving since the first Turkish guest workers came to Denmark in the 1960s. Many Danes did not realize that this change was taking place until Denmark became the center of attention this past year.
In my opinion, Danes could learn a thing or two from the younger generations that are speckled among them. With the advances in technology, youngsters are more exposed to various cultures and therefore more adept to the changes that are taking place in their society. It is somewhat possible for a middle-aged woman to avoid the Muslim population in Denmark, but children are with them everyday in school and on the playground. Perhaps they do not even notice the headscarves or religious and political differences. The values of young children in Denmark should be examined and copied by their elders. The world is changing and many Danes are beginning to figure it out.
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