One of the biggest freedoms in Scandinavia is the freedom to live without religion. It's one of the most disturbing side of the US to me, the concept that religion has such a big impact on the way your country is run. You have to be (or at least pretend to be) a "good christian" to get anywhere politically in the US. In scandinavia it would be expected of a politician to keep their faith (if they have any) separate from their politics. For me one of the biggest facets of freedom is not having someone else´s faith or religion dictate how I live my life.
But if you´re a religious person i Denmark it can also be a problem NOT to be able to talk about religion without being considered a fool ... freedom should be freedom to ALSO talk about ones religion
@@danmarksbloggendanmarksblo1330 I agree, if the person who talks about it does so in a non-invasive way. I’m from Sweden not Denmark, but in my experience, if someone talk about their religion in a respectful, nonjudgemental and non-missionary way, they will be respected back. Questioned perhaps, but respected.
Yeah, I found it worrying how you have to pledge your love to god in order to be seen as a trustworthy politician. While the country was founded by Christians after subjugating the original natives and times have changed, the belief that being a Christian equates to good still persists. To me, that comes off as fanatical. I have yet to see an openly atheist or irreligious candidate. This’s a belief we can all do without.
@@danmarksbloggendanmarksblo1330 I don't think danes in general will ridicule you for a God belief - but if you take a book like the bible literal i think you have to expect a degree of disbelief and laughter
Yeah, I agree as an atheist. The Christian right really irritate the hell out of me. The sad part is many as of late on the far left do the same for me because I'm much more center on my politics which means I like the right for the pro 2A stuff and I like some of the social programs of the left, but I can't stand the religion of the right, and some of the insane woke stuff that is screeched by the far left. Sadly in the US there is no middle ground anymore.
The american democrati is in danger, and US may be an authoritarian country in the future. That is an importent political case to fight for :D P.S: In my opinion it is also a freedom to have universal health care, free education etc..
Freedom: Walking topless on the beach, leaving your teenagers alone in the house for a couple of hours, teaching them to drink responsible at home before they turn 21 (or even 18), having an abortion if you need or want one - for free, going to the hospital if you need to without being ruined, knowing that there is a social system that will catch you if you are unemployed, never having to live in your car due to poverty, having a wage so you can live on ONE job. There are numerous ways we have freedom - or maybe rather security.
i have to disagree on the wage part. I currently work as an apprentice in ballerup at the magical wage of 75dkk an hour. My rent and utilities eat about 100% of my wage and i can only survive because i have family i can borrow from
@@Danish_raven then u are not living within your means... my rent + utilities is less than 3000DKK/month and i can live for 3000DKK/month in food... yes it's a small apartment but at least i have my own place and yes i cant eat steak every day but i can live on it just fine... 75DKK/h full time = 2775DKK/week minus taxes and u would get at least 8k/month... so 3k in food and 3k in rent + utilities, u should still have 2k+ left... sry for all the math but i like math :)
Ooh, I knew you were going to get some interesting comments as I listened to your vlog! You are so right about the polarization in the US. As an American living in United States, I fear for our future as a democratic republic with the blue/red divide that has hardened like concrete. Our 2 month sojourn coming up in April is in part a chance for us to see if we eventually want to become expats by living in a country where politics are private, and publicly choosing sides is irrelevant. Thanks for your thoughtful review of your past 5 years living in Denmark. Food for thought.
Thanks for the comment Greg, we also figured this topic could raise some ire, but we tried to approach it from a good place - we do love America and our experience and lives in Denmark have us loving two places. The polarization is just scary, and the media makes it so much worse by sensationalizing the worst parts of each end of the spectrum. No place is perfect, but we are glad to be experiencing a new way of life. I hope you guys get a fresh perspective from your upcoming trip and explore the possibilities of expat life - it’s a fantastic ride 🤩
I must say that we really like to discuss and argue politics - Also at parties. But we can still be friendly (as long people aren't outright nazies or something) We have have no "no politics rule". Religion is rarely discussed though because it is considered personal, and you would be considered a bit odd if you talked about it a lot.
Yeah, I know the feeling. I'm pretty much in the middle politically and man, I get nothing but hate by both sides. I get hate from the left cause I'm not woke enough, and I get hate from the right cause I'm not a good ol boy who is a bible thumping Christian who doesn't worship conspiracy theories. It is like you have to be 100% in one camp or another. As of late I've lost two long time friends cause I could not agree 100% on either side of the vaccine/mask argument. I literally pointed out how both sides have good points and how both sides had absurd points and, both people cut me off cause I would not come to one side or another. It is really getting insane here in the US when it comes to the political divide.
@@jan_Mamu what does it have to do with the subject? I know you're trying to be funny or just trolling but your attempt is weak ... do better next time ; )
@@jan_Mamu by someone... No.... but saturn in itself would by suffocating, freezing and crushing me at the same time... I guarantee absolutely no freedom there... N Korea would better than saturn... At least you be alive there....
I moved here from the UK (Scotland ) 7 years ago. It’s only now I’m juuuust starting to overcome my homesickness! I can definitely see a difference in happiness - Brits do know how to moan 🤣 whereas Dane’s ARE happy with what they have. It’s very interesting for me to look at the differences, sociologically, between my two countries ❤️
Tillykke on the 5 years in Denmark🥳 I'm also celebrating 3yrs in Denmark this month😊 (I'm from Romania, which although in the EU, is a very different country😅)
Congratulations on your 5 years in Denmark. You guys are great! You always approach cultural differences with an open mind and a willingness to see how they've come about and why the person thinks/feels like this in another country or culture. And when you do find cultural differences that you would like to see change, you talk about this really respectfully, regardless of whether it's USA or Denmark. I'm neither Danish nor American, but I hope if I emigrated to a new country, I would be able to be as open and as willing to understand the new culture as you are. Awesome! Thanks for your channel for helping people consider the nuances of culture.
“We can’t carry a gun every where we go…” This topic is one where I think different about what freedom is. I feel free because I don’t feel the need to carry a gun, because I feel safe in Denmark. I don’t want to feel like I have to carry a gun and I don’t want to be scared that my neighbor carries a gun. I don’t feel like I have to be afraid of sending my kids to school because of school shootings. I don’t have to be scared that my kids find my gun and shoot them self. That is freedom to me. Sometime freedom is not being able to do whatever you want, but feeling safe. Like with taxes - sure you don’t get to spend all your money yourself, but you get school, medical and social security and lots of other freedoms, so in the long run it gives you more freedom.
@@jimmybaldbird3853 you only need the gun to feel safe because you don’t know who else is wearing a gun! So in a society where no one is wearing guns, the safety is just a part of every day life… It’s about perspective!
@@sabinahertzum9728 naive thought. Europe has extremely strict gun laws. But as Europe has allowed new entrants- we will say- that dont share the same culture and respect for the law, you now see shootings, murder, and general crime increasing. Bad people are carrying guns amd weapons in europe now. Good people cannot. The 2nd amendment evens the playing field
I fear the polarisation coming to Denmark. I fear that the polarising discourse that young people in particular is met with online, will be something they take with them into Danish society. I think people sometimes forget that the extreme views that they get from their online interactions (and let's face it, often that is American news and SO-ME platforms) does not generally reflect peoples views in the country they live in.
The funny thing is - I really don’t see the polarization in the younger generations - my son grew up with messagedoards, gaming and all that stuff, he and his friends are some of the most accepting people I’ve ever met in my life!! The polarization I see are in the 35-50 yo - that’s the ones who go out of their way to ‘not be a follower’… The 20’ crowd know they need to work for their kids - while the 40s crowd are contemplating their own futures, because their kids are growing up fast….
@@sabinahertzum9728 I honestly think it is an age thing. I don't know how old your son is, but things change when you start caring about politics. My fear is that they will grow up to be the same. Or rather, believe that the problems we see in America are the same as here and act accordingly. The anti-vaxxer movement coming here honestly floored me. (side note, remember there is a generational gap in the middle of the 35-50 year olds. The first millennials are over 35 now)
@@kinuuni he is 27, and expecting his first child - but believe me, he is not the only one I see this in - friends kids, bonus daughter and every person in that age range, have been really tolerant and working towards unity and solidarity….. They are interested in politics, but they are just able to look at what is politics and what is common sense… I feel that many of my own generation are the ones who stir up shit…. Like anti vaxers - none of the 20 something’s have been against it ( of the ones i know) - but i have multiple 40 something friends we haven’t seen in the past 2 years because of their willingness to believe in rumors and conspiracies rather than science and common sense…. And even beyond that, people in that age range that just don’t care and while they follow the ‘rules’ they are not above cheating to make their lives easier, without thinking of the consequenses for others… The ones I see that do these things are really not into the politics of things - it’s about ‘personal freedom’ - about ‘ well that doesn’t apply to me’ - or ‘no one is gonna tell me what to do’…. I agree that it’s choking - but I also remember a time where my generation had so much more support from the government than we get now, and I think a lot of people just doesn’t like the change that has been happening the last decade…. They prefer the way it was - so now they show their spoiled selves….
@@sabinahertzum9728 I know several 20-somethings who are anti vaxxers. It might be a social thing or an areal thing. I am not sure what children have to do with it, I don't know any 20 year olds who are having children. Most people I know who are having kids are in their mid to late 30's. I don't necessarily mind the personal freedom thing. The conservative wave seems to have hit most of Europe, and while I am possibly the least conservative person you will ever meet - to each their own. Regardless a large part of that group are in fact the 20 something year olds. But I do very much mind the anti trust in science and experts and that seems to be across the board.
@@kinuuni there probably is a difference in it according to where you are situated - it also helps that my DIL is a nurse, and my son works in the vaccine centers… When I hear the 20 something’s in the media, it’s more about ‘it’s not that important, I’m not gonna get that sick’ - more than the political view…. The antivaxers I know live in rural areas where some of them just live in their own eccochambers…. While most people I know that get input from the world at large, are on board….
@Robe Trotting The US was not the first to incorporate democracy, and was absolutely not the first country in the world to "have" freedom. There are still blatant slavery in existance in the US, it's even constitutionalized and a part of the american mindset, that slavery is perfectly fine. Look at 13. amendment to the constitution. Historical democracy was first seen in Greece in the 500's... but the first MODERN democracy was New Zealand in 1893. Also - american democracy is not. American rule is plutocracy, and the US is ruled by bribing the politicians into working for the interests that the rich feels is important. That per definition IS plutocracy. To legitimize it, the constitutional safe word for the system is lobbyism. The only way you can become a succesful politician in the US, is by spending millions and millions of dollars on getting elected, these millions and millions of dollars has to come from donors - sure, donors are people like Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but there is no way that all the cost gets collected from the Mr. and Mrs. Smiths without huge corporate donations. The 2020 presidential election cost $14 billion. Of those $14 billion, Mike Bloomberg alone spent $1 billion in four months, only to drop out of the race, when he couldn't get more than 55 people in the democrat caucus to vote for him.
A plutocracy with the amount of government regulation the US has, is fascism. It's one big military industrial, big tech, big fake news, big pharma, big finance, big government circle jerk. In some places, social services has degraded to the point it's not even fascism - It's more like feudalism.
Even with the number of parties in Denmark, I find it hard to find one that represents my views well. With only 2 real choices like in the US, I'd probably go completely apathetic.
As a Dane, I feel the same way. The current two-party system in the US is IMHO a major problem for their democracy. It is only slightly better than a one-party system, like in China. Looks to me like the two major parties in the US found a way to exclude all other parties, just like the communist party of China found a way to exclude all other parties. Makes me a bit sad because I really like the people in the US, and the US constitution.
@@jamesabber7891 I do think that the massive polarization in the US is down to having just 2 parties. It's us vs them and no collaboration across the isles.
I wonder if that's also part of the reason why in the US party-adherence is so strong. In Norway, no party has 30% or more representation nationally, which means that you always have to work with different parties (sometimes you'll even get "weird" combinations like two parties working together even though there are 5 or more parties between them on the left-right axis)
@@jamesabber7891 Also the fact that US elections are so massively based on cost and fund raising, that the likelihood of most candidates being old and of a certain "type" is quite consistent. It means that views and approaches to presidency is less nuanced, and the fact that coalitions is not a thing also means that people's votes in general reflect who they believe is more likely to win, rather than who they would actually vote for. If you know your actual preferred party of choice is a guaranteed runner-up to the two main parties, then your vote is pretty much insignificant so you may as well vote for either one of the two major parties instead. It destroys any sort of progressiveness and adaptive evolution of politics over time, because it is essentially a political monopoly being fought by the two main competitors. And this in turn reflects in the dividing society because there isn't room for anything in between (or outside) the left and right. Red or Blue, that's all that matters.
You said it: live and let live! Thank you for this thoughtful summary of your views! Every point made sense and I agreed with. I'm from Europe myself, and moved to USA as an adult - and while I enjoyed this individualistic way of life and the pursuit of career success for a couple of decades or so, now I am reevaluating most of it and missing that European approach to life after all. I needed this reaffirmation from you, two strangers :) Thanks!
Wow, what a journey for you (and I guess in reverse of us, but still very relevant). Thank you for watching and leaving your thoughts - very happy to hear that you can relate and hopefully find a nice balance between the two lifestyles :)
i used to work for a company where we had and office in Atlanta Georgia and it opened my mind how open and welcoming Americans was when i was over there working for 3 weeks. Everyday some people we had talked with invited us out for lunch and in the weekend (friday / saturday / sunday) we had people picking us up at the hotel and just showed us what they thought could be fun and also what we asked to see. watched the braves. played softball. shopping partying everything. and when i came home i was embarresed as a dane how we treated them when they came to DK to work. we only talked work with them and left them on the hotel and they could take care of themself.
Interesting experience, it’s probably not unique either. Americans are very quick to befriend anyone new that they meet - it’s something we’ve realized that we do here (and maybe come on too strong in some situations when we first meet people). We also love showing people our city, food, neighborhood, favorite bars or sports etc. It’s a trait we’ve really come to notice about ourselves - for good or bad haha. I do wish it was more common with Danes, but we also find it worth the wait when getting to know Danish friends 😊🇩🇰
Man you guys are a breathe of fresh air !:) lovin the vibe! Judgement and criticism are completely out of control here in the states !! Everyone is lathered up beyond belief by their own self administered info addiction and as you said then choosing a side which due to our hyper individualist culture gives one the right to judge and rant and rave . I had to distance myself from several friends these past couple years due to their incessant tirades . Hope to visit and experience the Danish vibe soon :)
Congrats guys! I have just done 5 years in Denmark too. I’m from South Africa. I empathize with all you say! As I came here for my sick husband I could not attend Sproge classes. I’m doing Duolingo. It’s great and helps with pronunciation a lot. I hope we meet to compare notes one day! June
I have so many different things I want to say here, that I barely know where to start. In Denmark I would describe politics as a bunch of relatively competent people trying to agree on good solutions. It is not always perfect, but everyone is honestly trying and everyone respects that the other politicians are also trying their best. When you say "everything is politicized" that is not what you mean. Perhaps it is the element of finding negotiated solutions that is missing. Our it may be about the lack of respect for the people s with different thoughts from your own. Or maybe it's about the insane amounts of money in American politics. I am not sure. I sometimes think that the difference is the first -past-the -post system used in countries like America, the UK and Germany. Using such systems tend to give small majorities in the population large, disproportionate majorities in parliament. This makes it easy for a small majority to take power and rule essentially without ever negotiation anything. So when they actually would benefit from negotiating, they don't have the skills. A glaring example of this was the Brexit process, where the government ways years just throwing suggestions at parliament, and got voted down every time. Instead of talking with the opposition and finding a commonly acceptable solution. It never even occurred to them to try that. In Denmark, when an EU-referendun was lost, the parties immediatly sat down together and discussed what it should mean, came up with a handful of danish exceptions to the EU-treaty, for them approved in the EU and then approved by a new referendum in Denmark. It was messy and not a very pretty process, and noone really loved the result. But it worked, and is a very good example of what negotiating is all about. Next, the "rugged individualism" thing. In the US everyone is expected to be responsible for wherever they are in life. If you get hit by tragedy - it is your own fault. If you win the lottery or inherit millions - it is due to your own efforts. In Europe where you are in life is never your own fault or because of your own efforts. Neither approach is true, of course, but there are good and bad to say about both ways of seeing the world. Americans are very good at taking responsibility for their own situations whatever they are, and then trying to change what needs to change. In Europe some people are just sitting around waiting for others to change their lives for them. And that never works. Ultimately, you are the only person that is there to care that you have a good life. All Americans get this. Not all Europeans do. Then there is what Mike called "trust and respect". This is the real secret of the Nordic countries, and it took me decades to realize. We trust others. And we are raised to be trustworthy people. This has huge implications. If we need help, we trust that someone will help us. We trust that the authorities are doing the best they can. We don't need to carry arms, because other people are if not friends then at least trustworthy. And we each have a responsibility to help if we can. It is not a perfect system. People that trust a lot are easy to take advantage of. But it generally makes for a good and happy society. One that might just be a little hard to join, since you must convince others that you are trustworthy, even if your Danish is less than perfect. You need to join the web of trust. In America i think churches perhaps have served or serve a similar function. The people you trust -your people - are the ones you see in church.
@@lorimanning-bolis5760 By the way: Germany has no real First past the post system in general elections. The seats in the Bundestag are distributed by proportional representation. Those seats are then filled by First past the post principle but have in the end no effect on the political majority.
Coming from England one of the huge differences I feel is the electoral system. The UK and USA both have a first past the post-election. There is a huge feeling of frustration living in an area that is regularly conservative or liberal if you are more to the opposite view. Your vote becomes irrelevant, whereas in Denmark with proportional representation your vote counts. People are more actively involved. Another thing is the number of associations. Every man and his dog are board members or actively taking part in voluntary organisations.
Very true, the political system is so archaic in the US and UK, it’s also tough trying to explain it to Danes who sometimes look down on the gridlock caused by such a system without realizing what’s causing it. So often we hear “you just need more parties” but that’s maybe the fifth or sixth that would have to change to improve - it’s more the symptom and not the cause of the gridlock.
fwiw - at least this is the case in the USA that a lot of Americans don't realize... but your vote isn't thrown away when you are in the minority voting wise. The reason I say this is because of "Mandate". If a politician in the States wins an election by 5-10% points they can feel pretty confident their chance of re-election is pretty good if they don't get caught doing something that is political suicide. If a politician wins by more that 15% they are on cloud nine and could pretty much vote in Congress however they want. BUT if that politician wins by less than 3%... or worse less than 1%... they have problems and DO have to give consideration to the other party. Trust me - your vote counts if only it means that said politician knows they barely got the job. That said. I gave up thinking our way of politics is anything like the Founding Dudes wanted. In fact, I know it isn't based on the divide between Jefferson and Adams back in 1800. We've essentially been a 2 party system since then. Even though one of those parties is no longer in existence and was replaced by today's Republican party. So... it aint gonna get fixed my fellow Americans. The 2 party system isn't going anywhere - barring an outright, undeniable miracle.
The electoral college is an equity based system. However every single state in the US is proportionate representation. Think of the EU as the US and the European counties as the US states. that’s how the US is designed to be governed. Because everyone in a teeny tiny country like Denmark all have similar interests. Same demographic, same exports, same economy, etc. But in the US you have states like CA and states like OK in the same country. They couldn’t be more different. If we allowed for popular vote for the president then CA and NY would decide every election. So it would only serve the interests of the people in urban environments. The purpose of the electoral college is to give an equity based vote where smaller states that have specific industries that the US economy may rely on, aren’t totally silenced because they don’t have the population density to compete with the cities. That’s how equity works. You give a bigger voice to the little guy so that they can be heard.
I’ve been bingeing on your videos. As a first generation American Danish, I’m getting a kick out of how accurate your observations are. And Mike, you are developing a Danish accent when speaking English! Love how you pronounced 'abroad'. Høj dansk! Well done. 😊
I admire your diplomacy and enjoyed your perspectives. I do not only see you guys as citizens of Denmark, but as citizens of the world. Many people could learn a lot from you guys.
With the political situation here in the US I am definitely considering becoming an expat. It's down right scary here. My heritage is Scandinavian (Danish/Swedish mostly) so those are definitely countries I am interested in visiting/moving too.
@@carlsmart5049 Why shouldn't we? I'm interested in Sweden, but I haven't done much research. I don't want to assume and decide things without having much knowledge about it Thanks in advance
@@usernotfound4786 I'll bet you Carl Smart just is a Dane proudly carrying on our long history of neighbour wars 🙄 It's kind of a ground rule that we are not supposed to say anything nice about each other - when the other one is listening... Have you got siblings? Sweden is our big sister, and we treat her as such!! Until someone from outside want to hurt her, that is 😉 Be afraid, Vlad 😱 - We've got lots of Lego bricks 🤣- and food enough for both the Finns 🥰and the Swedes 🥰 Peace and love from Denmark
Political attitudes in the US have become far more aggressive over the last few years. It makes me sad that I can no longer express certain opinions around my family anymore.
@@RobeTrotting Well, my issue lies mostly with politics mix with religion. And that goes very deep in the US. Being a cisgender heterosexual male, and very pro LGBTQ. It's impossible to talk about any nuance regarding that subject with my family.
In the US you can talk openly to your heart's content as long as you're woke. If you're more conservative, you'd better shut up or else. It's exhausting.
I'm sorry, I know you guys mean well, but I have to challenge your statement that America is good at integration and having a pluralistic society etc., even overall. If you ask any Afro-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American person you will get a very different answer from yours - they feel the very real consequences of American white privilege, especially in the job market and the policing culture. America prides itself of being "The melting pot of the world" but fact is that racism is still very much alive in America and in recent years polarized/desperate/corrupt politics have really fuelled that fire and revealed some real nasty facts about the life of American immigrants - in short, the American dream is dead. I'm not saying we don't have racism in Denmark and we do have very strict immigration laws (a natural response to high influx of immigrants and refugees from the Middle East escaping wars and conflicts started by America) but I don't think we generally have the same level of racism, especially because our mindset is still very much that of collectivism and not individualism which makes it harder for us to deny others the same privileges. Fun fact: North America is 73% white people and Denmark is 86% white people. Not that big of a difference. Maybe North America is not quite the melting pot it presumes to be. Think about it.
We would never brush aside the struggles of minorities in America, but within a generation new immigrants are considered American and I don’t think that’s the case in Denmark. I also think other cultures are celebrated in ways that I don’t see here, but there could be festivals and things that we don’t know about. Legally, there are non-discrimination laws in America that don’t exist here and you could argue that some laws are blatantly discriminatory. We may have to agree to disagree on this one or at least agree that both countries could do better in different areas 😊
I saw someone describe the ethnicity in the US as one of those lunch trays, where there's different stuff, but everything is divided up into small spaces, which seems rather accurate to me. It seems like the US is obsessed with race. I mean, they ask people to put their race on job applications! What's that about?
@@RobeTrotting As a Dane living abroad, I'd like to chip in here if you don't mind. This is a nuanced debate and I think both Martin Lund and yourselves are onto something, and as such I'm not taking sides. What I'd like to add is the fact that Danes openly use the expression "non-ethnic Danes", and it bugs me that many Danes cannot see that this is inappropriate terminology. It is inappropriate for two reasons: First, it is not an accurate term, i.e., what is in fact a "non-ethnic Dane"? (haven't met a Dane who can define it!) But second, and more importantly, the implication of the terminology might be that there could be people who could have lived in the country for generations and still not be an "ethnic Dane". It implies that Danishness is an ethnicity. Better terms would be "non-white Danes" or "minorities".
Interesting reflections from your 5 years in Denmark. Just for fun I looked up the "Democracy indeks" made by The Economist (Economist Intelligence Unit Index of Democracy). US is ranked #25 in the world and Denmark is #7. Canada is #5. Top 3 are all Scandinavian countries. Having lived in both US and Denmark this seems about right. What troubles me is that it seems to get "worse" in the US as of lately (last 5 years).
I dont know how Sweden ranked that high because they dont even have propper anonymous voting, and a lot of political parties refuse to work together no matter what, where in Denmark(and prob all other nordic countries) radical left often makes deals with radical right. Also there is a lot more shaming and people have to hide who they vote for in Sweden, which is also very rare in Denmark. And i also dont see what makes Denmark worse than Norway and Iceland.
I was just rewatching and your discussion of freedom reminded me strongly of Roosevelt's four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear. I would argue that these are the basics of Danish life and happiness.
One thing that I really appreciate Americans living abroad do is having the perspective that the world doesn’t consist of one country. Guess the one I’m thinking of lol. It’s also so so nice to hear that the perception of freedom has evolved and means different things for different people.
As a Dane living in the US I agree with your multi cultural view. Generally people are allowed to have their own culture. Here it's okay not being able to speak the same language and not have the same traditions. In DK? Not so much.
It’s a nice thing that we didn’t realize was a bit unique. America definitely has issues with race and a problematic past (and sometimes present) but most immigrants are integrated within a generation while still being able to celebrate their heritage and traditions.
I have never understod the americans love for guns. I think it takes freedom away from people, when they have to live in fear of beeing killed. And also the lack of help and information, for those with mental health issues and their families. A lot of sad stories from US, with young people having guns and mental health problems. And families fighting to get help, but cant afford it. I also think about the cops in the US, they must live in constant fear, and that will break people over time, and will make them shoot first and ask later. If a police officer is killed on the job in Denmark, its a huge deal and people are sad and angry. It happens every day in the US, like its part of the job. Also as you mention, only having 2 political sides, makes it a battle, I think that having many too choose from, makes it easyer to talk about, you can almost always find a common ground, in a debate :-) Love your videos, makes me appreciate what I have more :-)
Awesome video and very interesting to view, got some friends in America I usually share you creations with. And this one is very good and very usefull to shared since writing about the differences in Living. You guys rock and welcome back to Denmark Hope you brought some of those Vanilliekranse with you back 🥰🥰
I think another way Denmark is very free can be found in the high social mobility. Obviously growing up in a household with more money makes a difference, but even if you grow up without money, you can still study what you want to study, not to mention it's super easy to start a business here! The "American Dream" is ironically more achievable in Denmark 😅
I think the issue with integration in Denmark is that it's important to adapt to key parts of Danish culture, which clashes with key parts of some other cultures. There's much talk about the homogeneity of Denmark, but I think it mostly misses the mark. It's not the homogeneity of race, but the homogeneity of culture that is at the base of our high trust society. And I don't think it's our job to change our culture for other people, especially if it would lead to a less cohesive, less trusting, society. As we say "skik følge eller land fly".
@@charisma-hornum-fries actually, the opposite. I did not believe this until I moved to ethnically homogenous nations. Despite your ignorant assumptions, I have lived in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.
Finally someone worded integration - us smaller countries have a very distorted view on integration and how well we do - this was really well put I always thought US had to be better at integration as a whole since the US has had so many different cultures and religions within their own borders for centuries - very well put and thank you for wording it this way you hit the spot as u guys always do! Great video!!!
Enjoy your videos a lot. You both have a very appreciative attitude towards Denmark (and other places) and your views as newcomers enlightens me and make me reflect and learn.
I spent 2 years living in the United States going to Uni. At that time "everything" was pretty much the same across the board. I'm Canadian btw. I moved here 20+ years ago and the "cultural" differences are all of a sudden more pronounced in my PoV. I guess everything changes. But it's all good. There are things I miss about Canada - snow, real winters, etc., but over all I enjoy living where I am now.
So I read the comments before I saw the video... 😂 I won't do that again... We as danes should be better at taking criticism. As much as we love to hear about all the good things, just as much do we get offended about the bads. I will work on that. Ohh I have noticed that you guys are beginning to say the "mark" in Denmark the Danish way 🇩🇰
Congrats on your 5 y. anniversary 😊 I found a saying about being in foreign countries that was on point for me : The more you travel the more you learn about your own country. I lived 10 y in a small city in Germany, and I couldn’t really say I now know how all of Germany is, but comparing it to Denmark I really learned a lot about the things I took for granted back home.
Thank you 😀🇩🇰 And we can't agree enough about that quote - it's spot on! We feel the same, we don't know everything there is know about Denmark, but living here has taught us SO much more about America than we would have learned if we stayed in Philadelphia, and that's a really cool thing.
That was quite interesting. 👍🏻 I absolutely agree that DK could learn a lot about integration from the states. 👍🏻DK is unfortunately just as self centered as USA in some ways…. 🤷🏻♀️ I also think that democracy is viewed very differently in the states, than how it’s viewed in DK. One of the major differences is the legal systems. For example if you travel to New York as a Dane, you are told NEVER to help somebody, cause you might get sued…. 🤯🤯🤯 I couldn’t live in a society, where I would have to be afraid to make a mistake, or give cpr to someone who needed it. In DK the legal system is trusting, and if I behaved like a responsible father (bonus pater familia), I am not responsible for other peoples behavior. Trust also regards in the work life. My boss trusts that I like working there, that I know what to do, and that I’m responsible enough to get it done right. When I hear about the work life in the states I think it sounds like a third world country… 🤷🏻♀️ Sorry….. I don’t mean to criticize USA, but the naively and cult like ways most Americans truly are raised with the beliefs that they invented freedom, and is the best country in the world sometimes frustrates and saddens me. If ANY school in DK ever made the children recite any pledge of allegiance it would be closed, cause that is the definition of brainwashing….. That said, some of the Danish politicians frustrates me the exact same way, and comparing cultures is SO hard, cause it’s a matter of beliefs. You might as well compare religion, and I’m NOT going down THAT street. 😅😅😅 We are all different, and what I believe is the right way to live may not be right at all. But I believe in having the freedom to change my mind, when I learn something new. Again and again…. And respect others to do the same. 👍🏻 Thanks for a great channel guys. 🤗
Very interesting discussion. One thing I, as a Dane, find strange is Americans’ lack of trust in it’s government and the tax system. It seems many Americans perceive taxes as just a black hole that steals their money and they don’t get anything in return. Many Danes pay their taxes with a big amount of trust that the money will be put to good use and benefit the common good. I could understand this difference in perception if America was some corrupted 3rd world country, but obviously it’s not, so why this mistrust?
Like Mike said, most of it goes where no one sees it, thats again largely the military and benefits for the 1% and their megacorporations. The average joe gets nothing out of it, all while tons of people are stuck in poverty, loads of people can't afford even basic needs like education and health care since they're run as businesses rather than public service. Employers trying to cut even highly educated and skilled labour's wages as low as possible to keep their own profit, all while no social security net exists and unions were turned powerless in the 80's. Plus whole cities the size of Aarhus not even having a single bus line meaning people can't even get a job without risking becoming road kill or being forced to buy a big SUV or Truck as the automakers even push those as the only things at dealerships to excort as much money from customers as possible. All while the people pay a tax rate very close to Denmark's overall, though with a massive reverse robin hood problem of taking from the poor and giving to the rich. Of course they don't trust the government. Many people don't even have access to the education that lets them see through such shadiness. If anything America is more like a 3rd world country with megacorporations and an uber wealthy 1% in a trench coat.
@twisterwiper I think you underastimate how much corruption there is in the US just take there voting system you need alot of money to run for president and like everything else there is no free lunch in live. They are not donating out of the goodness of there hearts they expect something in return. That in it self screams corruption.
A lot of the the anti-tax rhetoric in the US comes from the Republicans, the conservative political party. About 15 years ago a couple of American billionaires (the Koch brothers) started a political movement within the Republican party known as the "Tea Party." The Koch Brothers were libertarians and believe that taxes are illegal (because they're greedy and want more money.) Through the Tea Party they launched a propaganda campaign to brainwash conservative Americans into believing that taxation is wrong and that government wastes the money when it's used to fund social services. (It's crazy, I known.) Not all Americans oppose taxes. It's just a fringe 30% of hardcore conservative Republicans.
Such a good video. As a dane who has been married to an american and lived in The US for almost 8 years I often thought about the exact same issues! I agree with every single point 👍
The integration part. When I've spoken to some people who are minorities they've said " It's easier to right away fit in I USA but it's harder to really feel like you belong. Where in Scandinavia it's hard to fit in but once you've passed that hurdle you really feel like you belong". I don't fully understand it since I'm not a minority living abroad but I thought it was interesting comments
Now surely you guys know that America didn't invent democracy and wasn't the first nation to have a representative democracy, cause i'm pretty sure that the Roman empire had that, and democracy itself is from Greece.
@@RobeTrotting Still though you go on talking about how it's nice to see how the rest of the world has also embraced freedom and democracy as if it's something new and not over a 100 years ago we all became democracies. So what is modern to you? 1800's, 1900's? There's no one left who hasn't lived under a democracy in western countries. Back in the day they didn't look to America and was inspired cause we weren't that globalised then. So how exactly do you define modern society? I know i'm going a little of here but that whole bit of the video should be cut out cause it's not good:-)
I think that you can surely appreciate that there is NOT a two parti system e in Denmark but a much larger spectrum of political parties....the result of this also means that Denmark is not split in two like America almost is...
Yeah, this topic could be a whole separate video - but I don’t think the two party system is the biggest problem in American politics. Plus, there are small factions within the two American parties and the Danish parties join into two coalitions, so it’s not THAT different. The bigger problems in the American system are the infusion of money into politics (basically “legal” bribes) and the insane amount of veto points that keep progress from happening. No system is perfect, but the Danish system is much more fair and representative.
@@RobeTrotting Is is totally different in every way. Also I think the partisan media is really the biggest problem and those stem from having just two parties. Factions within the parties don't matter as they often have to follow the partisan agenda and also they have to represent the opinions and values from where they were elected (to get re-elected).
@@RobeTrotting at least all the votes count in Denmark...and the one with the most votes wins...simpel and easy..no geomandering...or voter supression...no votes "lost" when one party wins in one region...and gets ALL the mandates...without winning all the votes...and stuff like that that makes almost no sense to Danes...and it is easy to vote in Denmark....no problem - everyone is expected to take part in the proses of voting and it is made easy to do so.
@@RobeTrotting But it makes it a lot easier to debate politics with friends, family and co workers, since you can usually find areas where you agree. In the US you are politically split into 2(3) boxes. Read, and blue (and independent.) In Denmark that is simply not the case. We get splint into 10? boxes and There are plenty of areas where a party Liberal alliance agree with Enhedslisten. Also in the US there have since the founding been a fight between the people who think the role of government is to protect property and noting more. And the other that think (to quote lincoln) "legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves---in their separate, and individual capacities."(...) including "public roads and highways, public schools, charities, pauperism, orphanage, estates of the deceased, and the machinery of government itself.” -- That question have been central to US politics the last 50 years. But in Denmark it have more or less be settled. Sure our (economic) right wing parties want more private involvement and less public run things, but they don't want to dismantle the entire system.
Interesting that you left religion off the table... or healthcare... or education... or homelessness.. or poverty... or standard of living, I can almost assume ANY Scandinavian country is better off than the US. Seems the only ones singing the USA's praises are Americans that have never experienced anything else.
I assume it's in many ways easier to have your wedding picture on your desk at work, talk about your romantic weekend plans, or just hold hands in public, when you're gay in Denmark than in most places in the US? Something I've never understood about the US is how few people vote. We may not put a sign outside of our house about it, but most of us see it as a duty AND a privilege to vote. But why would you choose not to take an active part in democracy?! And I'm with you. Drinking a beer in public is a beautiful form of freedom. Especially mixed with the knowledge that you're safe from people with firearms, and that you can teach your children a little healthy independence, because it's perfectly safe for them to walk home from school alone.
Neither country is perfect, but I think Americans lose sight of how well we do - most immigrant families are integrated within a generation and are still encouraged to retain their traditions and celebrate their heritage. Sure, America has many issues with race and providing equal opportunities for minorities, but there are also many protections and anti-discrimination laws. We never realized how well America actually does in this regard.
Apparently you don't read the papers since there have been at least 1 shooting a month. The funny thing about laws is that criminals don't care about them...
Agree! 40 years in Denmark and 15 in the USA, love both countries, I like that in the US, helping your neighbor, is appreciated but kind of taken for granted in Denmark. Miss the food from Denmark!
I think all Americans need to spend a year in Scandinavia, or Europe in general. Learn to relax, get used to see naked boobs at a beach, without it being anything special or sexual
I love you guys and the perspective you bring and the way you are able to articulate your views🫶🏽. As a 3rd culture adult, married a Dane, raised the American way (not in US though), and an expat life, I share your sentiments and views. Keep it up guys 👍🏼🇩🇰
The longer the work day, the more time for breaks and chit chat. If there's no time for socializing when off work, people will do it AT work. We are social creatures, we NEED it. I'll rather work my butt off for 8 hours, then go home and socialize with family and friends, rather than fulfilling collegues' social needs.
It's not really surprising that a country gets so polarized politically when its political system effectively allows for only two opposing parties, it's not like that leaves any room for nuance. See the same thing in the UK where currently Conservative MPs are looking at defecting, and instead of joining a different right wing party, the only option if they want any kind of electability is to jump across and instead join the Labour party.
Hejsa and so glad you like our little country. I lived in NY for 18 years and I agree with everything you said. General speaking you are right, but I do believe that integration is easier in countries that are anglophile as most people have a basic knowledge of English, and danish is just so dammed hard. Stay with us for a while, vi-like you.
In Denmark you can't bring a gun to the cinema. In the USA you can't bring a beer to the park. One restriction seems to be designed for public safety, the other seems like something a controlling girlfriend would demand.
You Guys are Just Getting Greater and Greater !!! I ACTUALL THINK THAT YOUR VIDEO's SHOULD BE USED IN EDUCATION both in Denmark for immigrants and very much for Americans simply learning about other countries !!!
Hi! This was a great video. Both the topic and the reflections you guys did. Congrats on the 5 year anniversary with tiny Denmark! 🥳🇩🇰 but can I also mention how natural and relaxed you guys sounded in this video? ☺️☺️☺️ It showed a bit more about you guys, the way you just went with the flow. I really enjoyed it. But I enjoy all your videos :)
US: "The right to bear arms" DK: "The right to beer arms" The difference is just an "E" instead of an "A", I suspect that your "founding fathers" probably just couldn't spell ;) ;) ;)
yeah in the US it's either red or blue instead of who has a great idea then lets work together to implement it for the great good of the people,at least thats how I see it from outside as a Dane Rigtigt godt nytår til jer og velkommen til 2022
Typical workweek is 37.5 hours Monday through Friday with at least 5 weeks vacation and you have to be able to take a 3 week vacation between May and September. We have a video on work-life balance and one overall on working in Denmark 😊
You said something about not being able to carry a gun in Denmark. In the perspective of freedom…I will ask: why should you? Isn’t all the guns in the USA just helping people kill each other? How on earth does guns have ANYTHING to do with freedom?
Nice video! One thing I would disagree on is which country had the first democracy. If in a true democracy, women can also vote, actually you now live in the first country to have a true democracy - wink wink! (1915 by law, 1916 in practical reality)
hi Guys. I love your channel and explores of Europe and Denmark. BUT You being proud of being a part/not part of a cultural and national background, dos'nt make that meltingpot called USA a haven to mark other nations! We from the east of the big Atlantic are NOT AMERICANS. You will tell me to cool down, but despite the love for your channel and you two guys, the disrespect you utter to real nations is too disrespectful. Love you guys, and no more. Jacob
And yes remoulade RULES!!! and smørebrød is close to our religion. Don't say you don't love it. Especially homemade just the way you like it to be. The rest of the world needs to follow u
I am curious, do you think the sense of community and collective mindfulness can be achieved in a multicultural setting? Or it is only possible within a very homogeneous society? :)
@@RobeTrotting I think other countries sadly would find it surprisingly difficult. A lot of things, some of them coincidences led to Denmark and Scandinavia being the way they are. I really recommend wathcing this video on the development of social democracy in DK an Scandinavia. It begins in the 15th century. Nice video as alway.
All the political stuff is just stupid. We are Americans.....we have to agree to disagree and not be so on one side or the other. Thankfully I have not lost any friends through all this craziness. Never in my life have I even been aware of what side people are on politically until recently. We have to get over all this politically charged stuff, we are all on the same side. Remember 99 percent of all people are GOOD, we all want the same things. KINDNESS is important.
Freedom to get injured, having a medical condition or something involving the medical system. Danes don't have to worry about going bankrupt or having the sell the house. Or we spending x number of years saving up, only to see it all vanish inside a few months due to medical expenses. Freedom to quit a toxic job, without having to worry about how to put food on the table, roof over the head. Yes you might get a 5 week lockout by the union, but there'll be money coming soon. Freedom to get an education, not requiring you to maintain 1-2 jobs beside it. We do get paid to do our education full time (year 18+). Freedom to walk down the street or gather somewhere, and not have to worry about getting shot. Or going outside and not have to carry my sidearm, cos somebody might mug/shoot you.
I thought that the US saw itself as a melting pot where different cultures flow together to form one new culture, rather than as a multicultural society.
It’s interesting, there are a lot of theories on the exact model but it’s a bit of both where you don’t have to give up your culture and multiculturalism thrives, but there are many cultural traits that are “borrowed” from the convergence of so many different cultures that compose “American culture”. So I guess the idea is that you have both things happening at once.
It's good you note USA's ability to integrate, but one big factor in this is that most people who move to America already speak English or, certainly, want to speak it (and it's easier to learn in that the native community is so monolingual), there may be an exeption in relation to Spanish and Hispanics, but take our older house mothers, vast majority of Hispanisc speak english fluently. But good point to make.
This comment is not for the vloggers as they have lived both places so they can ofcourse have an informed opinion. But as a dane reading comments its downright sad to see all the prejudice about america, from people who have no experience living there. I also have not lived there, but im not talking shit about it. Id LOVE to live in the states (at least Florida, Hawai or something like that), and its infuriating seeing people talk shit about it
About the last thing you said. (I am not American so maybe this is total bs, but anyway) I kinda feel like America had so manny victory’s while it hadn’t existed for long, so it got beat into its head, that America is great and can do no wrong. And it believed it so hard, that it forgot stuff doesn’t stay great. It was amazing at the time, but time moves on, and you need to do that too. Just look at something like the American school system, which hadn’t changed much from when it first started till now, even though we require a lot of different stuff from people now then we did back then. It’s not that American was always bad, it just forgot to keep up with the times. Leading a lot of other countries to surpass it.
Excellent video - my husband and I moved to Tuscany 4 years ago and we found this topic very fitting about the way we currently feel about the USA. Our views on America are now totally different. We'll be following you guys. Keep up the good work.
Funny you mention "The freedom to carry a gun" This is so grotesque to me. We dont need to carry a gun because we are free and dont fear each other. I'd say the neccesity of carrrying a gun is the opposite of freedom. But i understand some Americans see carrying a gun as freedom 🤔 I just dont understand why....
Loved you'r video - specially one comment tricked me : Freedom isn't an american thing ! - just loved that 'remark' - it must have been some eyeopener , as you told us, in the US you feel as you belong to either us or them, here you're allowed to feel good and be in the middle too :)
![Cody Johnson - I'm Gonna Love You (with Carrie Underwood) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yy9PuYMU29g/mqdefault.jpg)
One of the biggest freedoms in Scandinavia is the freedom to live without religion. It's one of the most disturbing side of the US to me, the concept that religion has such a big impact on the way your country is run. You have to be (or at least pretend to be) a "good christian" to get anywhere politically in the US. In scandinavia it would be expected of a politician to keep their faith (if they have any) separate from their politics.
For me one of the biggest facets of freedom is not having someone else´s faith or religion dictate how I live my life.
But if you´re a religious person i Denmark it can also be a problem NOT to be able to talk about religion without being considered a fool ... freedom should be freedom to ALSO talk about ones religion
@@danmarksbloggendanmarksblo1330 I agree, if the person who talks about it does so in a non-invasive way. I’m from Sweden not Denmark, but in my experience, if someone talk about their religion in a respectful, nonjudgemental and non-missionary way, they will be respected back. Questioned perhaps, but respected.
Yeah, I found it worrying how you have to pledge your love to god in order to be seen as a trustworthy politician. While the country was founded by Christians after subjugating the original natives and times have changed, the belief that being a Christian equates to good still persists.
To me, that comes off as fanatical. I have yet to see an openly atheist or irreligious candidate. This’s a belief we can all do without.
@@danmarksbloggendanmarksblo1330 I don't think danes in general will ridicule you for a God belief - but if you take a book like the bible literal i think you have to expect a degree of disbelief and laughter
Yeah, I agree as an atheist. The Christian right really irritate the hell out of me. The sad part is many as of late on the far left do the same for me because I'm much more center on my politics which means I like the right for the pro 2A stuff and I like some of the social programs of the left, but I can't stand the religion of the right, and some of the insane woke stuff that is screeched by the far left. Sadly in the US there is no middle ground anymore.
Very nice video guys. Thanks for sharing.
Good video. Nuanced views :-)
Thank you so much 😊 really glad that you enjoyed the video.
The american democrati is in danger, and US may be an authoritarian country in the future. That is an importent political case to fight for :D P.S: In my opinion it is also a freedom to have universal health care, free education etc..
You are right about both points and thank you for watching and your wise comment 😊
Well… guess freedom just became a whole lot less free for women in the states…. a sad day indeed
Yeah, sad day indeed. Less restrictions on guns and more restrictions on women.
Freedom: Walking topless on the beach, leaving your teenagers alone in the house for a couple of hours, teaching them to drink responsible at home before they turn 21 (or even 18), having an abortion if you need or want one - for free, going to the hospital if you need to without being ruined, knowing that there is a social system that will catch you if you are unemployed, never having to live in your car due to poverty, having a wage so you can live on ONE job. There are numerous ways we have freedom - or maybe rather security.
Yes. Sadly the US control our military, economy and propaganda, so its still like living in a vassal state...
i have to disagree on the wage part. I currently work as an apprentice in ballerup at the magical wage of 75dkk an hour. My rent and utilities eat about 100% of my wage and i can only survive because i have family i can borrow from
@@Danish_raven Apprentice have never been paid well.
@@Danish_raven then u are not living within your means... my rent + utilities is less than 3000DKK/month and i can live for 3000DKK/month in food... yes it's a small apartment but at least i have my own place and yes i cant eat steak every day but i can live on it just fine... 75DKK/h full time = 2775DKK/week minus taxes and u would get at least 8k/month... so 3k in food and 3k in rent + utilities, u should still have 2k+ left... sry for all the math but i like math :)
@@Danish_raven that was special! I would be able to make it on that salary. Is it more expensive to rent in Denmark..?
Ooh, I knew you were going to get some interesting comments as I listened to your vlog! You are so right about the polarization in the US. As an American living in United States, I fear for our future as a democratic republic with the blue/red divide that has hardened like concrete. Our 2 month sojourn coming up in April is in part a chance for us to see if we eventually want to become expats by living in a country where politics are private, and publicly choosing sides is irrelevant. Thanks for your thoughtful review of your past 5 years living in Denmark. Food for thought.
Thanks for the comment Greg, we also figured this topic could raise some ire, but we tried to approach it from a good place - we do love America and our experience and lives in Denmark have us loving two places. The polarization is just scary, and the media makes it so much worse by sensationalizing the worst parts of each end of the spectrum. No place is perfect, but we are glad to be experiencing a new way of life. I hope you guys get a fresh perspective from your upcoming trip and explore the possibilities of expat life - it’s a fantastic ride 🤩
I must say that we really like to discuss and argue politics - Also at parties. But we can still be friendly (as long people aren't outright nazies or something)
We have have no "no politics rule". Religion is rarely discussed though because it is considered personal, and you would be considered a bit odd if you talked about it a lot.
Yeah, I know the feeling. I'm pretty much in the middle politically and man, I get nothing but hate by both sides. I get hate from the left cause I'm not woke enough, and I get hate from the right cause I'm not a good ol boy who is a bible thumping Christian who doesn't worship conspiracy theories. It is like you have to be 100% in one camp or another. As of late I've lost two long time friends cause I could not agree 100% on either side of the vaccine/mask argument. I literally pointed out how both sides have good points and how both sides had absurd points and, both people cut me off cause I would not come to one side or another. It is really getting insane here in the US when it comes to the political divide.
in america you have the freedom to carry guns everywhere ....
in denmark you have the freedom to go anywhere without worrying about being shot ...
saturn is better
@@jan_Mamu what does it have to do with the subject?
I know you're trying to be funny or just trolling but your attempt is weak ...
do better next time ; )
@@GarmrsBarking have you ever been hurt by someone from saturn? didn’t think so…
@@jan_Mamu by someone... No.... but saturn in itself would by suffocating, freezing and crushing me at the same time... I guarantee absolutely no freedom there... N Korea would better than saturn... At least you be alive there....
@@GarmrsBarking dying from saturn?! you humans really are weak…
I moved here from the UK (Scotland ) 7 years ago. It’s only now I’m juuuust starting to overcome my homesickness! I can definitely see a difference in happiness - Brits do know how to moan 🤣 whereas Dane’s ARE happy with what they have. It’s very interesting for me to look at the differences, sociologically, between my two countries ❤️
Funny, since your genes properly are mostly danish anyway🥰
Tillykke on the 5 years in Denmark🥳 I'm also celebrating 3yrs in Denmark this month😊 (I'm from Romania, which although in the EU, is a very different country😅)
Congrats
Is there any chance that you play cs and live in aalborg or aarhus
@@dermit7401 no😅
@@anita4609 well okay it's just because I have played with someone that about 5 years ago moved from Romania to Denmark 🇩🇰 😅
Håndværker eller indbrudstyv?😉😂 And where's my bike??😂
Congratulations on your 5 years in Denmark. You guys are great! You always approach cultural differences with an open mind and a willingness to see how they've come about and why the person thinks/feels like this in another country or culture. And when you do find cultural differences that you would like to see change, you talk about this really respectfully, regardless of whether it's USA or Denmark. I'm neither Danish nor American, but I hope if I emigrated to a new country, I would be able to be as open and as willing to understand the new culture as you are. Awesome! Thanks for your channel for helping people consider the nuances of culture.
“We can’t carry a gun every where we go…”
This topic is one where I think different about what freedom is.
I feel free because I don’t feel the need to carry a gun, because I feel safe in Denmark. I don’t want to feel like I have to carry a gun and I don’t want to be scared that my neighbor carries a gun.
I don’t feel like I have to be afraid of sending my kids to school because of school shootings.
I don’t have to be scared that my kids find my gun and shoot them self.
That is freedom to me.
Sometime freedom is not being able to do whatever you want, but feeling safe.
Like with taxes - sure you don’t get to spend all your money yourself, but you get school, medical and social security and lots of other freedoms, so in the long run it gives you more freedom.
But if you stop feeling safe?
@@jimmybaldbird3853 ...then, what difference would a gun make? And for how long?
@@sweetgrasshopper depends how good you are with the gun
@@jimmybaldbird3853 you only need the gun to feel safe because you don’t know who else is wearing a gun!
So in a society where no one is wearing guns, the safety is just a part of every day life…
It’s about perspective!
@@sabinahertzum9728 naive thought. Europe has extremely strict gun laws. But as Europe has allowed new entrants- we will say- that dont share the same culture and respect for the law, you now see shootings, murder, and general crime increasing. Bad people are carrying guns amd weapons in europe now. Good people cannot. The 2nd amendment evens the playing field
I fear the polarisation coming to Denmark. I fear that the polarising discourse that young people in particular is met with online, will be something they take with them into Danish society. I think people sometimes forget that the extreme views that they get from their online interactions (and let's face it, often that is American news and SO-ME platforms) does not generally reflect peoples views in the country they live in.
The funny thing is - I really don’t see the polarization in the younger generations - my son grew up with messagedoards, gaming and all that stuff, he and his friends are some of the most accepting people I’ve ever met in my life!!
The polarization I see are in the 35-50 yo - that’s the ones who go out of their way to ‘not be a follower’…
The 20’ crowd know they need to work for their kids - while the 40s crowd are contemplating their own futures, because their kids are growing up fast….
@@sabinahertzum9728 I honestly think it is an age thing. I don't know how old your son is, but things change when you start caring about politics. My fear is that they will grow up to be the same. Or rather, believe that the problems we see in America are the same as here and act accordingly. The anti-vaxxer movement coming here honestly floored me.
(side note, remember there is a generational gap in the middle of the 35-50 year olds. The first millennials are over 35 now)
@@kinuuni he is 27, and expecting his first child - but believe me, he is not the only one I see this in - friends kids, bonus daughter and every person in that age range, have been really tolerant and working towards unity and solidarity…..
They are interested in politics, but they are just able to look at what is politics and what is common sense…
I feel that many of my own generation are the ones who stir up shit…. Like anti vaxers - none of the 20 something’s have been against it ( of the ones i know) - but i have multiple 40 something friends we haven’t seen in the past 2 years because of their willingness to believe in rumors and conspiracies rather than science and common sense….
And even beyond that, people in that age range that just don’t care and while they follow the ‘rules’ they are not above cheating to make their lives easier, without thinking of the consequenses for others…
The ones I see that do these things are really not into the politics of things - it’s about ‘personal freedom’ - about ‘ well that doesn’t apply to me’ - or ‘no one is gonna tell me what to do’….
I agree that it’s choking - but I also remember a time where my generation had so much more support from the government than we get now, and I think a lot of people just doesn’t like the change that has been happening the last decade…. They prefer the way it was - so now they show their spoiled selves….
@@sabinahertzum9728 I know several 20-somethings who are anti vaxxers. It might be a social thing or an areal thing.
I am not sure what children have to do with it, I don't know any 20 year olds who are having children. Most people I know who are having kids are in their mid to late 30's.
I don't necessarily mind the personal freedom thing. The conservative wave seems to have hit most of Europe, and while I am possibly the least conservative person you will ever meet - to each their own. Regardless a large part of that group are in fact the 20 something year olds.
But I do very much mind the anti trust in science and experts and that seems to be across the board.
@@kinuuni there probably is a difference in it according to where you are situated - it also helps that my DIL is a nurse, and my son works in the vaccine centers…
When I hear the 20 something’s in the media, it’s more about ‘it’s not that important, I’m not gonna get that sick’ - more than the political view….
The antivaxers I know live in rural areas where some of them just live in their own eccochambers….
While most people I know that get input from the world at large, are on board….
@Robe Trotting The US was not the first to incorporate democracy, and was absolutely not the first country in the world to "have" freedom. There are still blatant slavery in existance in the US, it's even constitutionalized and a part of the american mindset, that slavery is perfectly fine. Look at 13. amendment to the constitution. Historical democracy was first seen in Greece in the 500's... but the first MODERN democracy was New Zealand in 1893. Also - american democracy is not. American rule is plutocracy, and the US is ruled by bribing the politicians into working for the interests that the rich feels is important. That per definition IS plutocracy. To legitimize it, the constitutional safe word for the system is lobbyism. The only way you can become a succesful politician in the US, is by spending millions and millions of dollars on getting elected, these millions and millions of dollars has to come from donors - sure, donors are people like Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but there is no way that all the cost gets collected from the Mr. and Mrs. Smiths without huge corporate donations.
The 2020 presidential election cost $14 billion. Of those $14 billion, Mike Bloomberg alone spent $1 billion in four months, only to drop out of the race, when he couldn't get more than 55 people in the democrat caucus to vote for him.
The private prisons are the new form of slavery in the US.
A plutocracy with the amount of government regulation the US has, is fascism.
It's one big military industrial, big tech, big fake news, big pharma, big finance, big government circle jerk.
In some places, social services has degraded to the point it's not even fascism - It's more like feudalism.
"There are [sic] still blatant slavery in existance [again sic] in the US." This is complete nonsense. Please don't post garbage like that.
@@Nordic_Sky Read the 13. amendment. It's legalized. It's quite often and amply used.
@@eidodk Oh please. In fact it's quite the opposite. Blacks are granted all kinds of racial privileges whites could only dream about.
"It can be really difficult to be living your life on *angry* all the time"
So true. Excellent comment. Love it! 😊
Thanks for representing Danmark on YT. As a Dane i love how you are doing your videos.
Even with the number of parties in Denmark, I find it hard to find one that represents my views well.
With only 2 real choices like in the US, I'd probably go completely apathetic.
As a Dane, I feel the same way.
The current two-party system in the US is IMHO a major problem for their democracy. It is only slightly better than a one-party system, like in China. Looks to me like the two major parties in the US found a way to exclude all other parties, just like the communist party of China found a way to exclude all other parties.
Makes me a bit sad because I really like the people in the US, and the US constitution.
@@jamesabber7891 I do think that the massive polarization in the US is down to having just 2 parties.
It's us vs them and no collaboration across the isles.
I wonder if that's also part of the reason why in the US party-adherence is so strong. In Norway, no party has 30% or more representation nationally, which means that you always have to work with different parties (sometimes you'll even get "weird" combinations like two parties working together even though there are 5 or more parties between them on the left-right axis)
@@jamesabber7891 Also the fact that US elections are so massively based on cost and fund raising, that the likelihood of most candidates being old and of a certain "type" is quite consistent. It means that views and approaches to presidency is less nuanced, and the fact that coalitions is not a thing also means that people's votes in general reflect who they believe is more likely to win, rather than who they would actually vote for. If you know your actual preferred party of choice is a guaranteed runner-up to the two main parties, then your vote is pretty much insignificant so you may as well vote for either one of the two major parties instead. It destroys any sort of progressiveness and adaptive evolution of politics over time, because it is essentially a political monopoly being fought by the two main competitors.
And this in turn reflects in the dividing society because there isn't room for anything in between (or outside) the left and right. Red or Blue, that's all that matters.
You said it: live and let live! Thank you for this thoughtful summary of your views! Every point made sense and I agreed with. I'm from Europe myself, and moved to USA as an adult - and while I enjoyed this individualistic way of life and the pursuit of career success for a couple of decades or so, now I am reevaluating most of it and missing that European approach to life after all. I needed this reaffirmation from you, two strangers :) Thanks!
Wow, what a journey for you (and I guess in reverse of us, but still very relevant). Thank you for watching and leaving your thoughts - very happy to hear that you can relate and hopefully find a nice balance between the two lifestyles :)
i used to work for a company where we had and office in Atlanta Georgia and it opened my mind how open and welcoming Americans was when i was over there working for 3 weeks. Everyday some people we had talked with invited us out for lunch and in the weekend (friday / saturday / sunday) we had people picking us up at the hotel and just showed us what they thought could be fun and also what we asked to see. watched the braves. played softball. shopping partying everything. and when i came home i was embarresed as a dane how we treated them when they came to DK to work. we only talked work with them and left them on the hotel and they could take care of themself.
Interesting experience, it’s probably not unique either. Americans are very quick to befriend anyone new that they meet - it’s something we’ve realized that we do here (and maybe come on too strong in some situations when we first meet people). We also love showing people our city, food, neighborhood, favorite bars or sports etc. It’s a trait we’ve really come to notice about ourselves - for good or bad haha. I do wish it was more common with Danes, but we also find it worth the wait when getting to know Danish friends 😊🇩🇰
Man you guys are a breathe of fresh air !:) lovin the vibe! Judgement and criticism are completely out of control here in the states !! Everyone is lathered up beyond belief by their own self administered info addiction and as you said then choosing a side which due to our hyper individualist culture gives one the right to judge and rant and rave . I had to distance myself from several friends these past couple years due to their incessant tirades . Hope to visit and experience the Danish vibe soon :)
Congrats guys!
I have just done 5 years in Denmark too. I’m from South Africa. I empathize with all you say! As I came here for my sick husband I could not attend Sproge classes. I’m doing Duolingo. It’s great and helps with pronunciation a lot. I hope we meet to compare notes one day! June
I have so many different things I want to say here, that I barely know where to start. In Denmark I would describe politics as a bunch of relatively competent people trying to agree on good solutions. It is not always perfect, but everyone is honestly trying and everyone respects that the other politicians are also trying their best. When you say "everything is politicized" that is not what you mean.
Perhaps it is the element of finding negotiated solutions that is missing. Our it may be about the lack of respect for the people s with different thoughts from your own. Or maybe it's about the insane amounts of money in American politics. I am not sure.
I sometimes think that the difference is the first -past-the -post system used in countries like America, the UK and Germany. Using such systems tend to give small majorities in the population large, disproportionate majorities in parliament. This makes it easy for a small majority to take power and rule essentially without ever negotiation anything. So when they actually would benefit from negotiating, they don't have the skills. A glaring example of this was the Brexit process, where the government ways years just throwing suggestions at parliament, and got voted down every time. Instead of talking with the opposition and finding a commonly acceptable solution. It never even occurred to them to try that. In Denmark, when an EU-referendun was lost, the parties immediatly sat down together and discussed what it should mean, came up with a handful of danish exceptions to the EU-treaty, for them approved in the EU and then approved by a new referendum in Denmark.
It was messy and not a very pretty process, and noone really loved the result. But it worked, and is a very good example of what negotiating is all about.
Next, the "rugged individualism" thing. In the US everyone is expected to be responsible for wherever they are in life. If you get hit by tragedy - it is your own fault. If you win the lottery or inherit millions - it is due to your own efforts. In Europe where you are in life is never your own fault or because of your own efforts. Neither approach is true, of course, but there are good and bad to say about both ways of seeing the world.
Americans are very good at taking responsibility for their own situations whatever they are, and then trying to change what needs to change. In Europe some people are just sitting around waiting for others to change their lives for them. And that never works. Ultimately, you are the only person that is there to care that you have a good life. All Americans get this. Not all Europeans do.
Then there is what Mike called "trust and respect". This is the real secret of the Nordic countries, and it took me decades to realize. We trust others. And we are raised to be trustworthy people.
This has huge implications. If we need help, we trust that someone will help us. We trust that the authorities are doing the best they can. We don't need to carry arms, because other people are if not friends then at least trustworthy. And we each have a responsibility to help if we can.
It is not a perfect system. People that trust a lot are easy to take advantage of. But it generally makes for a good and happy society. One that might just be a little hard to join, since you must convince others that you are trustworthy, even if your Danish is less than perfect. You need to join the web of trust.
In America i think churches perhaps have served or serve a similar function. The people you trust -your people - are the ones you see in church.
well stated
@@lorimanning-bolis5760 By the way: Germany has no real First past the post system in general elections. The seats in the Bundestag are distributed by proportional representation. Those seats are then filled by First past the post principle but have in the end no effect on the political majority.
Coming from England one of the huge differences I feel is the electoral system. The UK and USA both have a first past the post-election. There is a huge feeling of frustration living in an area that is regularly conservative or liberal if you are more to the opposite view. Your vote becomes irrelevant, whereas in Denmark with proportional representation your vote counts. People are more actively involved. Another thing is the number of associations. Every man and his dog are board members or actively taking part in voluntary organisations.
Very true, the political system is so archaic in the US and UK, it’s also tough trying to explain it to Danes who sometimes look down on the gridlock caused by such a system without realizing what’s causing it. So often we hear “you just need more parties” but that’s maybe the fifth or sixth that would have to change to improve - it’s more the symptom and not the cause of the gridlock.
fwiw - at least this is the case in the USA that a lot of Americans don't realize... but your vote isn't thrown away when you are in the minority voting wise. The reason I say this is because of "Mandate". If a politician in the States wins an election by 5-10% points they can feel pretty confident their chance of re-election is pretty good if they don't get caught doing something that is political suicide. If a politician wins by more that 15% they are on cloud nine and could pretty much vote in Congress however they want. BUT if that politician wins by less than 3%... or worse less than 1%... they have problems and DO have to give consideration to the other party. Trust me - your vote counts if only it means that said politician knows they barely got the job.
That said. I gave up thinking our way of politics is anything like the Founding Dudes wanted. In fact, I know it isn't based on the divide between Jefferson and Adams back in 1800. We've essentially been a 2 party system since then. Even though one of those parties is no longer in existence and was replaced by today's Republican party. So... it aint gonna get fixed my fellow Americans. The 2 party system isn't going anywhere - barring an outright, undeniable miracle.
The electoral college is an equity based system. However every single state in the US is proportionate representation. Think of the EU as the US and the European counties as the US states. that’s how the US is designed to be governed. Because everyone in a teeny tiny country like Denmark all have similar interests. Same demographic, same exports, same economy, etc. But in the US you have states like CA and states like OK in the same country. They couldn’t be more different. If we allowed for popular vote for the president then CA and NY would decide every election. So it would only serve the interests of the people in urban environments. The purpose of the electoral college is to give an equity based vote where smaller states that have specific industries that the US economy may rely on, aren’t totally silenced because they don’t have the population density to compete with the cities. That’s how equity works. You give a bigger voice to the little guy so that they can be heard.
I’ve been bingeing on your videos. As a first generation American Danish, I’m getting a kick out of how accurate your observations are. And Mike, you are developing a Danish accent when speaking English! Love how you pronounced 'abroad'. Høj dansk!
Well done. 😊
I admire your diplomacy and enjoyed your perspectives. I do not only see you guys as citizens of Denmark, but as citizens of the world. Many people could learn a lot from you guys.
With the political situation here in the US I am definitely considering becoming an expat. It's down right scary here. My heritage is Scandinavian (Danish/Swedish mostly) so those are definitely countries I am interested in visiting/moving too.
dont pick sweden
There is a war in eastern Europe currently. Their economy is very precarious right now. I wouldn’t underestimate how significant that is.
Please don't come to Denmark, we don't need any more leftist Americans
@@carlsmart5049 Why shouldn't we? I'm interested in Sweden, but I haven't done much research. I don't want to assume and decide things without having much knowledge about it
Thanks in advance
@@usernotfound4786 I'll bet you Carl Smart just is a Dane proudly carrying on our long history of neighbour wars 🙄
It's kind of a ground rule that we are not supposed to say anything nice about each other - when the other one is listening...
Have you got siblings? Sweden is our big sister, and we treat her as such!! Until someone from outside want to hurt her, that is 😉
Be afraid, Vlad 😱 - We've got lots of Lego bricks 🤣- and food enough for both the Finns 🥰and the Swedes 🥰
Peace and love from Denmark
I spent a few of years in France and in Canada. It really changed my overall view of American lifestyle and worldviews.
Political attitudes in the US have become far more aggressive over the last few years. It makes me sad that I can no longer express certain opinions around my family anymore.
So true, it’s really sad because there are so many areas of agreement but we let outside forces and special interests rip us all apart 😞
@@RobeTrotting Well, my issue lies mostly with politics mix with religion. And that goes very deep in the US. Being a cisgender heterosexual male, and very pro LGBTQ. It's impossible to talk about any nuance regarding that subject with my family.
In the US you can talk openly to your heart's content as long as you're woke. If you're more conservative, you'd better shut up or else. It's exhausting.
I'm sorry, I know you guys mean well, but I have to challenge your statement that America is good at integration and having a pluralistic society etc., even overall. If you ask any Afro-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American person you will get a very different answer from yours - they feel the very real consequences of American white privilege, especially in the job market and the policing culture. America prides itself of being "The melting pot of the world" but fact is that racism is still very much alive in America and in recent years polarized/desperate/corrupt politics have really fuelled that fire and revealed some real nasty facts about the life of American immigrants - in short, the American dream is dead. I'm not saying we don't have racism in Denmark and we do have very strict immigration laws (a natural response to high influx of immigrants and refugees from the Middle East escaping wars and conflicts started by America) but I don't think we generally have the same level of racism, especially because our mindset is still very much that of collectivism and not individualism which makes it harder for us to deny others the same privileges. Fun fact: North America is 73% white people and Denmark is 86% white people. Not that big of a difference. Maybe North America is not quite the melting pot it presumes to be. Think about it.
We would never brush aside the struggles of minorities in America, but within a generation new immigrants are considered American and I don’t think that’s the case in Denmark. I also think other cultures are celebrated in ways that I don’t see here, but there could be festivals and things that we don’t know about. Legally, there are non-discrimination laws in America that don’t exist here and you could argue that some laws are blatantly discriminatory. We may have to agree to disagree on this one or at least agree that both countries could do better in different areas 😊
I saw someone describe the ethnicity in the US as one of those lunch trays, where there's different stuff, but everything is divided up into small spaces, which seems rather accurate to me. It seems like the US is obsessed with race. I mean, they ask people to put their race on job applications! What's that about?
@@RobeTrotting You can move to Fyn from Sjælland and live here on Fyn for 30 years, you will still be a Sjællænder. Typical Danish.
@@RobeTrotting As a Dane living abroad, I'd like to chip in here if you don't mind. This is a nuanced debate and I think both Martin Lund and yourselves are onto something, and as such I'm not taking sides. What I'd like to add is the fact that Danes openly use the expression "non-ethnic Danes", and it bugs me that many Danes cannot see that this is inappropriate terminology. It is inappropriate for two reasons: First, it is not an accurate term, i.e., what is in fact a "non-ethnic Dane"? (haven't met a Dane who can define it!) But second, and more importantly, the implication of the terminology might be that there could be people who could have lived in the country for generations and still not be an "ethnic Dane". It implies that Danishness is an ethnicity. Better terms would be "non-white Danes" or "minorities".
@@Gert-DK og alle Sjællænder er Jyder 🤣
Interesting reflections from your 5 years in Denmark. Just for fun I looked up the "Democracy indeks" made by The Economist (Economist Intelligence Unit Index of Democracy). US is ranked #25 in the world and Denmark is #7. Canada is #5. Top 3 are all Scandinavian countries. Having lived in both US and Denmark this seems about right. What troubles me is that it seems to get "worse" in the US as of lately (last 5 years).
I think you mean the top 3 are all Nordic countries ... Scandinavia consists of Denmark, Norway and Sweden only,...
I dont know how Sweden ranked that high because they dont even have propper anonymous voting, and a lot of political parties refuse to work together no matter what,
where in Denmark(and prob all other nordic countries) radical left often makes deals with radical right.
Also there is a lot more shaming and people have to hide who they vote for in Sweden, which is also very rare in Denmark.
And i also dont see what makes Denmark worse than Norway and Iceland.
You two do a really god job when it comes to touching on sensitive topics :)
Thank you Anders, we get a little nervous sometimes, but we try to be factual, careful with our wording and above all respectful 😊
@@RobeTrotting Respectful? Well yes, most the time... aaaand then you go and give stupidity the cutest little bitch slap here and there! :P
I was just rewatching and your discussion of freedom reminded me strongly of Roosevelt's four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear. I would argue that these are the basics of Danish life and happiness.
Welcome back from the Christmas holiday in the USA, to the “pond of the ugly ducklings “
Always leaving a like before watching 😻
*Edit
After watching wish I could give it yet another like
One thing that I really appreciate Americans living abroad do is having the perspective that the world doesn’t consist of one country. Guess the one I’m thinking of lol. It’s also so so nice to hear that the perception of freedom has evolved and means different things for different people.
…is it amerICAN SAMOA!
Congratulations on 5 years in Denmark and hope you will stay a lot longer :)
Thank you Charlotte, we hope so too and plan on it 😊🇩🇰
As a Dane living in the US I agree with your multi cultural view. Generally people are allowed to have their own culture. Here it's okay not being able to speak the same language and not have the same traditions. In DK? Not so much.
It’s a nice thing that we didn’t realize was a bit unique. America definitely has issues with race and a problematic past (and sometimes present) but most immigrants are integrated within a generation while still being able to celebrate their heritage and traditions.
I have never understod the americans love for guns. I think it takes freedom away from people, when they have to live in fear of beeing killed. And also the lack of help and information, for those with mental health issues and their families. A lot of sad stories from US, with young people having guns and mental health problems. And families fighting to get help, but cant afford it. I also think about the cops in the US, they must live in constant fear, and that will break people over time, and will make them shoot first and ask later. If a police officer is killed on the job in Denmark, its a huge deal and people are sad and angry. It happens every day in the US, like its part of the job. Also as you mention, only having 2 political sides, makes it a battle, I think that having many too choose from, makes it easyer to talk about, you can almost always find a common ground, in a debate :-) Love your videos, makes me appreciate what I have more :-)
Awesome video and very interesting to view, got some friends in America I usually share you creations with. And this one is very good and very usefull to shared since writing about the differences in Living. You guys rock and welcome back to Denmark Hope you brought some of those Vanilliekranse with you back 🥰🥰
I think another way Denmark is very free can be found in the high social mobility. Obviously growing up in a household with more money makes a difference, but even if you grow up without money, you can still study what you want to study, not to mention it's super easy to start a business here! The "American Dream" is ironically more achievable in Denmark 😅
I think the issue with integration in Denmark is that it's important to adapt to key parts of Danish culture, which clashes with key parts of some other cultures.
There's much talk about the homogeneity of Denmark, but I think it mostly misses the mark.
It's not the homogeneity of race, but the homogeneity of culture that is at the base of our high trust society.
And I don't think it's our job to change our culture for other people, especially if it would lead to a less cohesive, less trusting, society.
As we say "skik følge eller land fly".
Its the homogeneity of race. Stop.
@@jimmybaldbird3853 Bullocks! You clearly have not lived in any other cultures. If you had you’d know that’s ain’t how it is.
@@charisma-hornum-fries actually, the opposite. I did not believe this until I moved to ethnically homogenous nations. Despite your ignorant assumptions, I have lived in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.
@@jimmybaldbird3853 The USA is more ethnically homogenous than either of those 3 nations.
@@timpeterjensen2364 Not yet, but one day it will be Denmaq, Swedistan, and Geran at the pace it is now
Finally someone worded integration - us smaller countries have a very distorted view on integration and how well we do - this was really well put I always thought US had to be better at integration as a whole since the US has had so many different cultures and religions within their own borders for centuries - very well put and thank you for wording it this way you hit the spot as u guys always do! Great video!!!
Enjoy your videos a lot. You both have a very appreciative attitude towards Denmark (and other places) and your views as newcomers enlightens me and make me reflect and learn.
Unfortunately your point 4 is also showing more and more in DK - especially in the past 2,5 yrs on Facebook 😪
Yearh I agree.. 😢
I spent 2 years living in the United States going to Uni. At that time "everything" was pretty much the same across the board. I'm Canadian btw. I moved here 20+ years ago and the "cultural" differences are all of a sudden more pronounced in my PoV. I guess everything changes. But it's all good. There are things I miss about Canada - snow, real winters, etc., but over all I enjoy living where I am now.
Yeah, I would like to experience a real Canadian Winter. From the fireplace looking out of the window 😄
So I read the comments before I saw the video... 😂 I won't do that again... We as danes should be better at taking criticism. As much as we love to hear about all the good things, just as much do we get offended about the bads. I will work on that. Ohh I have noticed that you guys are beginning to say the "mark" in Denmark the Danish way 🇩🇰
Congrats on your 5 y. anniversary 😊 I found a saying about being in foreign countries that was on point for me : The more you travel the more you learn about your own country. I lived 10 y in a small city in Germany, and I couldn’t really say I now know how all of Germany is, but comparing it to Denmark I really learned a lot about the things I took for granted back home.
Thank you 😀🇩🇰 And we can't agree enough about that quote - it's spot on! We feel the same, we don't know everything there is know about Denmark, but living here has taught us SO much more about America than we would have learned if we stayed in Philadelphia, and that's a really cool thing.
That was quite interesting. 👍🏻 I absolutely agree that DK could learn a lot about integration from the states. 👍🏻DK is unfortunately just as self centered as USA in some ways…. 🤷🏻♀️ I also think that democracy is viewed very differently in the states, than how it’s viewed in DK.
One of the major differences is the legal systems. For example if you travel to New York as a Dane, you are told NEVER to help somebody, cause you might get sued…. 🤯🤯🤯 I couldn’t live in a society, where I would have to be afraid to make a mistake, or give cpr to someone who needed it. In DK the legal system is trusting, and if I behaved like a responsible father (bonus pater familia), I am not responsible for other peoples behavior. Trust also regards in the work life. My boss trusts that I like working there, that I know what to do, and that I’m responsible enough to get it done right. When I hear about the work life in the states I think it sounds like a third world country… 🤷🏻♀️ Sorry….. I don’t mean to criticize USA, but the naively and cult like ways most Americans truly are raised with the beliefs that they invented freedom, and is the best country in the world sometimes frustrates and saddens me. If ANY school in DK ever made the children recite any pledge of allegiance it would be closed, cause that is the definition of brainwashing….. That said, some of the Danish politicians frustrates me the exact same way, and comparing cultures is SO hard, cause it’s a matter of beliefs. You might as well compare religion, and I’m NOT going down THAT street. 😅😅😅 We are all different, and what I believe is the right way to live may not be right at all. But I believe in having the freedom to change my mind, when I learn something new. Again and again…. And respect others to do the same. 👍🏻
Thanks for a great channel guys. 🤗
Very interesting discussion.
One thing I, as a Dane, find strange is Americans’ lack of trust in it’s government and the tax system. It seems many Americans perceive taxes as just a black hole that steals their money and they don’t get anything in return. Many Danes pay their taxes with a big amount of trust that the money will be put to good use and benefit the common good.
I could understand this difference in perception if America was some corrupted 3rd world country, but obviously it’s not, so why this mistrust?
Have you seen their government? It all goes to the military and the corporations...
@@mikelitoris7151 exactly
Like Mike said, most of it goes where no one sees it, thats again largely the military and benefits for the 1% and their megacorporations. The average joe gets nothing out of it, all while tons of people are stuck in poverty, loads of people can't afford even basic needs like education and health care since they're run as businesses rather than public service. Employers trying to cut even highly educated and skilled labour's wages as low as possible to keep their own profit, all while no social security net exists and unions were turned powerless in the 80's. Plus whole cities the size of Aarhus not even having a single bus line meaning people can't even get a job without risking becoming road kill or being forced to buy a big SUV or Truck as the automakers even push those as the only things at dealerships to excort as much money from customers as possible.
All while the people pay a tax rate very close to Denmark's overall, though with a massive reverse robin hood problem of taking from the poor and giving to the rich. Of course they don't trust the government. Many people don't even have access to the education that lets them see through such shadiness.
If anything America is more like a 3rd world country with megacorporations and an uber wealthy 1% in a trench coat.
@twisterwiper I think you underastimate how much corruption there is in the US just take there voting system you need alot of money to run for president and like everything else there is no free lunch in live. They are not donating out of the goodness of there hearts they expect something in return. That in it self screams corruption.
A lot of the the anti-tax rhetoric in the US comes from the Republicans, the conservative political party. About 15 years ago a couple of American billionaires (the Koch brothers) started a political movement within the Republican party known as the "Tea Party." The Koch Brothers were libertarians and believe that taxes are illegal (because they're greedy and want more money.) Through the Tea Party they launched a propaganda campaign to brainwash conservative Americans into believing that taxation is wrong and that government wastes the money when it's used to fund social services. (It's crazy, I known.) Not all Americans oppose taxes. It's just a fringe 30% of hardcore conservative Republicans.
Such a good video. As a dane who has been married to an american and lived in The US for almost 8 years I often thought about the exact same issues! I agree with every single point 👍
The integration part. When I've spoken to some people who are minorities they've said " It's easier to right away fit in I USA but it's harder to really feel like you belong. Where in Scandinavia it's hard to fit in but once you've passed that hurdle you really feel like you belong". I don't fully understand it since I'm not a minority living abroad but I thought it was interesting comments
Really interesting input - thanks Erica. Now that you mention it, I think there’s a lot of truth to that statement 😊
Now surely you guys know that America didn't invent democracy and wasn't the first nation to have a representative democracy, cause i'm pretty sure that the Roman empire had that, and democracy itself is from Greece.
Should have said “modern democracy” but yes, we are aware of the origin haha 😊
@@RobeTrotting Still though you go on talking about how it's nice to see how the rest of the world has also embraced freedom and democracy as if it's something new and not over a 100 years ago we all became democracies.
So what is modern to you? 1800's, 1900's? There's no one left who hasn't lived under a democracy in western countries. Back in the day they didn't look to America and was inspired cause we weren't that globalised then. So how exactly do you define modern society?
I know i'm going a little of here but that whole bit of the video should be cut out cause it's not good:-)
I think that you can surely appreciate that there is NOT a two parti system e in Denmark but a much larger spectrum of political parties....the result of this also means that Denmark is not split in two like America almost is...
Yeah, this topic could be a whole separate video - but I don’t think the two party system is the biggest problem in American politics. Plus, there are small factions within the two American parties and the Danish parties join into two coalitions, so it’s not THAT different. The bigger problems in the American system are the infusion of money into politics (basically “legal” bribes) and the insane amount of veto points that keep progress from happening. No system is perfect, but the Danish system is much more fair and representative.
@@RobeTrotting Is is totally different in every way. Also I think the partisan media is really the biggest problem and those stem from having just two parties.
Factions within the parties don't matter as they often have to follow the partisan agenda and also they have to represent the opinions and values from where they were elected (to get re-elected).
Denmark is surely not excepted from lobbyism. Agriculture and energy are especially bad.
@@RobeTrotting at least all the votes count in Denmark...and the one with the most votes wins...simpel and easy..no geomandering...or voter supression...no votes "lost" when one party wins in one region...and gets ALL the mandates...without winning all the votes...and stuff like that that makes almost no sense to Danes...and it is easy to vote in Denmark....no problem - everyone is expected to take part in the proses of voting and it is made easy to do so.
@@RobeTrotting But it makes it a lot easier to debate politics with friends, family and co workers, since you can usually find areas where you agree. In the US you are politically split into 2(3) boxes. Read, and blue (and independent.)
In Denmark that is simply not the case. We get splint into 10? boxes and There are plenty of areas where a party Liberal alliance agree with Enhedslisten.
Also in the US there have since the founding been a fight between the people who think the role of government is to protect property and noting more.
And the other that think (to quote lincoln) "legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves---in their separate, and individual capacities."(...) including "public roads and highways, public schools, charities, pauperism, orphanage, estates of the deceased, and the machinery of government itself.”
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That question have been central to US politics the last 50 years. But in Denmark it have more or less be settled. Sure our (economic) right wing parties want more private involvement and less public run things, but they don't want to dismantle the entire system.
I love the way you talk about politics and cultural differences, while still being kind. 💖💖
Interesting that you left religion off the table... or healthcare... or education... or homelessness.. or poverty... or standard of living, I can almost assume ANY Scandinavian country is better off than the US. Seems the only ones singing the USA's praises are Americans that have never experienced anything else.
Our views on those topics didn’t really change from 5 years ago though 😬
Very diplomatically put. Impressive.
I assume it's in many ways easier to have your wedding picture on your desk at work, talk about your romantic weekend plans, or just hold hands in public, when you're gay in Denmark than in most places in the US?
Something I've never understood about the US is how few people vote. We may not put a sign outside of our house about it, but most of us see it as a duty AND a privilege to vote. But why would you choose not to take an active part in democracy?!
And I'm with you. Drinking a beer in public is a beautiful form of freedom. Especially mixed with the knowledge that you're safe from people with firearms, and that you can teach your children a little healthy independence, because it's perfectly safe for them to walk home from school alone.
stop it. you are lovely. I can not come back from work and not finde you good. aar s...t you are good.
Aw, thank you Henrik 😊 so happy that you enjoy our content.
Love your polite way of telling that we are not great at integrating foreigners 👍😔
Neither country is perfect, but I think Americans lose sight of how well we do - most immigrant families are integrated within a generation and are still encouraged to retain their traditions and celebrate their heritage. Sure, America has many issues with race and providing equal opportunities for minorities, but there are also many protections and anti-discrimination laws. We never realized how well America actually does in this regard.
Have you gotten adjusted to the metric system yet?
Here in Denmark I see it as a freedom, to be allowed to walk around in public without having to worry about people rolling around with guns!
Yeah I'm curious if they are going to talk safety here in DK vs America
Apparently you don't read the papers since there have been at least 1 shooting a month. The funny thing about laws is that criminals don't care about them...
That's safety, not freedom.
@@jensjensen382 Yes mostly in the capital city, because of weak politicians
@@jensjensen382 Yes and those shot are mostly criminals. So I would worry more about traffic - especially those electric løbehjul....
Agree! 40 years in Denmark and 15 in the USA, love both countries, I like that in the US, helping your neighbor, is appreciated but kind of taken for granted in Denmark. Miss the food from Denmark!
I think all Americans need to spend a year in Scandinavia, or Europe in general. Learn to relax, get used to see naked boobs at a beach, without it being anything special or sexual
I love you guys and the perspective you bring and the way you are able to articulate your views🫶🏽.
As a 3rd culture adult, married a Dane, raised the American way (not in US though), and an expat life, I share your sentiments and views. Keep it up guys 👍🏼🇩🇰
Yay, my two favourite Americans are back 🎉👏
The longer the work day, the more time for breaks and chit chat.
If there's no time for socializing when off work, people will do it AT work. We are social creatures, we NEED it.
I'll rather work my butt off for 8 hours, then go home and socialize with family and friends, rather than fulfilling collegues' social needs.
It's not really surprising that a country gets so polarized politically when its political system effectively allows for only two opposing parties, it's not like that leaves any room for nuance. See the same thing in the UK where currently Conservative MPs are looking at defecting, and instead of joining a different right wing party, the only option if they want any kind of electability is to jump across and instead join the Labour party.
living in Denmark just got more expensive. power and heating bills are rising 50% to 100%
This was a reeeeeaaly interesting video. I wonder when you will do one in danish with english subtitles :)
We need to become a little more proficient before we can tackle an entire video in Danish, but it’s certainly a goal of our 😊🇩🇰
@@RobeTrotting I hope you guys will stay here in DK for ever!
No, you definitely DON'T want to hear them speak Danish!
@@Nordic_Sky Arh, really. I think @Mike has got it *classic rejsekort' - I LOVE it!
Hejsa and so glad you like our little country. I lived in NY for 18 years and I agree with everything you said. General speaking you are right, but I do believe that integration is easier in countries that are anglophile as most people have a basic knowledge of English, and danish is just so dammed hard. Stay with us for a while, vi-like you.
In Denmark you can't bring a gun to the cinema.
In the USA you can't bring a beer to the park.
One restriction seems to be designed for public safety, the other seems like something a controlling girlfriend would demand.
This is such a perfect comment Simon 🙌🏼
@@RobeTrotting thanks, love the channel.
It is always interesting to hear an "outsider" perspective on what is the norm for you :-)
Could also add nakedness being censored in the us, opposite dk - and violence a lot less in the US - and well, still not that much in dk. :p
You Guys are Just Getting Greater and Greater !!!
I ACTUALL THINK THAT YOUR VIDEO's SHOULD BE USED IN EDUCATION both in Denmark for immigrants and very much for Americans simply learning about other countries !!!
Absolutely love your open minded approach to your newline. I really enjoy watching your videos.
That was supposed to read "new life in Denmark" not "newline"
Hi!
This was a great video. Both the topic and the reflections you guys did. Congrats on the 5 year anniversary with tiny Denmark! 🥳🇩🇰
but can I also mention how natural and relaxed you guys sounded in this video? ☺️☺️☺️ It showed a bit more about you guys, the way you just went with the flow. I really enjoyed it. But I enjoy all your videos :)
Sounds like Denmark is a real country.
True
Congratz on the 5 yrs in denmark. We live in a good country with all its faults. The need of us all is important for all of us. 😊🥳🥳
US: "The right to bear arms"
DK: "The right to beer arms"
The difference is just an "E" instead of an "A", I suspect that your "founding fathers" probably just couldn't spell ;) ;) ;)
Interesting as always
Thanks for sharing 🙂
yeah in the US it's either red or blue instead of who has a great idea then lets work together to implement it for the great good of the people,at least thats how I see it from outside as a Dane
Rigtigt godt nytår til jer og velkommen til 2022
You’re right, and it’s pretty sad. There’s a lot of negative forces and money in politics that keep it that way.
what is the workweek and what is a typical vacation schedule/entitlement in Denmark. I'll check to see if you mentioned it in another video too
Typical workweek is 37.5 hours Monday through Friday with at least 5 weeks vacation and you have to be able to take a 3 week vacation between May and September. We have a video on work-life balance and one overall on working in Denmark 😊
@@RobeTrotting thank you!
You said something about not being able to carry a gun in Denmark. In the perspective of freedom…I will ask: why should you? Isn’t all the guns in the USA just helping people kill each other? How on earth does guns have ANYTHING to do with freedom?
Thanks, guys, for your thoughtul production. Kind of strange in a way, comparing tiny Denmark with the behemoth of the U.S. Tusen takk.
Wellcom back, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU, I am happy you are "home" again. 👍👍👍
Nice video! One thing I would disagree on is which country had the first democracy.
If in a true democracy, women can also vote, actually you now live in
the first country to have a true democracy - wink wink! (1915 by law, 1916 in practical reality)
hi Guys.
I love your channel and explores of Europe and Denmark.
BUT You being proud of being a part/not part of a cultural and national background, dos'nt make that meltingpot called USA a haven to mark other nations! We from the east of the big Atlantic are NOT AMERICANS. You will tell me to cool down, but despite the love for your channel and you two guys, the disrespect you utter to real nations is too disrespectful.
Love you guys, and no more.
Jacob
And yes remoulade RULES!!! and smørebrød is close to our religion. Don't say you don't love it. Especially homemade just the way you like it to be. The rest of the world needs to follow u
I am curious, do you think the sense of community and collective mindfulness can be achieved in a multicultural setting? Or it is only possible within a very homogeneous society? :)
I think it’s very possible in a multicultural setting, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact factor that holds America back in that sense.
@@RobeTrotting I think other countries sadly would find it surprisingly difficult. A lot of things, some of them coincidences led to Denmark and Scandinavia being the way they are. I really recommend wathcing this video on the development of social democracy in DK an Scandinavia. It begins in the 15th century.
Nice video as alway.
All the political stuff is just stupid. We are Americans.....we have to agree to disagree and not be so on one side or the other. Thankfully I have not lost any friends through all this craziness. Never in my life have I even been aware of what side people are on politically until recently. We have to get over all this politically charged stuff, we are all on the same side. Remember 99 percent of all people are GOOD, we all want the same things. KINDNESS is important.
Freedom to get injured, having a medical condition or something involving the medical system. Danes don't have to worry about going bankrupt or having the sell the house. Or we spending x number of years saving up, only to see it all vanish inside a few months due to medical expenses.
Freedom to quit a toxic job, without having to worry about how to put food on the table, roof over the head. Yes you might get a 5 week lockout by the union, but there'll be money coming soon.
Freedom to get an education, not requiring you to maintain 1-2 jobs beside it. We do get paid to do our education full time (year 18+).
Freedom to walk down the street or gather somewhere, and not have to worry about getting shot. Or going outside and not have to carry my sidearm, cos somebody might mug/shoot you.
I thought that the US saw itself as a melting pot where different cultures flow together to form one new culture, rather than as a multicultural society.
It’s interesting, there are a lot of theories on the exact model but it’s a bit of both where you don’t have to give up your culture and multiculturalism thrives, but there are many cultural traits that are “borrowed” from the convergence of so many different cultures that compose “American culture”. So I guess the idea is that you have both things happening at once.
It's good you note USA's ability to integrate, but one big factor in this is that most people who move to America already speak English or, certainly, want to speak it (and it's easier to learn in that the native community is so monolingual), there may be an exeption in relation to Spanish and Hispanics, but take our older house mothers, vast majority of Hispanisc speak english fluently. But good point to make.
This comment is not for the vloggers as they have lived both places so they can ofcourse have an informed opinion. But as a dane reading comments its downright sad to see all the prejudice about america, from people who have no experience living there. I also have not lived there, but im not talking shit about it. Id LOVE to live in the states (at least Florida, Hawai or something like that), and its infuriating seeing people talk shit about it
About the last thing you said. (I am not American so maybe this is total bs, but anyway)
I kinda feel like America had so manny victory’s while it hadn’t existed for long, so it got beat into its head, that America is great and can do no wrong. And it believed it so hard, that it forgot stuff doesn’t stay great. It was amazing at the time, but time moves on, and you need to do that too. Just look at something like the American school system, which hadn’t changed much from when it first started till now, even though we require a lot of different stuff from people now then we did back then.
It’s not that American was always bad, it just forgot to keep up with the times. Leading a lot of other countries to surpass it.
From both sides? Politics have many sides, not just 2...
Excellent video - my husband and I moved to Tuscany 4 years ago and we found this topic very fitting about the way we currently feel about the USA. Our views on America are now totally different. We'll be following you guys. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much for watching and the kind words Jim - so glad you guys can relate and enjoyed the video. We’ll keep them coming 😃
Funny you mention "The freedom to carry a gun" This is so grotesque to me. We dont need to carry a gun because we are free and dont fear each other. I'd say the neccesity of carrrying a gun is the opposite of freedom. But i understand some Americans see carrying a gun as freedom 🤔 I just dont understand why....
Hey guys hope you had a good xmas and a happy new years eve and wish you well in this new year
Loved you'r video - specially one comment tricked me : Freedom isn't an american thing ! - just loved that 'remark' - it must have been some eyeopener , as you told us, in the US you feel as you belong to either us or them, here you're allowed to feel good and be in the middle too :)
Interesting topic 👍
Super Nice to hear . Thanks a lot. Best regads Jesper from Danmark