#21
And all of this is important why? Because, tl;dr, we’re better off closer together.
By learning who the other is, we empower ourselves to learn more about what the world is like, and education never hurts anyone (getting hit by a book isn’t an argument against it, Tim).
As such, this way we build trust and respect, and if a particular place becomes rich in multiculturalism that way, it just makes it more interesting to live there.
#22
#23
* The ability to immigrate to a non-Swedish citizen who lives in Sweden, as a partner in a same-sex, unwed couple.
* No screens on the windows and no AC in homes, businesses or public transit (and yes, it does get hot here).
* In Stockholm, it takes an average of 9 years of waiting in a rental queue to be able to rent an apartment (or you can sublet for hugely inflated prices). Once you sign a rental contract, your waiting time starts over again. People trade rental contracts in order to be able to move apartments, and rental contracts are sold on the black market.
* University is free.
* TV dramas about teenagers having lots of great sex, shows about sex are shown on national public television.
* Servers/waitstaff are paid a living wage. Tips are not required or necessarily expected.
* A visit to the doctor costs about $25. All healthcare is free for a year after you’ve paid $140/year in fees. Giving birth is free. Cancer treatment is free (once you've paid $140/year).
* Everyone eats mushrooms and berries they find in the woods. Wild foraging is a very common pastime
* Taking a dip in a hole in the ice of a frozen lake is a relatively common winter weekend activity.
* Your running water/warm water/heating is usually paid for by the rental company.
* Salty, ammonia-flavored licorice is considered delicious
* Carrying pepper spray requires a permit
* Carrying any size of knife or sharp object in public is illegal, except when required by work, or some other justifiable purpose (like mushroom hunting).
* Only 6% of the Swedish population has a license to own a firearm
#24
This is also why we ought to support cultural diversity, and there’s a number of ways of doing it. First up, plunge into the pool of diversity as living in one rubs off on you. This is quite literally how culture works.
All the while avoid imposing values that others may have trouble accepting or it’s inconsistent with their own.
#25
#26
#27
A lot of what accepting other cultures is can be defined as education and understanding. So teach yourself and learn to understand the concepts that describe these other cultures. In turn, learn to respect and accept them, and this will show a good example to others.
By proxy, push away the tide of ignorance and stop folks from exercising insensitivity, bias and prejudice. Being proactive in all of these things will solidify the experience.
#28
#29
#30
So, what are your thoughts on any of this? What are some differences that you think are worth mentioning here? Share your takes and stories in the comment section below!
Oh, and before I forget, there’s more where that came from.
