“Norwegian Democrazy” delves into the limits and constraints placed on free speech and the stresses on Norwegian society by the influx of Islamic immigration. The Muslim population of Norway is 182,000 constituting 3.3% of its total population. 55% of the Norwegian Muslim population live in Oslo and Viken.
The Islamic influx is not restricted to Norway but throughout Europe and North America and the societal reactions of Norway are common problems. Lars Thorsen and his sweetheart Fanny Braten tirelessly travel Norway to support the views of SIAN, Stop Islamization of Norway. A provocative speciality of SIAN is burning of Qurans in public infuriating Muslims and many “native” Norwegians.
In a democracy as in Norway there is no law preventing protesting against the influx of immigrants or for that matter the burning of Qurans irrespective of how it angers many Norwegians. But the burnings combined with SIAN’s categorization of Muslims as pedophiles, rapists and terrorists in combination border on hate speech. The Norwegian flag armbands worn by Thorsen have a chilling resemblance to Nazi armbands.
It is fascinating to watch how police take care to separate SIAN demonstrations from the public in expectation of violence leading some to claim the police are protecting “fascists” but perhaps closer to the truth is they are attempting to control violence. In this regard they occasionally arrest SIAN members.
In an interview a viewer should pay attention to Braten stating SIAN has no issues with “fully integrated Muslims”. What that term means or the sincerity of such a statement is unknown. It could mean merge into a melting pot and shun burkas, hajibs and attitudes and behaviours unNorwegian and we just may trust you. Stand out and refuse immediate integration pay the price? Does refusing the hospitality of immigration and adherence to prevailing Norwegian religious and social attitudes put you at risk in Norway or any country in which you are invited to immigrate to require you play the majority game?
In Canada we are not immune to Islamic honour killings and to harassment and murder of Muslims although we have no SIAN but with the massive strain on social services and housing caused by massive largely uncontrolled immigration one wonders when SIAN like movements will form.
Watching the documentary there are certain issues that arise and are not answered and perhaps are not meant to be answered.
- What are the limits on free speech in a democracy?
- What is free speech?
- What if free speech incites violence?
- Should immigrants be encouraged to “integrate” and does failure to do so show contempt for the invitee country?
- Are laws the answer?
Thank goodness there is no narration in the documentary as the people of Norway are speaking to all of us whether Muslims or native Norwegians (whomever they may be).
A documentary by Fabien Greenberg and Bård Kjøge Rønning.
Its international premiere will be screening at HOT DOCS on 2May2024.
You can watch the trailer here https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1G836BsQhbkK-WVzN3xZK1r8_ei2dOCZe
RKS 2024 Film Rating 91/100.
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