I won’t blame you if you, upon discussing politics with a Norwegian, find yourself slightly bewildered, especially if you’re an American. While you limit your political palette to two colours; the Republican red and the Democrat blue, we go about the whole thing in a completely opposite fashion; labelling our conservatives various shades of blue, and our leftists equal shades of red – with greens in-between and a number of brownies (far less edible than the ones you’re used to) on the far right.
Which, of course, is why I sympathise completely whenever you feel a tad puzzled by our political colourisation, but know this: You people confuse us, too. After all, looking at the below map quite a few Norwegians would be astounded by the number of socialist states in America, although most of us are beginning to get the hang of it by now (you’d be surprised by the level of attention your election attracts this side of the pond).
US red, blue and undecided states: Dang, imagine if the colour coding was Norwegian, Johnny!
Am I being overly synaesthetic, you think? Be that as it may. As for me, I suppose I’m kind of blue, judging by the objects on my desk (top photo), but still undecided when it comes to which or whose standards. Can I get back to you on that one? It all reminds me of how I miss the infinitely entertaining writings of Brit blogger Jellie’s Shocking Reds and Blue Meanies, by the way, terminated years ago, but I digress. My quintessential point is that Norwegians leaving the impression that they’re conservative, may in fact be what you refer to as liberal – and vice-versa.
Which leads me to yet a fundamental misunderstanding. While you people think “radical” when using the term liberal, we, on the other hand, think “moderate”, even if the term is diffuse, including libertarians, even, which, I know, makes no sense at all to you. In essence, we live in separate worlds, in more ways than you can ever imagine.
I do know this, though: Your president, whomever he might turn out to be, is the most powerful individual on the planet.
I live on that planet, and honestly think I deserve a say, but fear the colours would only confuse me.
Finally, in conclusion, I’m satisfied following up Cocteau Twins’ Bluebeard the other day (see last post) with a different blue-tinted tune by same. Blue Bell Knoll (no original visuals this time, though):
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