@Monkey:
I saw willful distance in Germany, it went both ways from what I saw. It definitely wasn't just the Turks.
It definetely goes both ways. There's no denying that. But only one directions is allright to talk about.
@cooldud_21:
Where is the line between giving up your culture completely and completely refusing to mix into your new society?
Also, who has the prerogative of 'breaking the ice', so to say, and form new community bonds? The immigrants or the natives?
You could never ask that question in a public debate without being crucified in the press. Your name would be manure in a day.
But i'd say it's the general view that it needs both sides to tackle the issue and meet in the middle, traditionally we northerners are very inclined toward compromises. Ideally i think we'd all like the best of both worlds, food, music, all forms of entertainment is usually very appreciated. But the glaring social differences betwenn Sweden and oh let's say Afghanistan are pretty damn huge and right now the public opnion is veering toward the notion of "us" having gone to the middle and then being asked to go all the way over to their side. Not saying it's factually accurate or anything but that's the general mindset of the average Joe.
There's alot of resentment brewing over this feeling of giving without reciprocation. This all probably ties in to the problematic notion that immigrants should be "thankful" for the honour of coming to our country. The ever popular "we'd never go to their country and demand X from them" is a commonly heard phrase. And since as i mentioned before these issues are never aired much less debated publiclly most people give upon on meeting in the middle and just retreat into the safe zone where they don't have to compromise any of their ideals. Us on one side, they on another, and a big gray fucking wall of let's not talk about it betwenn us. It's such a sad state of affairs.
But on a postive note the greeting process has really stepped up it's game with the new volounteer system. My mums apart of it actually and as far as i can tell they're very much appreciated. It's amazing what going out to have a piece of cake and coffe and a chance to chat about in Swedish for a few days a week can do.
@Monkey:
I found it all really creepy tbh. That's NOT how the thing work is all I have to say Europe.
You think we like it any more than you lol.
It's like some bad comedy skit how limp dicked and afraid the ruling classes are of touching the issue