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please don't exaggerate the marginalization of muslim immigrants in Denmark.

That is a very reasonable request, and since I've never been to Denmark, I must admit that I could well be overstating it.

But I also have known people from many different countries who are not members of a minority or disadvantaged group and who wrongly believe there is not serious discrimination in their society.  (I'm not sure I stated that clearly, let's try again:  Many people who are in the majority are unaware of how discriminatory their own societies are.)

I'd put my own country near the top of that list, but the list is long, and we have lots of company.  The total failure of dialogue in Denmark these past months indicates that Denmark probably belongs somewhere on the list too.  Where on the list, I cannot say.

by the stormy present (stormypresent aaaaaaat gmail etc) on Mon Feb 6th, 2006 at 05:26:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]
As far as I remember, there were race riots in Nørrebro, Copenhagen a year or two back, and there has been a considerable tightening of the immigration laws, with the rise of a right-wing immigrant-hostile government. One example is that it is now so difficult to get family into Denmark, that in a famous case, the Danish prime ministers son couldnt get his American wife a permanent visa in Denmark, because she didnt have enough ties to the country.

I would also agree that alot of the discrimination of minority groups is usually not seen by the majority. I live in Norway too, and I know some Muslims. From what they have told me, it isnt so much pure racism that is the problem. Things like trying to get a good job with their University degrees is.

by Trond Ove on Tue Feb 7th, 2006 at 06:55:46 PM EST
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