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SPOOKY AND BIZARRE

4/18/2012

 
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"The Scream," Edvard Munch
Spooky and Bizarre    
    It was spooky and bizarre to watch Norway’s mass murderer, Anders Breivik, enter the courtroom for his trial. Blank-faced and self-satisfied, he raised a fist-clenched arm in a sort of salute—to whom, or what? Shortly thereafter video cameras were banished. I was relieved. Watching that strange man raises disturbing questions about what kind of creatures are we humano sapiens.
    Having freely, even proudly admitted that he killed 77 people, the trial is only to determine whether he’s a criminal or insane. Among his strange statements is that he acted in self-defense, that he is trying to save Norway, that the only true freedom in Norway was when it was occupied by Hitler’s armies.
    Norway, Sweden Denmark, and Finland, the four Scandinavian democracies, are admired by those who fear that rampant crony capitalism is degrading others, while voracious state capitalism is taking over in China. I was impressed with Sweden and Denmark when I danced there in 1954, more so when I taught two summers in Copenhagen, 1982-83. Bicycles had the right of way over automobiles and were left outside unchained overnight. That was thirty ago and maybe they lock bikes these days, but to an outsider, the Danes seemed busy, satisfied, and happy. I do recall some saying that immigrants from the Middle East were not welcomed by all, yet admired the free immersion classes they got in the Danish language.
    Into this peaceful landscape, Anders Breivik exploded. Some deem him a freakish one-off, like a meteor from outer space. Others, that he is a deep madness flowing from within like lava from a volcano. Unfortunately, the second seems more likely. There is evidence that thousands are hate infected and capable of mass murder.
    American rampage killers often end with a bullet into their own brain. That may have been Breivik’s intent. Norway has no death sentence making him an opportunity to study what can turn a seemingly healthy, well-fed, even privileged individual into a deluded mass murderer. If anyone is equipped for this, it is Norway, the country of Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Munch. No research is more important.

Susan link
4/18/2012 11:32:25 pm

I spent part of my college years in Norway. Scandinavians are grown ups, they are not sexually obsessed, not intent on being the biggest and strongest, and unobtrusively compassionate. But back then the only "other" they had to contend with were Laplanders, way to the north. If our right-wing devils could poison a Norwegain, we really should think about our national discourse, of which these hate-spewing monsters are a part.

Stuart link
4/19/2012 02:50:17 am

Agree that Scandanavians are grownups. Also sane, strong, gentle. I admire them greatly, and pray they are not being "poisoned," and that their deeply humane culture will prevail.


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    Author (Yuma, AZ, 1944)

    Being 90 years in this world,  with great kids,  great grandkids, great wives (two, one at a time) and great memories, I wonder why some people seem to have stopped loving the U.S.A.? I will wonder in print right here. If you wonder too, or can provide some answers, please comment.
                                   Stuart Hodes

    Picture
           With my friend, Nero.
                   April, 2012.
        Photo by Ray Madrigal

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