I decided to write something about the Scandinavian genetic law, which in my opinion says a lot about their character and the way the society is built, that is equal – homogenous. From what I understood, the Danes particularly, refuse to accept that this is how they are, maybe because it’s a proof for their lack of emotions and reactions.
The Jante law
The Jante law is an unwritten law that can be applied to the people leaving in the Northern part of Europe, mostly the Scandinavians. The basic concept of the law is: Don't think you're anyone special or that you're better than us.
The law has ten rules:
The law has ten rules:
1. Don't think that you are special.
2. Don't think that you are of the same standing as us.
3. Don't think that you are smarter than us.
4. Don't fancy yourself as being better than us.
5. Don't think that you know more than us.
6. Don't think that you are more important than us.
7. Don't think that you are good at anything.
8. Don't laugh at us.
9. Don't think that anyone cares about you.
10. Don't think that you can teach us anything.
The us in the rules does not refer necessarily to how people outside the countries view the Scandivanians, but also to how they treat eachother. The law is directly related to the Lagom theory, which is actualy a swedish word that means “just the right amount”. Never more, never less…always what is requested.
The idea behind this can also be found in other parts of the world such as Australia and New Zeeleand, under the term Tall Poppy Syndrome. Someone is said to be a target of tall poppy syndrome when his or her assumption of a higher economic, social, or political position is criticized as being presumptuous, attention seeking, or without merit.