The skill lies in balancing national patriotism with cosmopolitanism
Photo: Coco before Chanel, 2009
The discourse surrounding what defines us and where we belong can be fulfilling; however, it does not always serve us well in the long term. Identity and race are themes that flourish and engage individuals across generations, continuing to generate extensive debate.
A couple of years ago, book publications were significantly characterised by authors from a wide array of ethnic backgrounds, endeavouring to find their place within Norwegian society. One such publication, "Norsk nok," features contributors such as Sylo Taraku, Fredrik Solvang, Kamzy Gunaratnam, Ahmed Fawad Ashraf, among others. The editor of the book is the author and social commentator Mala Wang-Naveen. One of the contributors, Ahmed Fawad Ashraf, expressed in a debate article in Nettavisen earlier this year his intention to conclude the quest for what it means to be Norwegian, describing this as liberating.
I have been away from my ancestral countries for a significant period. While I have roots in various nations, I have not abandoned my Norwegian identity; nonetheless, I do experience a sense of longing and nostalgia for my homeland, France, along with my connections to other ancestral origins, such as Denmark, England and Italy. I continue to uphold a strong sense of my Norwegian heritage, particularly in relation to my affiliations with the countries of my biological parents. The ballance lies in harmonising national patriotism with a cosmopolitan viewpoint. The Catholic tradition and my Ashkenazi heritage remain somewhat unfamiliar to me as a cultural believer; however, I am genuinely interested in Jewish and Catholic art and literature.
This raises the question: what is the significance of being a nationalist, a cosmopolitan, and a citizen? Being a good citizen entails being connected to one's community. As the leader of Fritt Ord stated in Aftenposten in 2016: "Norwegianness and identity. Norway is one country, yet it encompasses a multitude of diverse realities." This observation is a fact that we ought to acknowledge. It is entirely possible to maintain a nationalist affiliation while simultaneously identifying as an outsider or a cosmopolitan citizen, as I prefer to describe it. We might benefit from setting aside the quest for identity, for while it may provide short-term satisfaction, it is ultimately unfulfilling in the long run. Perhaps we can identify ourselves as part of something larger, striving to adopt a broader perspective that extends beyond our individual selves.
Philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah is well-known for his cosmopolitan thinking. In his book "Ethics in a World of Strangers" (2006), Appiah introduces two ideas that intertwine within the concept of cosmopolitanism. The first is the notion that we have obligations to others that extend beyond mere citizenship. The second is the importance of never taking for granted the value of life and remaining informed about the practices and beliefs of others. To quote the philosopher directly: "Besides, underneath cultural differences are often shared values and practices. Whether it’s art, friendship, norms of respect, or a belief in good and evil, the things that seem so different are often based on ideas we all share."
As a Parisian by origin, a city also part of a culture known for embracing a cosmopolitan identity. With a rich language and roots from many nations, we can serve as an inspiration in other cities. For in Norway, we can indeed embody both vibrancy and a quintessential Norwegian essence simultaneously. Should one manage to live by this principle, it may spare one from an identity crisis.