PTSD

The Return of the Native*

Apparently it is now "cool" to be a "native”, at least among some people here. About 100-150 years ago, "going native" implied that the person visiting the country (well, colonising, most often) had gone and learnt the local language(s), tried to dress in local costume(s) and attempted to live in local conditions, however they may be interpreted. This wasn't usually recommended since it implied that the one who had gone native had become "soft". Natives weren't for hanging out with, they were for ordering around, being critical of and ruling over (if not exterminating). Generally, amused condescension was the response to someone who went native. Now, in the early 21st century, it appears the native has made a comeback. Unlike a couple of centuries ago, it is the outsiders (not colonisers anymore but, most often, immigrants) who are compared to natives.

A sample of sound grabs on what people have said (and what I remember):

· Eminent professor to foreign student: “Well, native Danes happen to do better than children of immigrants in many areas…”
· Eminent professor 2 to student: “it will be difficult for these people [Turkish immigrants, mainly in Copenhagen] to integrate into native Danish society…they will have to deal with it [difficulties in adjusting] or go back.”
· The title of an upcoming talk and related publication: “A dynamic analysis of educational progression: Comparing children of immigrants and native Danes”
· Second generation Dane [born and brought up in Denmark]: “The native Danes look upon us [second generation immigrants] as foreigners. I don't feel Danish at all--I feel foreign.”

So, from being people who were generally seen as lazy, uneducated, uncivilised, backward in colonial (and even postcolonial, in many cases) discourses, natives are now suddenly the ones defining societal standards (against those children of immigrants and foreigners).

* Disclaimer: Before people start sending me emails about generalising on the basis of a few conversations, let me point out that this is my interpretation of how I see things here. It is my "cut" into "reality" in a particular context. It is not a universal statement about Danish people or on their views of “natives” or on “natives” in general. It is a post designed (and hoping for) a reaction from its reader(s?).

posted by Priya @ 12:58 PM