In our exercise where we brainstormed "What is Swedish and not?" and "Am I Swedish simply because I'm born in Sweden?" we found that the students had a great deal of questions about their identity.
One aspect of the identity crisis showed itself to be the words we use to describe ourselves. Could it be that when we call ourelves something other than "Swedes" in order to show respect for the cultures our parents represent we separate ourselves from the Swedish society?
We discussed popular nicknames which have an inherent negative connotation such as "Svenne" (100% Swede inside and out) and "Blatte" (meaning an imigrant with dark hair and a culture from the Middle East and or eastern Europe). We discussed how these words hinder rather than help people assimilate into the Swedish society and workplace. We also discussed that it is important to be connected to and proud of one's cultural background while one also embraces and appreciates the opportunites afforded in Sweden.
Here we cames to discuss freedom, the right of free speach, voting, equal opportunity in the workplace and so on. We came to the conclusion that it was important to appreciate these opportunities.
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