The Glorious MIP – Day 3!

DAY 3: A Political History of Sweden + Visit to my Faculty – Arts & Communication

This day was surprisingly interesting. I’m not sure whether it was my interest, or the caffeine pill that kept me awake and writing during this lecture, but I recall everyone around me lowering their heads gradually further and further until they were about half-asleep. Which, in truth, is actually just a little bit sad. The speaker did quite well in comparison to others, and the information given was reasonably entertaining and not too hard to follow.

So then, what was he saying about the political history in Sweden? Well, I prefer his title better: SWEDEN IN 60 MINUTES. He spoke about the Swedish “model”, which is – by the way – a myth. He spoke about Sweden’s egalitarianism, internationalism, naturalism and individualism. A lot of “ism’s”, but the short video clip below is truly the best summary I could give:

Highlights:

• Flat organisations are apparently a typically Swedish invention.
• Sweden has an extensive welfare system, provided by the government, paid through taxes. Sweden has pretty dang high taxes, but hey, at least they don’t have to worry about paying their monthly healthcare bill (or which company to pick to begin with).
• They seem to generally distrust hierarchies. I can agree with that. They may have a king, but he doesn't hold any power (and why would he?).
• Supposedly Sweden is the most gender-equal country in the world, although even here females don’t get paid as much as their male counterparts for the same job.
• They've spent 200 years without war. Not bad. Not bad at all.
• They've taken the liberty to criticize other countries’ politics and consider themselves the Jiminy Cricket of the EU. Hehe... this is amusing. “Holland, stop being so racist concerning Sinterklaas. We understand your love for tradition, but the world is changing and so should you!”
• Nature and alcohol go together as one and the same thing. You go out camping and drink yourself out cold. Although, the government doesn't like it’s people drinking, so the few stores that do sell alcohol close at 3 in the afternoon. Better get your booze in time! Or better yet, don’t get any at all!
• There are a lot of isolated villages and farms in Sweden. And a LOT of nature. When you have free time, you spend it in nature. Picnics, cozy places, respecting the trees and enjoying the flowers bloom. Ah, the love.
• Allemansrätten. Every Swede has the right to dwell in privately owned land in the countryside. This holy principle is taught in school; nature belongs to everyone!
• Mulleskola is a place where teachers dress up like some mixture of a troll and a beaver to teach children about the woods. Isn't that just lovely? They’re like the European Indians!

• They may distrust hierarchy, but at the same time they have a crazy trust in the state and public authorities to do the right thing, much unlike anywhere else in the world.
• The Swede is collectivist, conformist and well-organized. Yet also, a-social, timid, private and solitary; a person who likes to be left alone. Just a little bit paradoxical. That’s so very human.
• The Swedish 20th century state helped liberate the individual person from constraining communities, such as patrons, the church, higher and lower class, family ties and gender ties. Meaning i.e. that chosen family is more important than blood family, and the fight for gender-equality is a fight for independence.
• They have a day called: Kanelbullar’s Dag! Cinnamon bun day! I’d celebrate that all year... Yum!

In addition to those points, I wanted to give special attention to Jantelagen, which is Swedish for: Jante’s Law. It’s a very sad social convention that Swedes used to follow, but is currently very disagreed upon. I.e. at the time, the best grade to get would be an average grade.

The JANTELAGEN basically states:

1.      You're not to think you are anything special.

2.      You're not to think you are as good as we are.

3.      You're not to think you are smarter than we are.

4.      You're not to convince yourself that you are better than we are.

5.      You're not to think you know more than we do.

6.      You're not to think you are more important than we are.

7.      You're not to think you are good at anything.

8.      You're not to laugh at us.

9.      You're not to think anyone cares about you.

10.   You're not to think you can teach us anything.

Another awesome aspect was that he showcased some typical Swedish artists and paintings from i.e. the late 19th century, whilst at the same time giving an idea of the Swedish nature. He also pointed out that nature is actually more important than the artist creating the painting.

Anders Leonard Zorn

 

Bruno Liljefors

     Carl Larsson

Of course, the second half of the afternoon was bound to be even more exciting: a tour through Krånen, or K3, where I’d be having my studies. K3 stands for Konst, Kultur and Kommunikation, and the building used to be an old factory. They’ll be moving to a new location in about 18 months, but unfortunately by then I’ll be long gone. That doesn't make the building any less epic however! Take a look at the fabulous inner design!

 

Or well, the less fabulous part is the entrance. Actually, it’s quite retarded. In order to get to my classroom, I have to go through the main entrance, straight up the stairs to the third floor. There’s nowhere else you can go. From there, I have to take the stairs right back to the ground floor, where my classes take place. I suppose it’s healthy, all those stairs, but that sure is a very weird thing to me. 

Other than that there are workshops, like i.e. a woodcarving workshop. They also have a huge wood-related working zone with all the necessary equipment (and 3D-printers...for some reason). And they have a Large Chess Set by the cafeteria! It's awesome!

Lastly I’d like to add their interest in combining both the theory with the practical. I’m sure getting a lot of theoretical information (and loving it), but soon we’ll be delving into the more practical aspects of comic design too. More on my schedule later, however! Next up, day 4!