Norwegian king’s amazing speech on love and diversity

[Kahina_Loren]

At a time when it often feels like we are more and more being split up into ‘us’ and ‘them’, King Harald of Norway is being hailed for a speech that highlights our commonalities and embraces diversity and acceptance.

Speaking to some 1,500 guests at a garden party outside the Royal Palace, King Harald delivered a message of tolerance that has struck a nerve amongst Norwegians who have witnessed intense debates about immigration in their country.

The king stressed that modern Norway is a place for everyone, regardless of where they come from, their religious beliefs, sexual preferences or even their musical tastes.

“Norwegians come from the north of the country, from the middle, from the south and all the other regions. Norwegians are also immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Poland, Sweden, Somalia and Syria,” the king said.

“Norwegians are girls who love girls. Boys who love boys. And boys and girls who love each other,” King Harald said.

“Norwegians believe in God, Allah, everything and nothing,” he added.

And proving that the 79-year-old (or his speech writer) still has his finger on Norway’s cultural pulse, he also name-dropped a diverse group of Norwegian musicians.

“Norwegians like Grieg, Kygo, Hellbilles and Kari Bremnes,” he said to chuckles.

“In other words, Norway is you. Norway is us,” King Harald said.

Video of the speech went absolutely viral. A clip on broadcaster NRK’s Facebook page has been viewed over two million times and garnered thousands of supportive comments.

“The best speech I’ve ever hard. Norway is undergoing a change and our beloved king expressed it in a beautiful speech. You make me proud to be Norwegian,” wrote Monica Osborne.

“This is why we have you, dear king. When the monarchy can live hand in hand with democracy, whey not support a diverse society and a nation that chooses its own identity with these wonderful words. Yes, we love this country,” wrote Rizwan Ul-haq.

[Kahina_Loren]

1. As a socialist..

I am against the monarchy, but as long as we have it at least the King tries to play a constructive role.

After the second world war, King Haakon, the current King's grandfather, stated that I am also the king of the communists (in Norway) in order to include everyone.

I guess this was his grandson's I am also the king of LBQT community and the king of muslims.

What do you guys think?

[Blue_Tires]

7. Welcome to the site!

[Exilednight]

2. Link?

I really want to see this.

[Kahina_Loren]

4. Hey.

This is the English news story.

http://www.thelocal.no/20160902/see-the-norwegian-kings-amazing-speech-on-diversity-and-acceptance

This is the English translation.

Clip of the speech with English translations available.

[C_U_L8R]

3. Linke here...

[virgogal]

5. If you want a fun way to see how cool Norway is

try to see "Lillyhammer" on Netflix.

Great show about a great country---which I have been lucky enough to have visited.

[Kahina_Loren]

6. Lillyhammer was great. :)

I really loved that show.

Wanted more seasons darnit.

It made fun from an American perspective I suppose (little steven) of the Norwegian socialist welfare society.

Some it well deserved

[pampango]

8. "Norway is a place for everyone, regardless of where they come from, their religious beliefs, sexual

preferences or even their musical tastes.

“Norwegians come from the north of the country, from the middle, from the south and all the other regions. Norwegians are also immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Poland, Sweden, Somalia and Syria,” the king said.

“Norwegians are girls who love girls. Boys who love boys. And boys and girls who love each other,” King Harald said.

“Norwegians believe in God, Allah, everything and nothing,” he added."

Valuing diversity rather than homogeneity is such a liberal strong point. Well said, king.

[awoke_in_2003]

9. "Or even their musical tastes"

Except for Nickleback fans K&R