Copenhagen: 17 July 2008

Today was yet another action-packed adventure for Team Copenhagen. The topic of the day focused on the role of religion and multi-culturalism in Danish society. The first speaker of the day was Toger Seidenfaden, chief editor of one of the most widely circulated newspapers in Denmark. Seidenfaden alleged that despite political or intellectual posturing, the question of integration is ultimately one of assimilation. According to Seidenfaden, Danish xenophobia extends not from economic concerns, but from the perceived assault on Danish democratic values. He postulated that by framing the Islamic religion as a totalitarian assault on Denmark, the right-wing Danish People’s Party has been able to succeed where other right-wing parties in Europe have failed. Seidenfaden also touched upon the idea that the rhetoric of integration has shifted to the right to reflect the success of right-wing parties in polarizing the issue of immigration. Team members also commented on how newly minted terms such as “a new Dane” or “second-generation Dane” serve as continual reminders of the secondary status of Danish immigrants.

Fortunately for us, the afternoon session was a little more uplifting. Former Chief Rabbi of Copenhagen Bent Melchior and Bashy Quraishy, the Chair of ENAR (European Network Against Racism), presented on the past realities of Danish tolerance and on their current projects in the areas of inclusion and acceptance. Melchior began by recounting the remarkable story of how the Danish citizens had spontaneously decided to rescue Danish Jews from the Gestapo in 1943. He was also quick to point out that the Denmark of today does not live up to the legacy of 1943. Both Melchior and Quraishy discussed the idea of “integrating with integrity.” That is to say, it is possible to become an active and ideal Danish citizen without throwing away aspects of one’s culture and heritage that make immigrants unique. Melchior and Quraishy stressed the dialogue and continued vigilance against intolerance were the tools by which a new conversation on immigration could begin.

After a short break, Team Copenhagen made its way to a tiny non-descript building in West Copenhagen. A bright yellow sign outside had an advertisement for quality furniture. We were all very much disappointed when said furniture was nowhere to be found. In its place, we found one of the only mosques inside of Denmark. The blank façade of the building does little justice to the elaborate carpets and the Turkish tiled pillars found on the inside. In the next 90 minutes, we had the opportunity to witness a prayer session and to speak with Imam Abdul Wahid Pedersen, a Danish convert to Islam. The topics of discussion ranged from the nuances of Shariah to the mundane difficulties of serving as a representative of tens of thousands of muslims in Denmark.

Suffice to say, the day was a long one and provided food for thought for all of us. Unfortunately, food for thought is not a substitute for actual food, so we ended our day with a trip to an Indian/Pakistani restaurant. Some of us also made a trip to a nearby bar to watch some of the Euro 2008 soccer tournament. Fear not loyal readers, despite the heart-breaking loss of France to Italy (boo), Team Copenhagen will find a way to soldier on.

Until further inspiration,
-Hanh Bui and Rajinder Chahal, Team Copenhagen