lmalufmas

[lmalufmas]

I remember watching the 22 July documentary on Netflix and the overwhelming feeling of grief and confusion that consumed me after. That’s why I took the opportunity in this assignment to portray an event that occurred in my lifetime, yet my generation knows so little of. I also believe that the harmful example of extremism and nativism that played out in Norway, is something similar and relevant that the United States encounters today. The story is one of hate and cruelty, that led to peaceful changes and painful wounds. The attack on Norway in 2011 was a powerful message for not only Norway-but Europe. It brought to the forefront the issue of immigration in times of rapid changes and increase in technology, as transportation becomes more affordable and efficient. How do countries react to the increased flux in foreigners in their countries? How does this impact the identity of the country? How should governments react to these new identities coming in? The story of the attack on Utoya has a message larger than one can comprehend by simply reading newspapers and interviews- that’s why I’ve created this page to create an authentic, multilateral recount of the tragic event- and the aftermath on immigration and terrorism in Norway. It’s my goal that through interviews, pictures, and quotes, my generation can learn of how a country reformed and fought hatred and xenophobia. The flow of the Tumblr page is meant to show the subtle, gradual changes and hardships faced by Norway after the attack. I start with several videos that display the attack, and interviews to give more first-person accounts, and personalize the topic. After, I dive into depth on international reports of the attack, and Norway’s response on immigration and xenophobia. The contrast in Bravik’s Manifesto, and Norway’s new policy response interest reflects the two debates on paper. However, the image of the “Xenophobic Guide to Norwegians,” and the image of the school children gives an image to the contrast between the Labour Party and radical Nativists and white-supremicists groups. I end the exhibition with Norway’s attempt to remember the painful event. The memorial and debate over the memorial shows how Norway is still healing from the tragedy. However, the school children and Mohammad remaining the most popular name in Oslo for the 11th year in a row- shows how Norway remained the friendly, accepting country it was before the attack of 2011.

My exhibition also shows the two dualistic sides of Norway and its culture towards immigrants- while considered one of the most immigrant friendly countries, it also has a small percentage of immigrants compared to its neighbors. Additionally, my exhibit shows the beliefs of the Labour Party, and Bravik’s Manifesto. These are two symbols that show Radical Nativism and Norway’s popular governing party (very left associated). Finally, I have graphs and images that portray Norway today, and how they have recovered and look back at their tragedy. This layout is meant to take the viewer through the journey of devastation and recovery felt by Norway, and highlights an issue relevant to all countries. Immigration and xenophobia is commonplace globally, but I believe Norway’s response and responsibility to rid of hatred and discrimination is amazing and powerful.

[lmalufmas]

European migrant crisis. (2020, October 17). Retrieved October 18, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_migrant_crisis

The graph above depicts Europe’s response to the refugee crisis. It portrays a fascinating aspect of Norwegian dualism- while friendly and pro-immigration, Norway has a small amount of immigration as compared to other countries on the European continent. This may be a reason for backlash received by the Labour Party in Norway- who’s diversity statement and integration policies are not as widespread and impacting as it may seem to be.  

[lmalufmas]

TRTWorld. (2019, January 25). Muhammad is the top name in Oslo again - for the 11th year. Retrieved October 15, 2020, from https://www.trtworld.com/europe/muhammad-is-the-top-name-in-oslo-again-for-the-11th-year-23606

The image above depicts a group of school children parading in Oslo. In 2020, Muhammad was deemed the most popular name within Oslo for the 11th year in a row- a representation of the increasing Muslim population within Norway, alongside many other growing pools of immigrants. The article shows that in 2017, around 9% of Oslo’s population identified as Muslim. The image powerfully portrays the peace and unity reflected in the younger generations of Oslo, brought by education and awareness in the aftermath of tragedy. The Labour Party’s platform after the 2011 attacks have successfully passed more pro-immigration legislation, and have made healthcare, education, and integration of these new identities more accessible. 

[lmalufmas]

Rosenfield, K. (2017, February 17). Memorial to Slice Island-Site of the Utøya Massacre in Half. Retrieved October 15, 2020, from 

https://www.metropolismag.com/design/arts-culture/memorial-slice-island-site-utoya-massacre-half/

The image above depicts Oslo's 22 July Memorial Competition winner’s design, created by Swedish artist Jonah Dalberg. The memorial would create a three meter long divide through the island of Utoya, slicing the island into two separate parts. Dahlberg responded to backlash directed towards environmental concerns, “ “It reproduces the physical experience of taking away, reflecting the abrupt and permanent loss of those who died.” Dalhberg explains his radical, evoking plan as one that will impact visitors for a lifetime-and show the sudden, harsh change in victims and their families' lives forever. It also depicts the two extreme ideologies that led to Andres Brevik’s attacks. 

[lmalufmas]

Elloway, D. (n.d.). The Xenophobe's Guide to the Norwegians. Retrieved October 18, 2020, from https://www.ipgbook.com/the-xenophobe-s-guide-to-the-norwegians-products-9781906042431.php

The image above seemingly mocks the image of “perfection” within society in Norway. It reflects the world’s view of Norway- hegemony within cultural traits that lead to their calm and stable society. While Norway deems itself as one of the most peaceful and accepting countries, they receive criticism for their lack of diversity and realistic obstacles with a large population of immigrants. Additionally, the image shows what Brevik and other radicals see as the true Norwegian identity and the traditionalism they see needs to be upheld, and under threat with the rise of open borders and immigrations throughout Europe. 

[lmalufmas]

The journal published depict the government’s response to the attacks in 2011. Several policy changes were made and implemented. Norway found the police’s response to the attacks as too little, too late. They blame this on the little practice and protocol Norway had on terrorist attacks, and have since then promised and advocated for more training and preparation within law enforcement. Additionally, Norwegians worried about hostility towards immigrants after the attacks, with CNN and other news outlets falsely reporting the attacks to have been conducted by terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda. Norway also redefined their term for “terrorism,” reimplementing the concept of radical nationalist groups as terrorists organizations and threats against the well being of the country.

[lmalufmas]

A small trigger warning for if you decide to watch- shows the island with people fleeing, and bodies. Displays the aftermath of the shooting. 

The aerial footage captured from the day of the attack went viral throughout the globe. It depicts the gruesome scene of the shooting- and received lots of criticism from the Norwegian public on the lack of law enforcement. The first police did not arrive until an an hour after the first call-in about the shooting. By then, news outlets around the world were spreading false reports and accusations of the shooting, most blaming it on international violent extremist groups. 

The video is a difficult reminder for the people of Norway, a historically peaceful country, and the damaging affects of radical propaganda and nativists spreading throughout Europe. 

[lmalufmas]

The link above leads you to the official website of the Labour Party in Norway, the largest political party with a total of 24% of the country’s population. Utoya was a summer camp for children of Labour Party members. The Labour Party proudly maintains their stance on equality, pro-immigration policy, and universal welfare. After the July 22nd attacks, the Labour Party worked harder than ever to pass their legislation through Norway’s Parliament as a response to Brevik’s attack, which shed light on the rise of xenophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment in Norway.

[lmalufmas]

The following link shows personalized interviews from survivors of Utoya Island. It gives detailed accounts of their struggle to survive during the rampant shooting, and the aftermath within their families and themselves. Some also depict the sentiment they feel towards Brevik and his cause after-condemning his ideology and wanting to change radicalism in Norway once and for all.

[lmalufmas]

"As we all know, the root of Europe’s problems is the lack of cultural self-confidence (nationalism). Most people are still terrified of nationalistic political doctrines thinking that if we ever embrace these principles again, new “Hitler’s” will suddenly pop up and initiate global Armageddon ... This irrational fear of nationalistic doctrines is preventing us from stopping our own national/cultural suicide as the Islamic colonization is increasing annually ... You cannot defeat Islamization or halt/reverse the Islamic colonization of Western Europe without first removing the political doctrines manifested through multiculturalism/cultural Marxism.”" “I don’t hate Muslims at all. I acknowledge that there are magnificent Muslim individuals in Europe. In fact, I have had several Muslim friends over the years, some of which I still respect. This does not mean however that I will accept an Islamic presence in Europe. Muslim individuals who do not assimilate 100% within 2020 will be deported as soon as we manage to seize power.” “Although I do admit that I am disgusted by the current development, I would rather say I’m driven by my love for Europe, European culture and all Europeans. This does not mean that I oppose diversity. But appreciating diversity does not mean that you support genocide of your own culture and people.

Andrew Brevik’s Manifesto 

Anders Brevik created a manifesto before his attack on Utoya Island, and was collected as evidence during his trial. His manifesto argues his view on the increase of Muslim populations and other races within Norway and Europe- and claimed the many dangers that would occur if a Muslim majority took over Europe. He argued that his actions were due to his fierce love for Norway, and that it was the only way to spread a wake-up call throughout the continent. Brevik states that he would commit the crime again, and again, to prove that Norway was going to be taken over by the foreign threat and would infringe on the “true Norwegian identity” and “European culture.” His radical ideas were picked up through the widespread use of discussion platforms and technology, where many youths like him are easily influenced and reached by radical organizations.

[lmalufmas]

Greengrass' Masterpiece and Outlook on the Tragic Attack

The popular Netflix movie takes us through the recovery and survivor guilt that Vijar and younger brother Torje experience, years after the tragic event. The 2018 film directed by Paul Greengrass purposely depicts the difficult images of the shooting on the island, with Brevik’s notorious chants during the massacre of the innocent teens, “ You will die today. You Marxists, Communists, members of the elite.” Greengrass explains later in an interview that he purposely replayed the difficult scene from that day to put the viewers in the forefront of the shooting-and to depict how hatred felt from one individual can affect the lives of hundreds, for years to come. It also depicts Brevik’s trial, where he famously performed a Nazi salute torwards the parents of the victims before giving his defense. Additionaly, the movie portrays the point of view of several Muslim children on the camp that day, and the alientation they felt after the attack.