We Are All Canucks

Playoff news travels quickly, especially in the birth country of the Sedins, Samuelsson, and Edler.  While shopping at the supermarket last week, I heard the radio announcer talk about "Vancouver," "Daniel Sedin," and "Henrik Sedin."  Unfortunately, I was the only one in the store who seemed to care about the latest hockey news from "america."

I usually talk to Anton about the latest hockey news, since he seems like one of the only corridor mates who keeps up with the NHL.  Mostly I tell him how great the Sedins are doing, the latest game day results, etc.  Today, though, I happened to mention to him how hockey fever has caught on back home, and how it's generally accepted as everyday fashion to wear one's Canucks jersey to school or to town.  I told him how I brought my jersey with me in the suitcase, thinking that I'd wear it here at least one time (which so far hasn't happened).  He just smiled and shook his head, "That would never work here.  That's crossing the line, being so superficial."  

I think that's where Canadian and Swedish cultures do differ; to us in Vancouver (or Calgary or Toronto or Montreal), we take pride in our "team," our country, or anything that makes us feel as if we belong or gives us confidence and self-esteem.  We proudly wear our #1, #14, and #17 jerseys when we go shopping, paint our faces green and blue, and immediately update our statuses after the latest game.  When my corridor mate mentioned the word superficial, I can understand why.

The way I understand it, for Swedes, the thought of showing off one's pride and loyalty to a team is too much.  Isn't it enough to cheer on the team without having to mention it on facebook, wearing the team colours - just to prove that you've been keeping up with the games, that you're a "true fan"? 

This leads me to introduce Jantelagen to you.  The Jante Law can perhaps define the attitude and behaviours found in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries.  

1. Don't think you're anything special.
2. Don't think you're as good as us.
3. Don't think you're smarter than us.
4. Don't convince yourself that you're better than us.
5. Don't think you know more than us.
6. Don't think you are more important than us.
7. Don't think you are good at anything.
8. Don't laugh at us.
9. Don't think anyone cares about you.
10. Don't think you can teach us anything.

Perhaps this law seems a bit excessive, but this also helps us to understand how to behave when conversing with Swedes.  Less outward bragging and showing off; it won't impress them!

At the end of the day, I won't be shy in proclaiming my love for the boys.  I'll still wear my earrings religiously on every game day, but maybe I'll keep my jersey in the closet ;)