Can a short speech make a difference?

Where do you live? What country do you , my Reader, come from or inhabitate? Do you feel at home there? Or have you fled from your native country just to secure your life? And perhaps also left your heart there, or family,- even your sweetheart?

Many of our native countries  are not democracies, some are at war, even civil war. Many call themselves democracies, but are not yet!

Very few countries in the world like mine, are monarchies. The monarchy is in many ways a very obsolete institution, most likely to be gradually phased out! In my country Norway however, most people, even hardcore non-monarchists called republicans, appreciate our hard working Royal Family. They try to be an institution representing and containing the national and multicultural diversity.

On September the 1. King Harald and his Queen Sonja invited all kinds of different people from all over Norway to a garden Party at the Royal Castle.The King and Queen with grandchildren waiting for their garden party guests

King Harald held a simple but very moving welcome Speech. His speech made both the audience, and people all over Norway, feel  included and worthy as fellow citizens. He reminded the guests that no matter where you come from or how you live, and what you like, even without permanent recidence permit, – you are no less Norwegian than the rest of us.Ordinary people like you and me , invited  to the  garden party

The speech got viral in very few hours! I have translated it here on Psychological Universe because it represents the earlier mentioned third way of dealing with human differences. It represents an attitude towards each other that we need more of  if we shall manage to live together and survive on this planet in the 21.th century.

And since the Kings integrity and authority as a national father, is unquestioned in almost every layer of the country’s population, the speech will be listened to and acted upon.

When you read it try to replace the words “Norway “and “Norwegians ” with your own country’s name and people. Then imagine that the speech was meant for you, and your people and what you think of it.

The Kings Speech

“After having traveled around most of the country, it is very nice to be able to host representatives from all over Norway in our garden here at the castle! A warm welcome to our place, everyone!

“You who are gathered here represents the width of what Norway is today. So what is Norway?”

“Norway is high mountains and deep fjords. It’s plains and coastline, islands and islets. There are lush meadows and gentle hills.Sea crashing against the country from the north, west and south.”

“Norway is Midnight sun and polar night. It is both harsh and mild winters. There are both hot and cold summers. Norway is elongated and scattered inhabited.”

“But Norway is above all the people.”

“Norwegians are northerners, troenders, southerners – and people from all the other regions. Norwegians have also emigrated from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Poland, Sweden, Somalia and Syria. My grandparents immigrated from Denmark and England 110 years ago. (Speech continues after 10 photos)

(Kings Haralds father(the little boy) and grandfather immigrating to Norway in 1905.)

(Recent immigrants)

(Below, some parts and people of Norway)

“It is not always easy to say where we are from, what nationality we belong too. What we call home, is where our heart is – and that is sometimes difficult to place within borders.”

“Norwegians are young and old, high and low, able-bodied and wheelchair users. An increasing number are over one hundred years. Norwegians are rich, poor and in between. Norwegians like football and baseball, climb mountains and sail – while others are most fond of the sofa.”

Some have good self-esteem, while others are struggling to believe that they are good enough as they are. Norwegians are working in shops, hospitals, and oil platforms. Many Norwegians work to keep us safe, and many work to keep the country clean of garbage and looking for new solutions for a green future. Norwegians farm the land and are engaged in fishing.

“Norwegians research and teach.Norwegians are engaged youth and experienced old.  Norwegians are unmarried, divorced, families and old couples. Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who like boys, and girls and boys who are fond of each other.”

 “Norwegians believe in God, Allah, Everything and Nothing.”

“Norwegians like Grieg and Kygo, Hellbillies and Kari Bremnes.”

“In other words, Norway is you. Norway is us. When we in our national anthem sing; “Yes, we love this country,” https://youtu.be/d21Ylqv6sU0 we must remember that we also sing about each other. For it’s we who make up the country. Therefore, our national anthem also is a declaration of love to the Norwegian people. “

“My greatest hope for Norway is that we are able to take care of each other. That we in the future are going to build this country on trust, fellowship and generosity. That we shall know that we – despite of all our differences – are one people. That Norway is one.

Again – a warm welcome to us and our garden – I hope we get a nice time together!”

The “Grandpa “King of Norway after his Speech