American Music Videos against American Politics

Little did I know there were two controversial songs/music videos created by American artists that were out there, rocking the rest of the world - one by the Dixie Chics, one by Pink.

Both made political statements in the US and around the world (both involved their disgust with Bush). But what is so interesting to me is I was unaware of these songs/statements when I was living in the US, but learned about them living amongst Europeans. It again confirms my point that the whole world watches the US, watches what we do, and attempts to emulate us as often as possible. It is empowering, and scary at the same time.

I must have been living under a rock, but I am glad I know about these now. I think they are AMAZING! Watch the video, read the lyrics...it's worth the time.

Pink - Dear Mr. President

I was able to see her perform this live in Copenhagen, and it was so touching, especially being the only American in my group, watching the images on the screen, and seeing how the Danes around me were reacting to this video. They were truly angered and touched at what we as Americans have gone through as a result of our leadership. Humanity is powerful!

Lyrics:

Dear Mr. President,

Come take a walk with me.

Let's pretend we're just two people and

You're not better than me.

I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly.

What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street?

Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep?

What do you feel when you look in the mirror?

Are you proud?

How do you sleep while the rest of us cry?

How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?

How do you walk with your head held high?

Can you even look me in the eye

And tell me why?

Dear Mr. President,

Were you a lonely boy?

Are you a lonely boy?

Are you a lonely boy?

How can you say

No child is left behind?

We're not dumb and we're not blind.

They're all sitting in your cells

While you pave the road to hell.

What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away?

And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay?

I can only imagine what the first lady has to say

You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine.

How do you sleep while the rest of us cry?

How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?

How do you walk with your head held high?

Can you even look me in the eye?

Let me tell you 'bout hard work

Minimum wage with a baby on the way

Let me tell you 'bout hard work

Rebuilding your house after them bombs took them away

Let me tell you 'bout hard work

Building a bed out of a cardboard box

Let me tell you 'bout hard work

Hard work

Hard work

You don't know nothing 'bout hard work

Hard work

Hard work

Oh

How do you sleep at night?

How do you walk with your head held high?

Dear Mr. President,

You'd never take a walk with me.

Would you?

and....

Dixie Chicks - We're Not Ready to Make Nice

This song is based off of the 2006 documentary, Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing. Two of my Danish friends had this documentary, and I had never heard of it. They were excited to watch it with an American to get my point of you - it was a great evening of political discussions about the state of the US and the state of the world.

The documentary is based on the fact that one of the singers, Natalie Maines, publicly criticized Bush during a 2003 concert in London. The film shows them in a London concert in an atmosphere of dramatic opposition to the announcement from Bush regarding his authorization of the invasion in Iraq. Earlier that day, approximately 1 million people had gathered at a public demonstration in London against the war. During the concert, lead singer Natalie Maines told the audience the band does not support the war in Iraq and also said they are ashamed that Bush is from Texas (their home state).

Once these remarks were made public, conservative groups rallied against the Dixie Chicks. They were unsure whether they should 'shut up and sing' and apologize, or stand by their convictions. They stood by their convictions, which is where Shut Up and Sing came from.

Lyrics:

Forgive, sounds good

Forget, I'm not sure I could

They say time heals everything

But I'm still waiting

I'm through with doubt

There's nothing left for me to figure out

I've paid a price

And I'll keep paying

I'm not ready to make nice

I'm not ready to back down

I'm still mad as hell and

I don't have time to go round and round and round

It's too late to make it right

I probably wouldn't if I could

'Cause I'm mad as hell

Can't bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I know you said

Can't you just get over it

It turned my whole world around

And I kind of like it

I made my bed and I sleep like a baby

With no regrets and I don't mind sayin'

It's a sad story when a mother will teach her

Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger

And how in the world can the words that I said

Send somebody so over the edge

That they'd write a letter

Sayin' that I better shut up and sing

Or my life will be over

I'm not ready to make nice

I'm not ready to back down

I'm still mad as hell and

I don't have the time to go round and round and round

It's too late to make it right

I probably wouldn't if I could

'Cause I'm mad as hell

Can't bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I'm not ready to make nice

I'm not ready to back down

I'm still mad as hell and

I don't have time to go round and round and round

It's too late to make it right

I probably wouldn't if I could

'Cause I'm mad as hell

Can't bring myself to do what it is you think I should

Forgive, sounds good

Forget, I'm not sure I could

They say time heals everything

But I'm still waiting

Pink concert in Copenhagen

I went to the Pink concert in Copenhagen two weekends ago. I traditionally only like to go to concerts where I really like the artist, or where i know a lot of the music so I can sing (poorly) along. Pink's latest album (Funhouse) has so many hit singles off of it...I love every one of the them, and knew that I needed to see her live - most especially because I wanted to see a famous American artist live while living in Denmark.

The concert was great - Pink is a great performer live. Although her show has wardrobe changes and crazy stuff happening, she still clearly can sing live, and her voice isn't too manipulated on the cd's. Additionally, in between songs, she speaks to her audience, and you get the feeling that she is truly trying to connect.

I was interested to see the venue as well - this is MUCH smaller than a venue in the US. There are only chairs in one balcony section, otherwise you stand everywhere. Once you enter the building, there is no walkway surrounding the court, etc, where you would buy your beer or snacks. They don't really sell snacks - just drinks. And you just drop these cups on the ground when you are done.

The bathrooms are regular bathrooms as well as port-a-potty's, and are located basically right at the back, where you can still stand and see the stage. They have a coat check where everyone checks their coat. They sell tshirts like normal, which were the equivalent of $30 - $60!!! Yikes!! They were selling a hoodie for $100!!!

It was definitely an interesting experience, but not too bad. We were able to get really close to the stage and have a great time!

The girls who went - my friend Lonnie is 2nd from the right, the rest of the girls are her friends who I don't know very well.

This was a sign in the building - it states 'You go out, you go home!' They aren't messing around!

Breakdown of the stage IMMEDIATELY after the concert ended

Cleaning of the floor immediately after the concert ended

Pink is swinging and singing in the bottom part

Pink is being tossed up in the air

My new brunette hair debuted at the concert

AWESOME!

Lincoln made the road trip to Copenhagen with us

Pumpkin Carving!

I was actually able to celebrate Halloween by carving pumpkins this year! I tried last year, but when I went to get a pumpkin close to Halloween, they were all sold out at the store!

I invited some friends over for dinner and carving pumpkins. We ended up with 3 Americans and 3 Danes, which was fun. The 3 Danes (Anne, Chanett and Lonnie) had never carved a pumpkin before, so it was fun to share some of our culture with them. They had trouble carving off the lid, and were grossed out by what was inside...but it was a fun night!

Anne, Lonnie, me, Chanett and Rachel (another Rachel - a new one I have befriended)

Sadie, Anne, me, Lonnie and Chanett

Having fun!

Oprah

So, many of you know I love Oprah and I used to Tivo her everyday in the US. When I learned she was coming to Copenhagen to lobby for the Olympics in Chicago, and would be taping an episode here, I was excited! There was little information released to us - I didn't understand if she would be sitting down with a studio audience, or just taping little segments (which is what she did). On her website, you could write a letter to try to be on the show.

The question specifically related to Copenhagen, and why people loved that city so much. I of course spun it towards the city I live in, Aarhus. Also, it was unclear if she wanted Americans living in Denmark, or if she wanted Danes. Well, I never got a call :( But she apparently wanted Danes.

Here was my 'application' to be chosen for the show. It was actually very fun and reflective for me to write:

Copenhagen is to Aarhus as New York City is to Los Angeles. It is the East versus the West. It is a friendly, national rivalry. I am not going to tell you why I love Copenhagen, but more specifically, why I love Denmark and the Danes. And my story is unique in the fact that I am not an expat who has been living in Denmark for 10 years. I am not an exchange student only in Denmark for 6 months. I am a full-degree student, who quit her corporate job in the US to follow her dream of living and travelling in Europe, and her dream of higher education. I am a woman who has had to leave everything familiar, and attempt to assimilate into a completely unfamiliar culture. I see my world and THE world through completely different eyes now. Everyday there is a new revelation.

I have always dreamt of seeing an Oprah show live - and have tried in the US to no avail. What better opportunity than to be and American, living in Denmark, with the opportunity to watch one of her American idols, live, while in Denmark?

I am an American from the Midwest, living in Denmark. While I do not live in Copenhagen, I live in a little-known gem named Aarhus - the second largest city in the country, located on the Jutland peninsula (only 3.5 hours away from Copenhagen). I am receiving my Master's degree in business at a school called the Aarhus School of Business.

I knew NOTHING about Denmark before agreeing to move here (I was VERY fortunate, and received a scholarship and a living stipend to attend this university, since education is so expensive in the US). Right before I left the US last year, my Granny and mom saw the segment aired on 60 Minutes about Denmark being the 'Happiest Place on Earth' - and I watched it as well. I knew NO ONE before hopping on a plane to move here, and had only traveled to Europe one time previously. And let me tell you, I went through EVERY stage of culture shock upon arrival, and within the first months of living here.

Denmark is a strange world compared to the US. The first week, I cried everyday. The first two months were extrememly tough. I did not understand how a country that was supposed to be the 'Happiest Place on Earth' could be so unorganized and so overwhelming. I am typically a strong person, but this transition was extremely taxing on me mentally and emotionally.

After a few months, I managed to integrate into the society. I found at job (at the Aarhus School of Business Career Centre, as the international student aid). I joined the ASB soccer team. I now have a strong group of Danish friends - and it definitely helps that Danes love Americans.

Interestingly enough, because of my position at the ASB Career Centre, I have become a sort of 'poster child' for international students in the Aarhus region. I am currently working on an EU- and mid-Jutland funded internationalization project, to keep international students in the region after graduation. Because of this position, I have the ability to put on workshops and seminars for international students. One of my favorite events is one called 'Job Hunting in DK.' This is a full-day crash course into Danish culture, where I try to relay the message that it is okay to hold onto your own personal culture, but to try to embrace the Danish culture as well. During this event, I actually show the 60 Minutes video clip about the 'Happy Danes', and the discussion afterwards is always very exciting. It never gets old for me.

Nothing in Denmark is the same in the US - even the grocery stores (a year later) are so foreign and bizarre to me. At the beginning of my journey, I thought this was so weird and I did not like it. Now a year later, I still think it is weird, but okay. I am embracing the differences between Denmark and the US.

Things I love about Denmark? I love the architecture. I love the design and style. I love the windows in the houses and apartments. I love that girls are natural here, not often wearing heels, nor a lot of makeup, and with their hair in a ponytail. I love the Danish emphasis on family - and it makes me (sadly) realize that my life in America is lacking in this department. I love the concept of 'hygge' - I love that Danes don't go out to eat, but instead, invite their friends and family into their homes for good food, good wine, dimmed lights and candles. I have never experienced anything like this before I moved to Denmark - as Americans, we meet up with our friends and family out at restaurants. And know that a Danish meal will never last fewer than 3 hours! It is definitely a production. I love the workplace culture. With my former employer in the US, I was simply a number. It didn't matter who I was or what I did, as long as I produced results. They didn't want me to take a lunchbreak, had 2 weeks of vacation a year, worked 9-6, and would be in trouble if I left 30 minutes early. I could not believe the workplace culture of the Danes when I first began to experience it! They work 37 hour work weeks, have 5-7 weeks of vacation a year, can leave early (without question) if they have a tennis match or need to pick up their kids. They have a YEAR of maternity leave, and an allotted amount of paternity leave on top of that as well. I love the way the Danes value their relationships. Although they can be very protective and closed off, once you break through that wall, they can be the most loving, friendly people. And the idea that family and friends come first is amazing. I think as Americans, we are constantly on the go, and don't slow down and take time to enjoy each other's company like I have experienced through Danish culture and my friends here. I also love the seemingly slower pace of life here, which is a bit more relaxed than in America, where I feel like we are constantly on the go.

These are all values that, no matter where I decide to live in the world, I will always take with me.

The 'American Dream' is to be the best, have the fastest car, the biggest house, and the most expensive clothes. The 'Danish Dream' is to not be the best (check out something called the 'Jante Law', whose first rule is 'Don't think that YOU are special'). Free health care for all relieves a lot of stress, as does the free education/living stipend for all Danish students. There is monetary help for student-housing, for childcare, for elderly-care, and much more. And while this is combated with extremely high taxes, I do not think that any American living in this society will begin to second-guess the way our systems work back home. There is no real class system - you can make a lot of money as a bartender, or someone working at 7-11. There is no jealousy, in that you can not tell the rich from the poor.

Everyday I learn something new about the Danes, and I share something new to them about myself and my culture to them. It has been an eye-opening and enlightening experience for both sides. I am their little 'American project' that they jokingly say, they are trying to convert into the Danish way of life. I am proud to say that I am, and always will be, an American. But I will always carry a piece of Denmark with me.

Denmark can be so quaint, so simple, and even more serene. It is a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of my city back home, as well as my former career. By living in this society, I have had the opportunity to provide myself with time to find clarity - which can be so hard to find time do so in the US.

This tiny country with only 5.5 million inhabitants has stolen a piece of my heart. I will be finished with my Master's degree next June, but don't know if I will be heading home right away. I don't know if I am done with this experience yet. I miss my family and friends terribly, but have made some amazing Danish friends - and their friendships are very different than my friendships back home.

****
So sadly, even though I wasn't chosen, it was still exciting for me to watch the clip from Oprah's show. She devoted 16 minutes to Denmark - and while real Danes so what she portrayed isn't real Denmark...it is pretty close!

Enjoy, if you wish!

Part 1
Part 2

Do I speak English, or do I speak American??

It never ceases to amaze me when people ask me if I speak English...no wait, American. Do I speak American? It took me awhile to get used to that comment - I was taken aback every time I heard it. But I have yet to explain that ENGLISH is the language - we ALL speak English...so I guess you could say that 'American' is our dialect?

Ps - most Europeans don't like how Americans speak - our accent and our choice of words sometimes. They grow up learning British-English, which is a little more uptight than ours, so they almost view us as the redneck, the red-headed step child!

Halloween in Svendborg, Denmark

For my birthday in June, my great friend Susanne gave me a card (amongst many other things she did for me!) that said it could be redeemed for a trip anywhere in Denmark. We planned the trip over Halloween weekend - and it was a surprise. I did not know what we were doing or where we were going.

We went to Svendborg, Denmark, on the island of Funen. Susanne's sister Annette lives there, with her brother-in-law Carsten, and her nieces, Julie, Sofie and Marie. We just spent time with her family and the kids. The home was decorated for Halloween and the kids even had costumes on! We made cakes and decorated them with licorice to make spiders...and the big surprise was we (Susanne and Annette) and I went to a castle nearby (Valdemar Slot) st night, and there was a haunted house there! I was so amazed and surprised, and it was actually as good as a haunted house in the US! Keep in mind, Halloween is a very American holiday, and most Danes do not celebrate it here. For example, when I walked into Annette's house and met her, one of the first things she said to me was that they have never celebrated Halloween before - everything they did essentially was for me, which was amazing. Susanne knows that Halloween is one of the holidays I miss celebrating back home, and she went out of her way to make sure that I had a great day.

The next day we just drove around the little town of Svendborg, walked around a park, went to a small petting zoo...and just spent time with the kids. I was nervous to spend time with such young Danish children (8, 4 and almost 2) because they haven't technically started learning English yet....so the communication factor was scary. But I have learned that body language is a universal language! I gave the two oldest girls a Halloween sucker when I arrived, and didn't say much, but they smiled and were happy. I tried to play board games and computer games with them...and actually was trying to speak Danish with the 8 year old and trying to teach her some English (helping her with colors, etc).

I feel very honored when a Dane invites me into their home or their family's home (I have now been to Susanne's parents and her sister's house) because not only are they sharing traditions with me, but they are accepting the fact that I am different, and know that they will have to speak English to communicate with me. It is a pretty cool feeling when you think about it.

Susanne is an amazing person and an even better friend. She never ceases to amaze me. She is a thankless, thoughtful person - and her friendship (as well as her ideas, thoughts and visions on life and the world) are one of the greatest things I have gotten out of this whole experience. She is truly a blessing in my life, and is an extension of my family here. I can't wait to repay the favors to her one day - I told her payback will be coming, and she will one day meet all of my family and friends, and see how we live as Americans!

Julie making a Hejlsvig family special treat - something Susanne and Anette used to make when they were little girls. A sweet (flodeboller) smashed on top of rugbrod. It was amazing and tasted almost like a smore.

Sofie and Susanne

Playing a Danish-English computer game with Julie

Susanne and I

Love this pic!

Svendborg

The petting zoo with 2 goats and 2 rabbits Love these old Danish homes - this was around 300 years old

Susanne

Marie sleeping in the stroller outside - I will never understand this :)

Sofie as a ghost

Marie

Board games that I tried to play and didn't understand the rules to, or when Julie told me to do something...

How the table was decorated (Halloween) when we first got there - we had buns, spider cakes, tea and coffee

At the grocery store picking up some things to bring to her sister's house