Protecting our boundaries....

Many people do not realize it but we all do have our own boundaries. Signs of such boundaries surface when we get irritated or angry at things that happen. For example, when someone talks too much or moves into your sphere of comfort, you retaliate. You could probably make sacarstic remarks or give that person a look to indicate that you are not in agreement with that person's or that group of people's behaviour.

Applying this understanding into the situation that I am in, I can understand why some Danes are very wary about foreigners' presence in Denmark. The Danes have succeeded in creating a little haven for themselves. THis is a place where one can move about freely, express themselves freely and be at peace with oneself. (Of course, there is a minority who will disrupt this environment to being a balance between good and evil.) This is a place where family and security plays a very important role. The Danes feel comfortable being among their family members and friends. HOwever, with more foreigners coming here to work and experience a different lifestyle, it is no wonder that the Danes sometimes feel uncomfortable. This is their home and country. Suddenly, they are seeing more and more people who look different, work different and behave different. WHen a being comes into contact with foreign elements, it is a natural process and reaction that their defences go up.

Their boundaries are slowly being invaded and tested. Hence, some Danes are not that friendly towards other people. For those who are more tolerant and whose boundaries are not yet threatened, they are able to view a different perspective of the situation. They see foreigners as a chance for learning and enhancing their life experiences.

The other side of the coin falls on the foreigners. Have all foreigners been totally respectful of the Danes and their culture? NO one can be sure. I am affirmative that there would be some foreigners who are not sensitive to the way of life here and hence would have created some negative and unnecessary consequences. So, the Danes cannot be penalized for feeling threatened.

While this is a fact which cannot be changed, I just hope that I can contribute positively to the situation and meet Danes who are willing to accept me for who I am.