Interview to a Danish School

- What was your point of view when you came to Denmark?

Being a Muslim, I thought it will be hard for me to live in an environment where the cartoons against Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) were published and there was a strong reaction in the Muslim World after these cartoons were published. I also knew that there were good and bad people every where and Denmark will not be an exception where you may find racist and friendly people. On a lighter note, Denmark has been known for its Vikings and Danish cookies. I also knew that it will be very cold country and coming from South Asia, it will not be easy to cope with the extreme cold weather. Denmark has also been known as one of the best welfare states and a rich country.

- When you came here, did you felt that people saw and treated you different?


The young people I met are festive and friendly. Many times because of the Danish language there have been problems where I am sitting with all Danes, it is important to realize them to talk in English, but I understand that it is natural and comfortable to speak in ones own language but to integrate non-Danish people, it is important to talk in English language. Of course I was considered as a foreigner and some one from outside of Denmark. Since I am coming from Pakistan initially people were reluctant about me because of the conflict going on at the border with Afghanistan and perception of terrorist and Taliban. However, everyone listened to my point of views, and slowly and gradually things improved as I was just one of their fellows. Still, I find that Danish students sit on one table for the meals and international students at another which is not good and something I found among the young people here in Denmark that they do not want to integrate more with foreign students.

The media is talking about a “clash of civilizations.” But that's not what I experience when I have discussions with young people in Denmark. Although there is a 180 degree difference in cultures of West and the East especially West and the Muslim world, however, what brings us together is that we all are human beings, we all believe in universal human values, peace and we all are part of global community. By crossing the borders of different countries, I have found that traveling is the best learning experience. It helps remove misunderstanding that unfortunately prevails today in our world. It enhances what we learn in the class room

- Have you ever been in a big conflict because of your descent?

Not a big conflict. However, I do not drink, something which is very common in Denmark, I was asked this question why I do not drink many times. In my religion drinking is prohibited and as Denmark is not a religious country, there have been times when people have not been able to understand it.

-Why do you think that some of the danish inhabitants' are seeing negative on people with good education who comes from the eastern part of the world?

There are of course some people in Denmark who thinks like that. Danish inhabitants should not see educated people who comes from the eastern part of the world negatively in fact they should be considered as an asset for the progress of the country, they are here not only to make their lives better, but actually to contribute in the Danish economy. They are intellectuals and good addition for Denmark and those who think negatively should be told about this fact.

- How do YOU think that we could change the danish peoples point of view on people from other parts of the world?

Ask them to interact more with the people from around the world in person where ever they get opportunity in Denmark and also meet them online. If we want a better world and more peaceful Denmark, it is important. However, the best way is to travel to global south so that they can find on ground realities and do not trust the media. Make young and old visit asylum centers, and ask them to volunteer for projects that promote interfaith harmony. Be more open to people from other parts of the world and if they are in Denmark, make them feel at home.