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This is Denmark.
92 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
https://euromedmonitor.org/en/article/4898/Disguised-Racism:-Denmark%E2%80%99s-discriminatory,-punitive-and-counterproductive-Ghetto-Package
Background
Since 2010, the Danish government’s Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing has been maintaining and updating an annual list of “Ghettoes” in the country. The designation “Ghetto” refers to a “particularly vulnerable public housing area” which according to Danish authorities has social problems and contains a majority population of "non-Western" ethnicities. In 2019, the Ghetto list included 29 areas and districts. Any neighborhood or area that fulfills three out of five criteria could be added to the list. Those criteria are:
An area could be further classified as a “tough Ghetto,” if it remains on the Ghetto list for more than four years. In 2018, the Danish government announced its goal to get rid of all “Ghettoes” by the year 2030, either by demolition or re-development. Several harsh punitive measures have been introduced in what is called “the Ghetto Package” to purportedly encourage integration and end the Ghettoes.
Consequences of Ghetto Designation
The consequences of a Ghetto designation are several. Some of the most problematic include:
Reduced Public Housing
If an area remains on the Ghetto list for 4 consecutive years, the share of public housing in that area would be reduced to a maximum of 40% by 2030. This means the eviction of entire blocks and subsequent demolition, selling or re-development of those buildings into private or co-operative housing to substantially change the character of those areas. Tenants in those buildings would be offered alternative housing but would not be able to decide for themselves the quality, location or cost of the alternative, and would be evicted if they refuse. This disproportionately affects low-income, largely Muslim neighborhoods, as such areas are the most likely to be designated as Ghettoes in the country compared to neighborhoods with similar problems or vulnerabilities that are inhabited by residents of white ethnicities.
Compulsory Daycare
“Ghetto Children” whose families receive welfare benefits must be separated from their parents from the age of 1 for at least 25 hours per week, excluding nap time to be enrolled in state kindergartens with a maximum migrant intake of 30%. Otherwise, the family would lose welfare benefits. The goal is to for the “Ghetto Children” to receive mandatory instructions in “Danish values,” including the traditions of Christmas and Easter, as well as learn the Danish language. Meanwhile, non-Ghetto residents in Denmark can choose whether to enroll their kids in preschool up to the age of six. Ghettoes children must also undergo a Danish language test before being admitted to school, or otherwise receive intensive Danish courses and attend a summer school in order to start grade 1.
Double Punishment
The Danish government’s ghetto deal sets higher penalties for crimes committed in Ghetto areas. People convicted of misdemeanors receive twice the penalty if they live in a designated ghetto. Ghetto rules also allow for the collective punishment of entire families, by eviction, if a family member is convicted of a criminal act. Convicted criminals and people on public welfare would face restrictions on moving to areas on the Ghetto list, especially “tough Ghettoes”.
snip
Executive Summary
This policy brief aims to provide a concise summary of some of the key consequences of labeling an area as a “Ghetto” or “tough Ghetto,” in Denmark as well as the implications of the policies introduced by the Danish parliament and government to end “Ghettoes” by 2030. Euro-Med Monitor concludes that since its inception in 2010, the annual Danish “Ghetto list” maintained by the Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing has been part of the problem rather than the solution. Whether in terms of its flawed and discriminatory criteria, its heavily punitive and counter-productive policies, or its very stigmatizing name, the “Ghetto list” contributes to fueling xenophobia, racial prejudice and intolerance against vulnerable minorities. It sows fear, insecurity, mistrust and resistance amongst the groups it targets, and it stands in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights and EU law vis-à-vis the rights to non-discrimination, equality and adequate housing, as well as the right of equality before the law and equal treatment before tribunals.
This policy brief aims to provide a concise summary of some of the key consequences of labeling an area as a “Ghetto” or “tough Ghetto,” in Denmark as well as the implications of the policies introduced by the Danish parliament and government to end “Ghettoes” by 2030. Euro-Med Monitor concludes that since its inception in 2010, the annual Danish “Ghetto list” maintained by the Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing has been part of the problem rather than the solution. Whether in terms of its flawed and discriminatory criteria, its heavily punitive and counter-productive policies, or its very stigmatizing name, the “Ghetto list” contributes to fueling xenophobia, racial prejudice and intolerance against vulnerable minorities. It sows fear, insecurity, mistrust and resistance amongst the groups it targets, and it stands in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights and EU law vis-à-vis the rights to non-discrimination, equality and adequate housing, as well as the right of equality before the law and equal treatment before tribunals.
Background
Since 2010, the Danish government’s Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing has been maintaining and updating an annual list of “Ghettoes” in the country. The designation “Ghetto” refers to a “particularly vulnerable public housing area” which according to Danish authorities has social problems and contains a majority population of "non-Western" ethnicities. In 2019, the Ghetto list included 29 areas and districts. Any neighborhood or area that fulfills three out of five criteria could be added to the list. Those criteria are:
An area could be further classified as a “tough Ghetto,” if it remains on the Ghetto list for more than four years. In 2018, the Danish government announced its goal to get rid of all “Ghettoes” by the year 2030, either by demolition or re-development. Several harsh punitive measures have been introduced in what is called “the Ghetto Package” to purportedly encourage integration and end the Ghettoes.
Consequences of Ghetto Designation
The consequences of a Ghetto designation are several. Some of the most problematic include:
Reduced Public Housing
If an area remains on the Ghetto list for 4 consecutive years, the share of public housing in that area would be reduced to a maximum of 40% by 2030. This means the eviction of entire blocks and subsequent demolition, selling or re-development of those buildings into private or co-operative housing to substantially change the character of those areas. Tenants in those buildings would be offered alternative housing but would not be able to decide for themselves the quality, location or cost of the alternative, and would be evicted if they refuse. This disproportionately affects low-income, largely Muslim neighborhoods, as such areas are the most likely to be designated as Ghettoes in the country compared to neighborhoods with similar problems or vulnerabilities that are inhabited by residents of white ethnicities.
Compulsory Daycare
“Ghetto Children” whose families receive welfare benefits must be separated from their parents from the age of 1 for at least 25 hours per week, excluding nap time to be enrolled in state kindergartens with a maximum migrant intake of 30%. Otherwise, the family would lose welfare benefits. The goal is to for the “Ghetto Children” to receive mandatory instructions in “Danish values,” including the traditions of Christmas and Easter, as well as learn the Danish language. Meanwhile, non-Ghetto residents in Denmark can choose whether to enroll their kids in preschool up to the age of six. Ghettoes children must also undergo a Danish language test before being admitted to school, or otherwise receive intensive Danish courses and attend a summer school in order to start grade 1.
Double Punishment
The Danish government’s ghetto deal sets higher penalties for crimes committed in Ghetto areas. People convicted of misdemeanors receive twice the penalty if they live in a designated ghetto. Ghetto rules also allow for the collective punishment of entire families, by eviction, if a family member is convicted of a criminal act. Convicted criminals and people on public welfare would face restrictions on moving to areas on the Ghetto list, especially “tough Ghettoes”.
snip
I asked Grok to tell me about assimilation of immigrants in Denmark. It was all quite interesting. Given Denmark is quite different than the US, some of their policies wouldnt work here, but we could learn from them. Here’s a copy of what Grok showed:
Denmark employs a variety of policies and initiatives aimed at encouraging the assimilation of immigrants into Danish society. Here's a comprehensive look at these measures:
### **Language Requirements
*
- **Danish Language Courses**: Mandatory for refugees and family reunification applicants, these courses are designed to ensure immigrants can communicate in Danish. Passing language tests is often required for residency, citizenship, and family reunification.
- **Integration Program (Introduktionsprogrammet)**: This program includes language learning, cultural orientation, and job preparation, with attendance often linked to social benefits.
### **Integration Contracts *
- **Integration Agreements**: New immigrants, particularly those on certain types of residence permits, must sign an integration contract that outlines obligations like attending language courses, which is monitored by local municipalities.
### **Housing Policies *
- **Ghetto Package**: Aimed at reducing the concentration of non-Western immigrants in specific areas, this policy involves demolishing and rebuilding housing to mix demographics, encouraging social mixing.
- **Dispersal Policy**: There's an effort to spread immigrants across different municipalities to prevent the formation of cultural enclaves.
### **Employment *
- **Job Activation**: Immigrants are often required to participate in job activation programs, which can involve apprenticeships, internships, or direct employment, sometimes with wage subsidies to encourage employers to hire immigrants.
- **Mentorship Programs**: Initiatives where Danish citizens mentor immigrants, helping them navigate the job market and Danish work culture.
### **Cultural and Civic Education *
- **Danish Culture Classes**: Alongside language, there's an emphasis on teaching Danish history, laws, values, and social norms to foster a cultural understanding.
- **Citizenship Tests**: The path to citizenship includes passing a test on Danish society, culture, and history, ensuring immigrants have knowledge of what it means to be Danish.
### **Education System *
- **Language Support in Schools**: For children, there's additional language support to integrate them into the Danish educational system, preparing them for mainstream classes.
- **Parental Involvement**: Encouraging immigrant parents to engage with the school system, learn Danish, and participate in school activities.
### **Legal and Social Incentives *
- **Benefit System**: Social benefits are tied to participation in integration activities, including language learning and employment, which can be reduced or stopped if obligations are not met.
- **Residency and Citizenship**: The conditions for permanent residency and citizenship are stringent, encouraging assimilation by making these goals contingent on integration success.
### **Social and Community Initiatives *
- **Volunteering**: Encouraging immigrants to volunteer in community activities, sports clubs, or cultural associations to build networks and understand Danish society better.
- **Community Centers**: Local initiatives where immigrants can meet Danish people, learn about local customs, and participate in community life.
### **Legislation and Policy *
- **The Integration Act**: This law lays down the framework for integration, making local government responsible for integration efforts, with an emphasis on self-reliance and cultural assimilation.
### **Public Perception and Policy Statements *
- **Political Rhetoric**: There's often a public narrative emphasizing the importance of immigrants adopting Danish values and way of life, which can be seen in political discourse and policy-making.
### **Criticism and Challenges *
- Critics argue that these policies can be coercive and might not respect cultural diversity, potentially leading to alienation rather than integration. There's also debate on the effectiveness of these measures in genuinely fostering a sense of belonging versus just compliance.
In summary, Denmark's approach to encouraging assimilation is multifaceted, focusing heavily on language proficiency, cultural education, employment, and social integration, all underpinned by a legal framework that ties rights and benefits to meeting these assimilation goals. However, the balance between encouraging integration and respecting diversity remains a contentious issue both domestically and internationally.
### **Language Requirements
*
- **Danish Language Courses**: Mandatory for refugees and family reunification applicants, these courses are designed to ensure immigrants can communicate in Danish. Passing language tests is often required for residency, citizenship, and family reunification.
- **Integration Program (Introduktionsprogrammet)**: This program includes language learning, cultural orientation, and job preparation, with attendance often linked to social benefits.
### **Integration Contracts
*
- **Integration Agreements**: New immigrants, particularly those on certain types of residence permits, must sign an integration contract that outlines obligations like attending language courses, which is monitored by local municipalities.
### **Housing Policies
*
- **Ghetto Package**: Aimed at reducing the concentration of non-Western immigrants in specific areas, this policy involves demolishing and rebuilding housing to mix demographics, encouraging social mixing.
- **Dispersal Policy**: There's an effort to spread immigrants across different municipalities to prevent the formation of cultural enclaves.
### **Employment
*
- **Job Activation**: Immigrants are often required to participate in job activation programs, which can involve apprenticeships, internships, or direct employment, sometimes with wage subsidies to encourage employers to hire immigrants.
- **Mentorship Programs**: Initiatives where Danish citizens mentor immigrants, helping them navigate the job market and Danish work culture.
### **Cultural and Civic Education
*
- **Danish Culture Classes**: Alongside language, there's an emphasis on teaching Danish history, laws, values, and social norms to foster a cultural understanding.
- **Citizenship Tests**: The path to citizenship includes passing a test on Danish society, culture, and history, ensuring immigrants have knowledge of what it means to be Danish.
### **Education System
*
- **Language Support in Schools**: For children, there's additional language support to integrate them into the Danish educational system, preparing them for mainstream classes.
- **Parental Involvement**: Encouraging immigrant parents to engage with the school system, learn Danish, and participate in school activities.
### **Legal and Social Incentives
*
- **Benefit System**: Social benefits are tied to participation in integration activities, including language learning and employment, which can be reduced or stopped if obligations are not met.
- **Residency and Citizenship**: The conditions for permanent residency and citizenship are stringent, encouraging assimilation by making these goals contingent on integration success.
### **Social and Community Initiatives
*
- **Volunteering**: Encouraging immigrants to volunteer in community activities, sports clubs, or cultural associations to build networks and understand Danish society better.
- **Community Centers**: Local initiatives where immigrants can meet Danish people, learn about local customs, and participate in community life.
### **Legislation and Policy
*
- **The Integration Act**: This law lays down the framework for integration, making local government responsible for integration efforts, with an emphasis on self-reliance and cultural assimilation.
### **Public Perception and Policy Statements
*
- **Political Rhetoric**: There's often a public narrative emphasizing the importance of immigrants adopting Danish values and way of life, which can be seen in political discourse and policy-making.
### **Criticism and Challenges
*
- Critics argue that these policies can be coercive and might not respect cultural diversity, potentially leading to alienation rather than integration. There's also debate on the effectiveness of these measures in genuinely fostering a sense of belonging versus just compliance.
In summary, Denmark's approach to encouraging assimilation is multifaceted, focusing heavily on language proficiency, cultural education, employment, and social integration, all underpinned by a legal framework that ties rights and benefits to meeting these assimilation goals. However, the balance between encouraging integration and respecting diversity remains a contentious issue both domestically and internationally.
awhile to digest.. I appreciate it.
I grew up in Colorado so I could see that.
But now I'm on Kauai having had enough of the very cold winters in New York.
and Denver, Colorado.. Loved the Downhill Skiing & Cross Country, though.
Sorry didn't mean to. 
But Denmark may be a little too... umm... rigid for me.. Norway maybe more to my liking, unless there is something I don't know, which is very possible. 
I lived in Little Falls New York.. and for 12 years. It may not be as Upstate as where you are but it was Plenty Cold.. it is at the base of the Adirondacks. Like 20 below at times. Did get tired of Shoveling Snow, though. lol
Understood about Norway... I was just thinking of the Cold Weather but many other factors involved, of course.
Stay Warm 
I've wanted to reply to you with this for years!
However that's getting harder and harder to do.
Seriously. Probably would have moved there a few decades ago if it was possible. First place I ever saw old people riding bicycles. 
Rebild National Park in northern Jutland in Denmark where Danes and Danish-Americans celebrate the US Independence Day.
Link:
https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2014/0704/Why-are-Danes-celebrating-the-Fourth-of-July
Response to C0RI0LANUS (Reply #13)
... as a regular income paid by the Danish Government, to all people who have been living in Denmark for 40 years, and has reached state pension age. Used to be 65, but is now gradually rising - I got my pension at 67. On top of this I can get extra support for health, heating and housing.
And yes, I also get funds from my private pension, earned through my work life. And I can continue working inside some limits also 
. All in all an OK income - for the rest of my life.
And an Elephant Malt Liquor, please.
TY.
