The Jezebel posting neglected to include some important data driving the Norwegian decision to proceed with the program with immigrant men. Most particularly, that in recent years 2/3 of all rapes in Norway have been committed by recent immigrant men, who are a small fraction of the entire Norwegian male population.

Yeah, not like “your culture is bad” but “this is the culture and the rules here.” Like an orientation. “We drive on this side of the road, liquor stores are closed on this day, and we don’t force drunk people to have sex.”

I don’t have a problem with it and I think no good comes from shying away from real issues because people are scared to appear insensitive or politically incorrect. How it’s done is what’s crucial, in my view, and that’s where you have to avoid racism and or being insensitive. I’m Latin American, and I totally…

As I see it, for the women (and men) of Norway, walking around feeling safe that they will not encounter sexual abuse is a right. This is something, as part of that society, as part of their social contract, they have a right to feel safe.

I think it sounds like a very good idea. I grew up as a military brat, and every time we were posted to a new country we were required to attend training in cultural awareness and sensitivity. It was basically “How not to act like an ugly American” and “Don’t be a dick.” Respecting the laws and values of the place you…

It is not forced cultural assimilation to explain that in the new country there are laws, and those laws must be obeyed. Rape is against the law, even if it is of one’s spouse. This does not seem to me to be remotely controversial.

Another big part of it is that forced assimilation is incontrovertibly and totally wrong, but being able to assimilate in at least some aspects is a big factor in how successful (economically, socially, etc) an immigrant is likely to be - I would even hesitate to call this “assimilation,” though, as it seems to be…

To me, the last paragraph exemplifies why this is a good idea. It seems like they’re going out of their way to avoid saying “your immigrant ways are wrong” and instead are saying “there are the rules here. even if these rules don’t apply where you are from, they apply in Norway.”

Is it weird that I feel like this is okay? Like, it should be taught as part of language classes and middle school classes and to everyone everywhere.

And now is when my theater nerdiness comes out.

A few years ago, I was working an event held at the State Department and had to check the names and IDs of our guests. It was awesome, because those guests included Lenny Kravitz, members of the Foo Fighters, Stephen Colbert and other awesome people. Aretha Franklin was also invited...she came in with 5 male…

Yeah, she’s a legend and a great talent, but I’m not going to kiss her ass. Although, to be honest, I’d probably be afraid to yell at her. I suspect she has a powerful death stare and I’m a coward.

When did everyone lose their backbone ? You can still like Aretha Franklin the performer but call her an asshole when she’s being an asshole.

I just wish she would R.E.S.P.E.C.T the rules? Is it too much to ask for a little respect? Just a little bit?

How bizarre. I don’t worship people - their talents, maybe- but not them.

I like Aretha Franklin as much as the next person but I also think this kind of behaviour is inconsiderate, no matter who you are. Yeah you can sing but can you refund my theatre tickets if I can’t see fuck all behind you taking pictures all the time?

Obvious question would be what would happen if she was on stage and…

Yes, he’s 20 now, but he was 17 when it happened. We have these laws for a reason and there is not one civilised country in the world that executes minors. For a reason!!! I am not excusing him or his actions, I am aware what he did and how horrible it was. I am against him being released from juvenile detention now,…

I hate to say this, but if it had been planned, they would have had a closeup of her with tears in her eyes. Instead they kept the camera off of her, which was the least they could do considering the situation.

I wouldn’t say this is the dumbest thing I’ve read on the internet, but this is an extremely dumb comment. Extremely. Extraordinarily. Outrageously.

Nope