By Christoffer Holmsteen
Culture is normally seen as something positive. But historically it has led to much debate, and culture has and will always be a source of potential conflict. In all its wonderful diversity. In the eyes of many one country’s, one people’s, one person’s culture adds to the composition of our surroundings. But in the meeting, the fusion, the clash, if you will, between various cultures problems and serious friction often occur. While a country like the USA from birth has been a multicultural society, ever since we to begin with invited people to come here from distant parts of the world in the late 60’s, Europe has experienced an increasing problem with integration of citizens from other nations. Culture and integration are two inseparable concepts.
Here follows an interview about integration in Aarhus, Denmark.
Can I do more to better meet and understand others?
Interview with Purnima Kumarathas, Chairwoman for the Integration Council of Aarhus Kommune
Chairwoman of the City of Aarhus’ Integration Council Purnima Kumarathas thinks that it is possible to integrate and conform to Danish law, without compromising your cultural background.
‘One does not necessarily exclude the other. But the culture you inherited from your parents can not stand alone. If you want to live your life in Denmark, it is important to understand Danish culture, in order to be properly integrated.’
Purnima Kumarathas came to Denmark from Sri Lanka as a child in the eighties, when the family fled the war on the island. She grew up in Frederikshavn, before moving to Aarhus to study medicine. Today she works as a physician at the Department of Infectious Diseases at Odense University Hospital, but still lives in Aarhus that she cares for greatly, not least because of its diversity.
It was members of the Council who invited the young doctor to run for election in 2009.
According to its rules, the “Integration Council … can on its own initiative or on request give advisory opinions on integration in the municipality” (§ 1, paragraph. 2).
‘Some apparently believe we have legislative powers. This is not the case. We are only an advisory body, which purpose is to assist in making the integration efforts of the municipality effective and consistent.’
At times greater visibility has been called for, but the chairwoman has concentrated on getting the Integration Council to function as efficiently as possible.
‘I have focused on the tasks referred to the Council, within the set framework. Most importantly for me has been to reach consensus, to build bridges between the many stakeholders and the municipality, and prioritize the requested answers requested by the City Council. In addition the post has also incurred a great deal of representation.’
Purnima Kumarathas feels privileged to be a citizen of a society built around a peaceful community. It is important to her to uphold values like freedom of expression, freedom of religion and gender equality.
‘The personal freedom with responsibility, which we enjoy in Denmark, is incredibly valuable.’
Purnima Kumarathas does not understand the radicalization of young people, and the destructive behavior some exhibit.
‘I believe we should try to solve the underlying problems causing some young people to vandalize their surroundings, not least for the sake of prevention. But they must submit to the values, laws and norms which are common for all, and which is the backbone of the Danish society. ‘
And this seems to be the core of the integration issue.
‘Denmark is not perfect but in many ways the society functions well. We just have to look at the rest of the world to see how well off we are in Denmark. It’s easier to destroy than to maintain and build a new society from the ground up, so we ought to preserve the valuable things we have. For me diversity is strength, if it is put into play the right way.’
The Integration Council Chairwoman finds it must be frustrating living in a country which values and norms one does not agree with.
‘For example, I see the case of bringing your children up to believe in different values for the sexes as totally wrong, and simply do not understand so-called honor killings. It’s fine to bring some cultural values from back home, but you must evolve and adapt to the new environment and modern times.’
In the eyes of Purnima Kumarathas religion can sometimes be an obstacle to integration and dialogue.
‘There must be room for diversity. Differences of religion, ideology, political and sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, age etc. should not be used to divide us humans. We must meet in humanity.’
The young woman speaks from personal experience.
‘As a child I was asked if I saw myself as Tamil or Danish. I replied I felt like a human being.’
The conversation moves back to the subject of religion.
‘Religion should not prevent coexistence. It is absurd to take “God” and religion as hostages in that discussion.’
She is very inspired by one of Denmark’s most important thinkers and writers.
‘Soren Kierkegaard wrote about the art of help, finding man where he or she is. It is beneficial also to see the world from the perspective of others. It is important, in order to understand and get closer to each other, and a prerequisite for integration and co-existence in any society’
“If one is truly to succeed in leading a person to a particular place, first and foremost one must take care to find him where he is and begin there.” Quote Soren Kierkegaard.
The Chairwoman of the Aarhus Integration Council believes we can all help as citizens.
‘I think we all have something to pass on in one way or another. Even a child can be learned from. I think we should ask ourselves with what we can contribute. ‘
And there is plenty to do.
‘It is important to be open to change. We all carry prejudice around, but it is generally based on lack of knowledge. I would like to suggest you ask yourself: Can I do anything more to meet others?’
When her term ends in 2014, Purnima Kumarathas will not run again for the Integration Council. Instead she wants to devote her time to medicine and voluntary work. She previously served as a mentor and took part in the NGO Humanity in Action’s Democracy & Diversity program in the U.S.
© Copyright Aarhus Kommune
Purnima Kumarathas
Chairman for Aarhus Integration Council
AARHUS EXPERIENCE SAMLING 