5 Ways our Views of America Have Changed After Living in Denmark

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5 Ways our Views of America Have Changed After Living in Denmark
#Denmark #Danmark #America
In this video, we reflect on how our views of America have changed after living in Denmark for five years. We break down 5 changes that we have experienced in our thoughts about our home country now that we live abroad.
One view that's changed for us during our expat life, is that rugged individualism is not as appealing. We now feel that community and trust in others are important and often that gets lost in the states. While personal ambition is a good thing, it makes for a more pleasant life experience if not everything is a competition
When comparing Denmark to America, we find that work-life balance isn't about balance it's about separation. We much prefer the Danish work lifestyle where things, like taking a vacation, not working while off, and being refreshed each day, are important.
One thing we realize now is that America does a good job with integrating new people - and not enough credit given. Danish culture is more about language, food, activities, while American culture is more about shared ideals and values.
The politicization of everything is incredibly toxic in America and we didn't realize how endemic this is until we moved away. A political party is now treated like supporting a football team - it is part of identity and people adopt causes they don't care about but fit their “team”.
We have also learned that freedom is not just something Americans have. It also comes in many forms - and in Denmark, it particularly comes from the trust that things work and not everyone is out to get you. Freedom can be simple things like having a beer on the street without being harassed, but as a society being free to take holidays or not having anxiety on making ends - it actually mentally frees people to live a happier life.
Overall, we love America and always will, but living in Denmark has reshaped our views. Living abroad offers a chance to examine your home country with a fresh perspective and find things you love and others that you would improve.
CONTENT:
Intro - 0:00
Rugged Individualism in America - 0:40
Work-Life Balance - 2:23
America is GOOD at Integration - 4:28
Overly Politicizing EVERYTHING is Toxic - 7:09
Freedom Isn't Uniquely American - 10:03
Final Thoughts - 12:45
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2 май 2024

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Комментарии : 620

@tineditmarunnerup9513 2 года назад

Freedom: Walking topless on the beach, leaving your teenagers alone in the house for a couple of hours, teaching them to drink responsible at home before they turn 21 (or even 18), having an abortion if you need or want one - for free, going to the hospital if you need to without being ruined, knowing that there is a social system that will catch you if you are unemployed, never having to live in your car due to poverty, having a wage so you can live on ONE job. There are numerous ways we have freedom - or maybe rather security.

@dgh25 2 года назад

Yes. Sadly the US control our military, economy and propaganda, so its still like living in a vassal state...

@Danish_raven 2 года назад

i have to disagree on the wage part. I currently work as an apprentice in ballerup at the magical wage of 75dkk an hour. My rent and utilities eat about 100% of my wage and i can only survive because i have family i can borrow from

@Gert-DK 2 года назад

@@Danish_raven Apprentice have never been paid well.

@spyro257 2 года назад

@@Danish_raven then u are not living within your means... my rent + utilities is less than 3000DKK/month and i can live for 3000DKK/month in food... yes it's a small apartment but at least i have my own place and yes i cant eat steak every day but i can live on it just fine... 75DKK/h full time = 2775DKK/week minus taxes and u would get at least 8k/month... so 3k in food and 3k in rent + utilities, u should still have 2k+ left... sry for all the math but i like math :)

@EmmelineSama 2 года назад

@@Danish_raven that was special! I would be able to make it on that salary. Is it more expensive to rent in Denmark..?

@cecilialeitet2794 2 года назад

One of the biggest freedoms in Scandinavia is the freedom to live without religion. It's one of the most disturbing side of the US to me, the concept that religion has such a big impact on the way your country is run. You have to be (or at least pretend to be) a "good christian" to get anywhere politically in the US. In scandinavia it would be expected of a politician to keep their faith (if they have any) separate from their politics. For me one of the biggest facets of freedom is not having someone else´s faith or religion dictate how I live my life.

@danmarksbloggendanmarksblo1330 2 года назад

But if you´re a religious person i Denmark it can also be a problem NOT to be able to talk about religion without being considered a fool ... freedom should be freedom to ALSO talk about ones religion

@cecilialeitet2794 2 года назад

@@danmarksbloggendanmarksblo1330 I agree, if the person who talks about it does so in a non-invasive way. I’m from Sweden not Denmark, but in my experience, if someone talk about their religion in a respectful, nonjudgemental and non-missionary way, they will be respected back. Questioned perhaps, but respected.

@benjackson7872 2 года назад

Yeah, I found it worrying how you have to pledge your love to god in order to be seen as a trustworthy politician. While the country was founded by Christians after subjugating the original natives and times have changed, the belief that being a Christian equates to good still persists. To me, that comes off as fanatical. I have yet to see an openly atheist or irreligious candidate. This’s a belief we can all do without.

@olejorgensen1964 2 года назад

@@danmarksbloggendanmarksblo1330 I don't think danes in general will ridicule you for a God belief - but if you take a book like the bible literal i think you have to expect a degree of disbelief and laughter

@davidguymon1673 2 года назад

Yeah, I agree as an atheist. The Christian right really irritate the hell out of me. The sad part is many as of late on the far left do the same for me because I'm much more center on my politics which means I like the right for the pro 2A stuff and I like some of the social programs of the left, but I can't stand the religion of the right, and some of the insane woke stuff that is screeched by the far left. Sadly in the US there is no middle ground anymore.

@maj-britt5756 2 года назад

“We can’t carry a gun every where we go…” This topic is one where I think different about what freedom is. I feel free because I don’t feel the need to carry a gun, because I feel safe in Denmark. I don’t want to feel like I have to carry a gun and I don’t want to be scared that my neighbor carries a gun. I don’t feel like I have to be afraid of sending my kids to school because of school shootings. I don’t have to be scared that my kids find my gun and shoot them self. That is freedom to me. Sometime freedom is not being able to do whatever you want, but feeling safe. Like with taxes - sure you don’t get to spend all your money yourself, but you get school, medical and social security and lots of other freedoms, so in the long run it gives you more freedom.

@jimmybaldbird3853 2 года назад

But if you stop feeling safe?

@sweetgrasshopper 2 года назад

@@jimmybaldbird3853 ...then, what difference would a gun make? And for how long?

@jimmybaldbird3853 2 года назад

@@sweetgrasshopper depends how good you are with the gun

@sabinahertzum9728 2 года назад

@@jimmybaldbird3853 you only need the gun to feel safe because you don’t know who else is wearing a gun! So in a society where no one is wearing guns, the safety is just a part of every day life… It’s about perspective!

@jimmybaldbird3853 2 года назад

@@sabinahertzum9728 naive thought. Europe has extremely strict gun laws. But as Europe has allowed new entrants- we will say- that dont share the same culture and respect for the law, you now see shootings, murder, and general crime increasing. Bad people are carrying guns amd weapons in europe now. Good people cannot. The 2nd amendment evens the playing field

@katethorsen 2 года назад

I moved here from the UK (Scotland ) 7 years ago. It’s only now I’m juuuust starting to overcome my homesickness! I can definitely see a difference in happiness - Brits do know how to moan 🤣 whereas Dane’s ARE happy with what they have. It’s very interesting for me to look at the differences, sociologically, between my two countries ❤️

@charlottefich3928 Год назад

Funny, since your genes properly are mostly danish anyway🥰

@erikthomsen4007 2 года назад

"It can be really difficult to be living your life on *angry* all the time" So true. Excellent comment. Love it! 😊

@karenpetersen6355 8 месяцев назад

I’ve been bingeing on your videos. As a first generation American Danish, I’m getting a kick out of how accurate your observations are. And Mike, you are developing a Danish accent when speaking English! Love how you pronounced 'abroad'. Høj dansk! Well done. 😊

@mysabbaticalyear9077 Год назад

You said it: live and let live! Thank you for this thoughtful summary of your views! Every point made sense and I agreed with. I'm from Europe myself, and moved to USA as an adult - and while I enjoyed this individualistic way of life and the pursuit of career success for a couple of decades or so, now I am reevaluating most of it and missing that European approach to life after all. I needed this reaffirmation from you, two strangers :) Thanks!

@RobeTrotting Год назад

Wow, what a journey for you (and I guess in reverse of us, but still very relevant). Thank you for watching and leaving your thoughts - very happy to hear that you can relate and hopefully find a nice balance between the two lifestyles :)

@mooimacowlord22 2 года назад

i used to work for a company where we had and office in Atlanta Georgia and it opened my mind how open and welcoming Americans was when i was over there working for 3 weeks. Everyday some people we had talked with invited us out for lunch and in the weekend (friday / saturday / sunday) we had people picking us up at the hotel and just showed us what they thought could be fun and also what we asked to see. watched the braves. played softball. shopping partying everything. and when i came home i was embarresed as a dane how we treated them when they came to DK to work. we only talked work with them and left them on the hotel and they could take care of themself.

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Interesting experience, it’s probably not unique either. Americans are very quick to befriend anyone new that they meet - it’s something we’ve realized that we do here (and maybe come on too strong in some situations when we first meet people). We also love showing people our city, food, neighborhood, favorite bars or sports etc. It’s a trait we’ve really come to notice about ourselves - for good or bad haha. I do wish it was more common with Danes, but we also find it worth the wait when getting to know Danish friends 😊🇩🇰

@gpslibra 2 года назад

Ooh, I knew you were going to get some interesting comments as I listened to your vlog! You are so right about the polarization in the US. As an American living in United States, I fear for our future as a democratic republic with the blue/red divide that has hardened like concrete. Our 2 month sojourn coming up in April is in part a chance for us to see if we eventually want to become expats by living in a country where politics are private, and publicly choosing sides is irrelevant. Thanks for your thoughtful review of your past 5 years living in Denmark. Food for thought.

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Thanks for the comment Greg, we also figured this topic could raise some ire, but we tried to approach it from a good place - we do love America and our experience and lives in Denmark have us loving two places. The polarization is just scary, and the media makes it so much worse by sensationalizing the worst parts of each end of the spectrum. No place is perfect, but we are glad to be experiencing a new way of life. I hope you guys get a fresh perspective from your upcoming trip and explore the possibilities of expat life - it’s a fantastic ride 🤩

@77LCJ 2 года назад

I must say that we really like to discuss and argue politics - Also at parties. But we can still be friendly (as long people aren't outright nazies or something) We have have no "no politics rule". Religion is rarely discussed though because it is considered personal, and you would be considered a bit odd if you talked about it a lot.

@davidguymon1673 2 года назад

Yeah, I know the feeling. I'm pretty much in the middle politically and man, I get nothing but hate by both sides. I get hate from the left cause I'm not woke enough, and I get hate from the right cause I'm not a good ol boy who is a bible thumping Christian who doesn't worship conspiracy theories. It is like you have to be 100% in one camp or another. As of late I've lost two long time friends cause I could not agree 100% on either side of the vaccine/mask argument. I literally pointed out how both sides have good points and how both sides had absurd points and, both people cut me off cause I would not come to one side or another. It is really getting insane here in the US when it comes to the political divide.

@anita4609 2 года назад

Tillykke on the 5 years in Denmark🥳 I'm also celebrating 3yrs in Denmark this month😊 (I'm from Romania, which although in the EU, is a very different country😅)

@intelligentgekko9310 2 года назад

Congrats

@dermit7401 2 года назад

Is there any chance that you play cs and live in aalborg or aarhus

@anita4609 2 года назад

@@dermit7401 no😅

@denysstathis145 2 года назад

@@anita4609 well okay it's just because I have played with someone that about 5 years ago moved from Romania to Denmark 🇩🇰 😅

@petermadsen9165 2 года назад

Håndværker eller indbrudstyv?😉😂 And where's my bike??😂

@michaelgask 2 года назад

Congratulations on your 5 years in Denmark. You guys are great! You always approach cultural differences with an open mind and a willingness to see how they've come about and why the person thinks/feels like this in another country or culture. And when you do find cultural differences that you would like to see change, you talk about this really respectfully, regardless of whether it's USA or Denmark. I'm neither Danish nor American, but I hope if I emigrated to a new country, I would be able to be as open and as willing to understand the new culture as you are. Awesome! Thanks for your channel for helping people consider the nuances of culture.

@kinuuni 2 года назад

I fear the polarisation coming to Denmark. I fear that the polarising discourse that young people in particular is met with online, will be something they take with them into Danish society. I think people sometimes forget that the extreme views that they get from their online interactions (and let's face it, often that is American news and SO-ME platforms) does not generally reflect peoples views in the country they live in.

@sabinahertzum9728 2 года назад

The funny thing is - I really don’t see the polarization in the younger generations - my son grew up with messagedoards, gaming and all that stuff, he and his friends are some of the most accepting people I’ve ever met in my life!! The polarization I see are in the 35-50 yo - that’s the ones who go out of their way to ‘not be a follower’… The 20’ crowd know they need to work for their kids - while the 40s crowd are contemplating their own futures, because their kids are growing up fast….

@kinuuni 2 года назад

@@sabinahertzum9728 I honestly think it is an age thing. I don't know how old your son is, but things change when you start caring about politics. My fear is that they will grow up to be the same. Or rather, believe that the problems we see in America are the same as here and act accordingly. The anti-vaxxer movement coming here honestly floored me. (side note, remember there is a generational gap in the middle of the 35-50 year olds. The first millennials are over 35 now)

@sabinahertzum9728 2 года назад

@@kinuuni he is 27, and expecting his first child - but believe me, he is not the only one I see this in - friends kids, bonus daughter and every person in that age range, have been really tolerant and working towards unity and solidarity….. They are interested in politics, but they are just able to look at what is politics and what is common sense… I feel that many of my own generation are the ones who stir up shit…. Like anti vaxers - none of the 20 something’s have been against it ( of the ones i know) - but i have multiple 40 something friends we haven’t seen in the past 2 years because of their willingness to believe in rumors and conspiracies rather than science and common sense…. And even beyond that, people in that age range that just don’t care and while they follow the ‘rules’ they are not above cheating to make their lives easier, without thinking of the consequenses for others… The ones I see that do these things are really not into the politics of things - it’s about ‘personal freedom’ - about ‘ well that doesn’t apply to me’ - or ‘no one is gonna tell me what to do’…. I agree that it’s choking - but I also remember a time where my generation had so much more support from the government than we get now, and I think a lot of people just doesn’t like the change that has been happening the last decade…. They prefer the way it was - so now they show their spoiled selves….

@kinuuni 2 года назад

@@sabinahertzum9728 I know several 20-somethings who are anti vaxxers. It might be a social thing or an areal thing. I am not sure what children have to do with it, I don't know any 20 year olds who are having children. Most people I know who are having kids are in their mid to late 30's. I don't necessarily mind the personal freedom thing. The conservative wave seems to have hit most of Europe, and while I am possibly the least conservative person you will ever meet - to each their own. Regardless a large part of that group are in fact the 20 something year olds. But I do very much mind the anti trust in science and experts and that seems to be across the board.

@sabinahertzum9728 2 года назад

@@kinuuni there probably is a difference in it according to where you are situated - it also helps that my DIL is a nurse, and my son works in the vaccine centers… When I hear the 20 something’s in the media, it’s more about ‘it’s not that important, I’m not gonna get that sick’ - more than the political view…. The antivaxers I know live in rural areas where some of them just live in their own eccochambers…. While most people I know that get input from the world at large, are on board….

@GarmrsBarking 2 года назад

in america you have the freedom to carry guns everywhere .... in denmark you have the freedom to go anywhere without worrying about being shot ...

@janmamu8721 Год назад

saturn is better

@GarmrsBarking Год назад

@@janmamu8721 what does it have to do with the subject? I know you're trying to be funny or just trolling but your attempt is weak ... do better next time ; )

@janmamu8721 Год назад

@@GarmrsBarking have you ever been hurt by someone from saturn? didn’t think so…

@GarmrsBarking Год назад

@@janmamu8721 by someone... No.... but saturn in itself would by suffocating, freezing and crushing me at the same time... I guarantee absolutely no freedom there... N Korea would better than saturn... At least you be alive there....

@janmamu8721 Год назад

@@GarmrsBarking dying from saturn?! you humans really are weak…

@mpwithad 2 года назад

I was just rewatching and your discussion of freedom reminded me strongly of Roosevelt's four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear. I would argue that these are the basics of Danish life and happiness.

@robinarnold9857 2 года назад

Coming from England one of the huge differences I feel is the electoral system. The UK and USA both have a first past the post-election. There is a huge feeling of frustration living in an area that is regularly conservative or liberal if you are more to the opposite view. Your vote becomes irrelevant, whereas in Denmark with proportional representation your vote counts. People are more actively involved. Another thing is the number of associations. Every man and his dog are board members or actively taking part in voluntary organisations.

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Very true, the political system is so archaic in the US and UK, it’s also tough trying to explain it to Danes who sometimes look down on the gridlock caused by such a system without realizing what’s causing it. So often we hear “you just need more parties” but that’s maybe the fifth or sixth that would have to change to improve - it’s more the symptom and not the cause of the gridlock.

@bigskypioneer1898 Год назад

fwiw - at least this is the case in the USA that a lot of Americans don't realize... but your vote isn't thrown away when you are in the minority voting wise. The reason I say this is because of "Mandate". If a politician in the States wins an election by 5-10% points they can feel pretty confident their chance of re-election is pretty good if they don't get caught doing something that is political suicide. If a politician wins by more that 15% they are on cloud nine and could pretty much vote in Congress however they want. BUT if that politician wins by less than 3%... or worse less than 1%... they have problems and DO have to give consideration to the other party. Trust me - your vote counts if only it means that said politician knows they barely got the job. That said. I gave up thinking our way of politics is anything like the Founding Dudes wanted. In fact, I know it isn't based on the divide between Jefferson and Adams back in 1800. We've essentially been a 2 party system since then. Even though one of those parties is no longer in existence and was replaced by today's Republican party. So... it aint gonna get fixed my fellow Americans. The 2 party system isn't going anywhere - barring an outright, undeniable miracle.

@laurenmooers1723 Год назад

The electoral college is an equity based system. However every single state in the US is proportionate representation. Think of the EU as the US and the European counties as the US states. that’s how the US is designed to be governed. Because everyone in a teeny tiny country like Denmark all have similar interests. Same demographic, same exports, same economy, etc. But in the US you have states like CA and states like OK in the same country. They couldn’t be more different. If we allowed for popular vote for the president then CA and NY would decide every election. So it would only serve the interests of the people in urban environments. The purpose of the electoral college is to give an equity based vote where smaller states that have specific industries that the US economy may rely on, aren’t totally silenced because they don’t have the population density to compete with the cities. That’s how equity works. You give a bigger voice to the little guy so that they can be heard.

@junehansen5220 2 года назад

Congrats guys! I have just done 5 years in Denmark too. I’m from South Africa. I empathize with all you say! As I came here for my sick husband I could not attend Sproge classes. I’m doing Duolingo. It’s great and helps with pronunciation a lot. I hope we meet to compare notes one day! June

@carmyopteryx5919 2 года назад

With the political situation here in the US I am definitely considering becoming an expat. It's down right scary here. My heritage is Scandinavian (Danish/Swedish mostly) so those are definitely countries I am interested in visiting/moving too.

@carlsmart5049 2 года назад

dont pick sweden

@laurenmooers1723 Год назад

There is a war in eastern Europe currently. Their economy is very precarious right now. I wouldn’t underestimate how significant that is.

@carlgustafemilmannerheim5661 Год назад

Please don't come to Denmark, we don't need any more leftist Americans

@usernotfound4786 Год назад

@@carlsmart5049 Why shouldn't we? I'm interested in Sweden, but I haven't done much research. I don't want to assume and decide things without having much knowledge about it Thanks in advance

@Valjean666dk 2 года назад

Even with the number of parties in Denmark, I find it hard to find one that represents my views well. With only 2 real choices like in the US, I'd probably go completely apathetic.

@jamesabber7891 2 года назад

As a Dane, I feel the same way. The current two-party system in the US is IMHO a major problem for their democracy. It is only slightly better than a one-party system, like in China. Looks to me like the two major parties in the US found a way to exclude all other parties, just like the communist party of China found a way to exclude all other parties. Makes me a bit sad because I really like the people in the US, and the US constitution.

@Valjean666dk 2 года назад

@@jamesabber7891 I do think that the massive polarization in the US is down to having just 2 parties. It's us vs them and no collaboration across the isles.

@sundhaug92 2 года назад

I wonder if that's also part of the reason why in the US party-adherence is so strong. In Norway, no party has 30% or more representation nationally, which means that you always have to work with different parties (sometimes you'll even get "weird" combinations like two parties working together even though there are 5 or more parties between them on the left-right axis)

@Real_MisterSir Год назад

@@jamesabber7891 Also the fact that US elections are so massively based on cost and fund raising, that the likelihood of most candidates being old and of a certain "type" is quite consistent. It means that views and approaches to presidency is less nuanced, and the fact that coalitions is not a thing also means that people's votes in general reflect who they believe is more likely to win, rather than who they would actually vote for. If you know your actual preferred party of choice is a guaranteed runner-up to the two main parties, then your vote is pretty much insignificant so you may as well vote for either one of the two major parties instead. It destroys any sort of progressiveness and adaptive evolution of politics over time, because it is essentially a political monopoly being fought by the two main competitors. And this in turn reflects in the dividing society because there isn't room for anything in between (or outside) the left and right. Red or Blue, that's all that matters.

@sweetgrasshopper 2 года назад

I admire your diplomacy and enjoyed your perspectives. I do not only see you guys as citizens of Denmark, but as citizens of the world. Many people could learn a lot from you guys.

@rinel.harild5685 2 года назад

Interesting topic 👍

@chipchap2007 2 года назад

awesome video you guys have put together, keep it up!

@annaeremina4237 2 года назад

That is very interesting, thank you! Congrats on your anniversary in Denmark :)

@livetomanifest2272 Год назад

All interesting stuff. Thank u!

@SigneKristineHermind 2 года назад

Another great video, thank You! New years are a good time to reflect upon your life and life changes, past and present. Happy New Year!

@AxelQC 2 года назад

I spent a few of years in France and in Canada. It really changed my overall view of American lifestyle and worldviews.

@avejst 2 года назад

Interesting as always Thanks for sharing 🙂

@skinke280 2 года назад

Very nice video guys. Thanks for sharing.

@0210rokvist 2 года назад

I like very much your explanations. Thx

@dacreepyarcher 2 года назад

Nice video, you bring up a lot of interesting things :) I love your videos!

@CowKillerNo1 2 года назад

good video like always

@EnthusiasticStudent 2 года назад

I completely agree with those points!

@alexanderishere1857 Год назад

This was a clever and well-thought out video

@idrissamorehouse5776 2 года назад

Man you guys are a breathe of fresh air !:) lovin the vibe! Judgement and criticism are completely out of control here in the states !! Everyone is lathered up beyond belief by their own self administered info addiction and as you said then choosing a side which due to our hyper individualist culture gives one the right to judge and rant and rave . I had to distance myself from several friends these past couple years due to their incessant tirades . Hope to visit and experience the Danish vibe soon :)

@lailasegermannayal2310 2 года назад

Wellcom back, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU, I am happy you are "home" again. 👍👍👍

@lpabildgaard 2 года назад

Thanks for your observations. Your vlogs gives a very good perspective on life in Denmark to a dane.

@olemrch7779 2 года назад

Awesome video and very interesting to view, got some friends in America I usually share you creations with. And this one is very good and very usefull to shared since writing about the differences in Living. You guys rock and welcome back to Denmark Hope you brought some of those Vanilliekranse with you back 🥰🥰

@TheHenricochr Год назад

Thanks for representing Danmark on YT. As a Dane i love how you are doing your videos.

@anderspedersen542 2 года назад

Very diplomatically put. Impressive.

@charismahornum-fries691 2 года назад

One thing that I really appreciate Americans living abroad do is having the perspective that the world doesn’t consist of one country. Guess the one I’m thinking of lol. It’s also so so nice to hear that the perception of freedom has evolved and means different things for different people.

@janmamu8721 Год назад

…is it amerICAN SAMOA!

@gitteherdinandersen6117 Год назад

Enjoy your videos a lot. You both have a very appreciative attitude towards Denmark (and other places) and your views as newcomers enlightens me and make me reflect and learn.

@jesperberthelsen4133 Год назад

Super Nice to hear . Thanks a lot. Best regads Jesper from Danmark

@kirstendrost 2 года назад

Hi! This was a great video. Both the topic and the reflections you guys did. Congrats on the 5 year anniversary with tiny Denmark! 🥳🇩🇰 but can I also mention how natural and relaxed you guys sounded in this video? ☺️☺️☺️ It showed a bit more about you guys, the way you just went with the flow. I really enjoyed it. But I enjoy all your videos :)

@treespirit2000 Год назад

Thanks, guys, for your thoughtul production. Kind of strange in a way, comparing tiny Denmark with the behemoth of the U.S. Tusen takk.

@kimberry2010 2 года назад

So glad I found your channel!!

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Us too, so glad you’re here! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts here and there 😊

@pwj9703 2 года назад

I completely agree with your statements and considerations. 😉👍🇩🇰🇺🇸

@andersjjensen 2 года назад

You two do a really god job when it comes to touching on sensitive topics :)

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Thank you Anders, we get a little nervous sometimes, but we try to be factual, careful with our wording and above all respectful 😊

@andersjjensen 2 года назад

@@RobeTrotting Respectful? Well yes, most the time... aaaand then you go and give stupidity the cutest little bitch slap here and there! :P

@shadesofcool6510 10 месяцев назад

You guys are just so great! That's it ☺

@RobeTrotting 10 месяцев назад

Thanks so much!

@vanessagrimston2668 2 года назад

Very articulately said, gentlemen💛

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Thank you so much 😊 very happy that you found us and enjoyed the video

@love2travel981 2 года назад

Absolutely love you guys! Your take on living as an American Expat overseas coming back to America is spot on! Lol have done it many times. Lived in 12 different states and different 3 different countries. Loved your take on work in Denmark enjoy your work in life and retire to Portugal.

@lenem606 2 года назад

Absolutely love your open minded approach to your newline. I really enjoy watching your videos.

@lenem606 2 года назад

That was supposed to read "new life in Denmark" not "newline"

@madsmller4030 2 года назад

Thank you

@naturamok 2 года назад

Thank you for making me understand about USA and Dk. There is a lot of things here in dk we see as normal and think its like that in other countries as well. A lot never leave this small country for more then 2 weeks, so.

@MrFtoudalk 2 года назад

Happy fifth anniversary! You make excellent points here. Where I live the debate is more 'secular vs. spiritual'. I shall refrain from listing examples.

@BaliMama58 Год назад

I love you guys and the perspective you bring and the way you are able to articulate your views🫶🏽. As a 3rd culture adult, married a Dane, raised the American way (not in US though), and an expat life, I share your sentiments and views. Keep it up guys 👍🏼🇩🇰

@Nettesvideo 2 года назад

Such a good video. As a dane who has been married to an american and lived in The US for almost 8 years I often thought about the exact same issues! I agree with every single point 👍

@lonelarsen9226 2 года назад

Its so Nice to see and hear your about Living in Denmark … tillykke on your 5 years Living here ❤️🇩🇰🇩🇰

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Tak Lone, really appreciate your kind words 😊🇩🇰

@Fishnetfreud 2 года назад

Would you guys consider making a Q&A video? Where you first upload a short video asking for questions where people reply in the comments, and then make a video choosing from them?

@rahbaek1226 2 года назад

Congratz on the 5 yrs in denmark. We live in a good country with all its faults. The need of us all is important for all of us. 😊🥳🥳

@Heeman1119 2 года назад

Always leaving a like before watching 😻 *Edit After watching wish I could give it yet another like

@adoria5 Год назад

Happy 5 yr living in Denmark Anniversary, I really enjoy your videos. ❤️🇩🇰

@RobeTrotting Год назад

Thank you so much!

@erikmorrissette6749 2 года назад

Agree! 40 years in Denmark and 15 in the USA, love both countries, I like that in the US, helping your neighbor, is appreciated but kind of taken for granted in Denmark. Miss the food from Denmark!

@walroz87 2 года назад

Finally someone worded integration - us smaller countries have a very distorted view on integration and how well we do - this was really well put I always thought US had to be better at integration as a whole since the US has had so many different cultures and religions within their own borders for centuries - very well put and thank you for wording it this way you hit the spot as u guys always do! Great video!!!

@145Nudel 2 года назад

Yay, my two favourite Americans are back 🎉👏

@CsCharlese 2 года назад

Congratulations on 5 years in Denmark and hope you will stay a lot longer :)

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Thank you Charlotte, we hope so too and plan on it 😊🇩🇰

@johnlovenhill1 2 года назад

Good video. Nuanced views :-)

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Thank you so much 😊 really glad that you enjoyed the video.

@drbomdaydayboms4890 2 года назад

jeg har så meget respekt for hvor åbne og objektive i er.

@anjawandahlkimberger4081 6 месяцев назад

You Guys are Just Getting Greater and Greater !!! I ACTUALL THINK THAT YOUR VIDEO's SHOULD BE USED IN EDUCATION both in Denmark for immigrants and very much for Americans simply learning about other countries !!!

@Glaaki13 2 года назад

Hey guys hope you had a good xmas and a happy new years eve and wish you well in this new year

@rollespil1000 2 года назад

I love the way you talk about politics and cultural differences, while still being kind. 💖💖

@MrTorstenSchmidt 2 года назад

I enjoy your channel and am curious of what type jobs you guys have here in Denmark?

@steenfraosterbro3268 2 года назад

Interesting reflections from your 5 years in Denmark. Just for fun I looked up the "Democracy indeks" made by The Economist (Economist Intelligence Unit Index of Democracy). US is ranked #25 in the world and Denmark is #7. Canada is #5. Top 3 are all Scandinavian countries. Having lived in both US and Denmark this seems about right. What troubles me is that it seems to get "worse" in the US as of lately (last 5 years).

@GarmrsBarking 2 года назад

I think you mean the top 3 are all Nordic countries ... Scandinavia consists of Denmark, Norway and Sweden only,...

@ewweg 2 года назад

I dont know how Sweden ranked that high because they dont even have propper anonymous voting, and a lot of political parties refuse to work together no matter what, where in Denmark(and prob all other nordic countries) radical left often makes deals with radical right. Also there is a lot more shaming and people have to hide who they vote for in Sweden, which is also very rare in Denmark. And i also dont see what makes Denmark worse than Norway and Iceland.

@sebastianbagergaardrasmuss3918 2 года назад

This was a reeeeeaaly interesting video. I wonder when you will do one in danish with english subtitles :)

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

We need to become a little more proficient before we can tackle an entire video in Danish, but it’s certainly a goal of our 😊🇩🇰

@sebastianbagergaardrasmuss3918 2 года назад

@@RobeTrotting I hope you guys will stay here in DK for ever!

@Nordic_Sky Год назад

No, you definitely DON'T want to hear them speak Danish!

@sebastianbagergaardrasmuss3918 Год назад

@@Nordic_Sky Arh, really. I think @Mike has got it *classic rejsekort' - I LOVE it!

@JimCDC11 Год назад

Excellent video - my husband and I moved to Tuscany 4 years ago and we found this topic very fitting about the way we currently feel about the USA. Our views on America are now totally different. We'll be following you guys. Keep up the good work.

@RobeTrotting Год назад

Thanks so much for watching and the kind words Jim - so glad you guys can relate and enjoyed the video. We’ll keep them coming 😃

@poulha 2 года назад

Love your polite way of telling that we are not great at integrating foreigners 👍😔

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Neither country is perfect, but I think Americans lose sight of how well we do - most immigrant families are integrated within a generation and are still encouraged to retain their traditions and celebrate their heritage. Sure, America has many issues with race and providing equal opportunities for minorities, but there are also many protections and anti-discrimination laws. We never realized how well America actually does in this regard.

@TheHenricochr Год назад

You only need to talk about frikadeller. At least I haven't seen a video yet about them and we do love frikadeller

@jadeenglene 2 года назад

Congrats on your 5 y. anniversary 😊 I found a saying about being in foreign countries that was on point for me : The more you travel the more you learn about your own country. I lived 10 y in a small city in Germany, and I couldn’t really say I now know how all of Germany is, but comparing it to Denmark I really learned a lot about the things I took for granted back home.

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Thank you 😀🇩🇰 And we can't agree enough about that quote - it's spot on! We feel the same, we don't know everything there is know about Denmark, but living here has taught us SO much more about America than we would have learned if we stayed in Philadelphia, and that's a really cool thing.

@mariannenielsen425 2 года назад

Hejsa and so glad you like our little country. I lived in NY for 18 years and I agree with everything you said. General speaking you are right, but I do believe that integration is easier in countries that are anglophile as most people have a basic knowledge of English, and danish is just so dammed hard. Stay with us for a while, vi-like you.

@kurtchristensen1699 2 года назад

I'm following both you guys and the Youngs - I fear Denmark has done both families a disservice 😂 Both of you have taken the danish beer-culture a little too much to heart. 😘🍻 😘

@harry.4635 2 года назад

congrats on 5 years in Denmark heres to 5 more

@marissarodareider4875 2 года назад

I spent 2 years living in the United States going to Uni. At that time "everything" was pretty much the same across the board. I'm Canadian btw. I moved here 20+ years ago and the "cultural" differences are all of a sudden more pronounced in my PoV. I guess everything changes. But it's all good. There are things I miss about Canada - snow, real winters, etc., but over all I enjoy living where I am now.

@Gert-DK 2 года назад

Yeah, I would like to experience a real Canadian Winter. From the fireplace looking out of the window 😄

@IngeliseEaston 2 года назад

Dejligt at høre at I er glade for at bo i DK. Jeg har boet i usa i 50 år og savner stadig lidt af DK, men er faldet rigtig godt til.

@Shuang_Shuang 9 месяцев назад

I think another way Denmark is very free can be found in the high social mobility. Obviously growing up in a household with more money makes a difference, but even if you grow up without money, you can still study what you want to study, not to mention it's super easy to start a business here! The "American Dream" is ironically more achievable in Denmark 😅

@tidylife 2 года назад

Agreed! I've experienced the same as an American living in Sweden.

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Ah, we probably have a lot of similar experiences then 😊

@johnnyhansen6923 2 года назад

Thank you I enjoy your show much. You give a good perspective on DK Vs USA 👍

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Aw thank you so much Johnny and thank you for watching. Really happy to hear this and that you’ve found our channel 😊🇩🇰

@peasant8162 2 года назад

Bit late on this one lmao but glad you guys are happy

@neoandlykkecat 2 года назад

Denmark and Norway are the same. Til lykke on five years in Denmark! Hugs from Norway. Please come visit Norway one day.

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

Thank you 😊 and hugs from CPH. We are due for a nice trip to Norway. Derek has been, but not Mike - so it’s got to happen soon (plus we have a lot of Norwegian friends here) 🇳🇴

@SenshinDk 2 года назад

As a Dane living in the US I agree with your multi cultural view. Generally people are allowed to have their own culture. Here it's okay not being able to speak the same language and not have the same traditions. In DK? Not so much.

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

It’s a nice thing that we didn’t realize was a bit unique. America definitely has issues with race and a problematic past (and sometimes present) but most immigrants are integrated within a generation while still being able to celebrate their heritage and traditions.

@Valjean666dk 2 года назад

I think the issue with integration in Denmark is that it's important to adapt to key parts of Danish culture, which clashes with key parts of some other cultures. There's much talk about the homogeneity of Denmark, but I think it mostly misses the mark. It's not the homogeneity of race, but the homogeneity of culture that is at the base of our high trust society. And I don't think it's our job to change our culture for other people, especially if it would lead to a less cohesive, less trusting, society. As we say "skik følge eller land fly".

@jimmybaldbird3853 2 года назад

Its the homogeneity of race. Stop.

@charismahornum-fries691 2 года назад

@@jimmybaldbird3853 Bullocks! You clearly have not lived in any other cultures. If you had you’d know that’s ain’t how it is.

@jimmybaldbird3853 2 года назад

@@charismahornum-fries691 actually, the opposite. I did not believe this until I moved to ethnically homogenous nations. Despite your ignorant assumptions, I have lived in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.

@timpeterjensen2364 2 года назад

@@jimmybaldbird3853 The USA is more ethnically homogenous than either of those 3 nations.

@jimmybaldbird3853 2 года назад

@@timpeterjensen2364 Not yet, but one day it will be Denmaq, Swedistan, and Geran at the pace it is now

@jorgemunoz3288 2 года назад

Wow your so right, America is about you .

@AxelQC 2 года назад

It's more "you're on your own".

@dancing0nthe3dge Год назад

Yep, I'm in the states and my husband just had surgery. He was checking emails the day he was discharged. It's horrendous.

@RobeTrotting Год назад

Ugh, that’s terrible. Sorry for that. We are posting a video on surgery in each country this coming week.

@itsjustameme Год назад

One of the many things I like about Denmark is the social upwards mobility we have. I am the son of a pretty standard middle class home. My parrents entry level education is florist and radiomechanic and if we had lived in the US I would never have been able to get an education... In Denmark however I got free education all the way from kindergarten class to university and even PhD if I had chosen to continue reading. And I was even subsidized by the state and given cheap student housing and just enough pocket money to get by on without taking student loans - and if I had needed more money the state would have given me favorable rates on student loans as well. This is something most danish people actually take for granted, but as americans you should be able to appreciate this for the pure awesomeness that it is. I keep hearing about the American dream - the idea that if people work hard they can make it to a better life and get wealthy. I'd say that Denmark is better at implementing the American dream than America is. And the funny thing is that it makes good sense for the state to hand out free education in this way. As a pharmacist I will during my lifetime pay far more taxes than I otherwise would. So much so that the state handing me a free education can actually be viewed as a long term investment. So everyone wins - it's amazing. So when I on r/forwardsfromgrandma and so on stumble on memes about how those damn liberals want everything for free I can't help but think about how toxic an attitude that is.

@madsmller4030 2 года назад

Every beautiful being just try to face what can not be previous spoken

@KOlsen1976 2 года назад

Hi Derek and Mike. You mentioned worklife, may I ask what you do for a living in Denmark? I'm not asking for you to name your actual company, only interested in in what field you work :)

@mvoetmann1 2 года назад

I have so many different things I want to say here, that I barely know where to start. In Denmark I would describe politics as a bunch of relatively competent people trying to agree on good solutions. It is not always perfect, but everyone is honestly trying and everyone respects that the other politicians are also trying their best. When you say "everything is politicized" that is not what you mean. Perhaps it is the element of finding negotiated solutions that is missing. Our it may be about the lack of respect for the people s with different thoughts from your own. Or maybe it's about the insane amounts of money in American politics. I am not sure. I sometimes think that the difference is the first -past-the -post system used in countries like America, the UK and Germany. Using such systems tend to give small majorities in the population large, disproportionate majorities in parliament. This makes it easy for a small majority to take power and rule essentially without ever negotiation anything. So when they actually would benefit from negotiating, they don't have the skills. A glaring example of this was the Brexit process, where the government ways years just throwing suggestions at parliament, and got voted down every time. Instead of talking with the opposition and finding a commonly acceptable solution. It never even occurred to them to try that. In Denmark, when an EU-referendun was lost, the parties immediatly sat down together and discussed what it should mean, came up with a handful of danish exceptions to the EU-treaty, for them approved in the EU and then approved by a new referendum in Denmark. It was messy and not a very pretty process, and noone really loved the result. But it worked, and is a very good example of what negotiating is all about. Next, the "rugged individualism" thing. In the US everyone is expected to be responsible for wherever they are in life. If you get hit by tragedy - it is your own fault. If you win the lottery or inherit millions - it is due to your own efforts. In Europe where you are in life is never your own fault or because of your own efforts. Neither approach is true, of course, but there are good and bad to say about both ways of seeing the world. Americans are very good at taking responsibility for their own situations whatever they are, and then trying to change what needs to change. In Europe some people are just sitting around waiting for others to change their lives for them. And that never works. Ultimately, you are the only person that is there to care that you have a good life. All Americans get this. Not all Europeans do. Then there is what Mike called "trust and respect". This is the real secret of the Nordic countries, and it took me decades to realize. We trust others. And we are raised to be trustworthy people. This has huge implications. If we need help, we trust that someone will help us. We trust that the authorities are doing the best they can. We don't need to carry arms, because other people are if not friends then at least trustworthy. And we each have a responsibility to help if we can. It is not a perfect system. People that trust a lot are easy to take advantage of. But it generally makes for a good and happy society. One that might just be a little hard to join, since you must convince others that you are trustworthy, even if your Danish is less than perfect. You need to join the web of trust. In America i think churches perhaps have served or serve a similar function. The people you trust -your people - are the ones you see in church.

@lorimanning-bolis5760 2 года назад

well stated

@DerVersteherPlus Год назад

@@lorimanning-bolis5760 By the way: Germany has no real First past the post system in general elections. The seats in the Bundestag are distributed by proportional representation. Those seats are then filled by First past the post principle but have in the end no effect on the political majority.

@allanjensen8324 2 года назад

As a dane… i Think it`s true What You say about accepting culture

@barbie3139 Год назад

what is the workweek and what is a typical vacation schedule/entitlement in Denmark. I'll check to see if you mentioned it in another video too

@RobeTrotting Год назад

Typical workweek is 37.5 hours Monday through Friday with at least 5 weeks vacation and you have to be able to take a 3 week vacation between May and September. We have a video on work-life balance and one overall on working in Denmark 😊

@barbie3139 Год назад

@@RobeTrotting thank you!

@TemplarbladeDK 2 года назад

yeah in the US it's either red or blue instead of who has a great idea then lets work together to implement it for the great good of the people,at least thats how I see it from outside as a Dane Rigtigt godt nytår til jer og velkommen til 2022

@RobeTrotting 2 года назад

You’re right, and it’s pretty sad. There’s a lot of negative forces and money in politics that keep it that way.

@dannesys 2 года назад

Oh, what a really interesting video! As an English half Dane 🇬🇧🇩🇰who is immersed at the moment in learning about American life, all you say makes refreshingly good sense to me. One of your points that Americans are so politically- minded and angry seems so true. I ask myself why all the time. Of course there is an obvious, easy (trumpian) answer just now but this political anger aspect didn't just start with him, did it?Looking forward to watching more of your videos👍

@DennisDithmar 2 года назад

Guys guys guys. You both are so so wonderful and warm. You have become "hygge". Please stay another 5 years. At least. And one thing. I heard from some Americans that Danes are more closed. I wanna counter that. You guys are welcome to drop by at any time for a coffee, and a chat about music, life, culture and values. Hope to meet you some day. Love, peace and please stay here

@foldby37 2 года назад

Jeg har ofte tænkt over hvordan amerikanere ville se på Danmark og USA efter at have levet her op prøvet vores måde at leve på, og lærer vores historie fra andelsbevægelse, fagforeninger, kreditforeninger, sundheds system ect. Det er en god video i har lavet, tak for det..

@Nordic_Sky Год назад

The answer is it depends on what type of American. An American that appreciates a social safety net and having health and educational security (basically a Democrat) would like it. However, one who values economic freedom (a Republican) would definitely not.