Politologisk Forening.

The days seem to be going by quickly now that school is in full swing, along with a well established routine-- spending my weekdays reading and attending lecture, followed by my weekends full of exploring Aarhus and social events.  I have been especially enjoying one of my courses, Democratic Deficits and Dissatisfaction With Politics.  It has been enlightening looking into why people are so turned off by politics (besides obvious reasons.)  I find it quite frustrating being an optimistic political science major, because discussing politics with anyone (in the States) is almost considered inappropriate.  Many people have a preconceived notion that I am set out to change their minds by discussing political issues and I generally get an aggressive "fuck the government" response in return.  There is a completely different mindset here.  Politics, theories, and intellect of all sorts is always the topic of conversation.  People are aware that if they want to see real change, they must approach it with the appropriate responses (activism, contacting your congressmen, work for a cause-based organization, signing petitions, etc.) rather than have a legitimate concern (generally accompanied by a full dose of cynicism) and taking no action, for fear that change is not possible.  In my course we are approaching why people hate politics by varying schools of thoughts and theories.  The two books for the course are: (1.) Why Politics Matters: Making Democracy Work (2.) Why We Hate Politics.  We look into issues such as: global dissatisfaction with politics, explanations for political disengagement, the politics of mass democratization: built in disappointment?, the dangers of cynicism, etc.  This is exciting stuff guys!  


So, on a lighter note I went to my first political science sponsored party this weekend-- called Politologisk Forening Fest!  The dane's seriously know how to party.  I went with my danish friend Sanne; her friends said I can be the American addition to 'their crew.'  So, I am very grateful :)  We danced (to a lot of 90's American music..they are a bit behind) and drank until the wee hours of the morning.  It seemed every few minutes we would 'cheers' our drinks, followed by the danish word SKUL! (cheers, all!)  At the end of the party (and at each one,) Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" came on, signaling it's a wrap--go home.  Everyone danced dramatically, hugged, and kissed on the cheek.  It was truly a wonderful way to end the evening.


That is all for now, Hej Hej!