Too Black to Be Here?: Exploring Racism in Norway Through Four Critical Case Studies

The ebook edition of this title is Open Access and freely available to read online.

Racism remains a pervasive issue worldwide, affecting individuals and communities in both overt and subtle ways. In Norway, a country often seen as a model of equality, the challenges faced by Black individuals reveal the deep-seated nature of racial biases. This broader societal problem encompasses themes of white privilege, visibility, and systemic injustice, demanding urgent attention and action.

Too Black to Be Here? Exploring Racism in Norway through Four Critical Case Studies offers an authentic perspective on race in Norway from a Black-Norwegian academic, a voice rarely represented in the literature. Author Paul Thomas explores four high-profile cases: the murder of Benjamin Hermansen, which starkly exposes the deadly impact of unchecked racism; Anders Breivik’s attacks, highlighting the violent anxiety rooted in white supremacy; Sumaya Jirde Ali’s racial abuse, revealing the silence and complicity surrounding racial injustice; and Johanne Ihle-Hansen’s adoption case, examining the structural racism in adoption practices. Employing an interdisciplinary approach that draws from critical race theory, whiteness studies, post-structural, and postcolonial theories, this work provides a nuanced and thorough analysis of these issues, offering both a scholarly and personal narrative.

This important work is not only an academic inquiry but also a call to action, aiming to foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Educators, policymakers, advocates, and anyone committed to racial justice and equity will find valuable insights to inspire meaningful change and promote racial literacy in the global context.

Paul Thomas is Professor of Pedagogy at the University of South-Eastern Norway specializing in critical pedagogy and multicultural education.