"Swedishness"

Since first visiting Sweden in 2008 I have noticed that there are some very typical Swedish things and behaviors.  Many people have an idea of some of these stereotypes; IKEA, meatballs, Sven, Inga...  However, there are so many other idiosyncrasies that belong just to Swedish people.  I think that anyone who has ever spent any time in this country will notice some of these things.  For example, Swedes are not very friendly.  You just do not talk to people that you do not know.  Especially not strangers in a store or on the street.  You do not talk to people on the bus or the train either.  You do not hold the door open for people coming in behind you.  You must put the divider on the belt at the grocery store.  It is your job to separate your groceries from the next person's.  When having a conversation with someone you must "oh" or suck in a breath to show that you are following along and understanding what they are saying.

This past weekend was the finale of Eurovision, a singing contest that every country in Europe participates in.  Also, a few countries that may not be technically considered European, like Israel.  Each country has their own qualifying rounds and they each select their own winner that then moves on the final rounds where they compete against the winners from the other European countries.  The songs that the contestants sing are new and written just for the competition.  During the competition they had a few very funny skits that depicted typical "Swedishness".  In one short clip it showed a couple standing outside of a building smoking and when the reporter went up to greet them and said hello they just stared at her and did not respond...typical "Swedishness".  Here is a slightly longer clip that really shows some typical Swedish behaviors, some of which may be less known to foreigners.

"Swedishness"