"How Norwegian Asatru Meets the Charge of Racism: A Rhetorical Analysis"
This article draws on ethnographic material to analyse the arguments used by the two main Norwegian Asatru groups, Bifrost1 and Forn Sed2, to counter charges of racism. Such charges are maintained by commentators who associate the groups’ teachings with extreme political movements drawing on Norse s...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Universitetsforlaget
2022
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| In: |
Nordic journal of religion and society
Year: 2022, Volume: 35, Issue: 1, Pages: 45-57 |
| Further subjects: | B
Heathenry
B Minority B Rhetoric B Identity B Racism |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | This article draws on ethnographic material to analyse the arguments used by the two main Norwegian Asatru groups, Bifrost1 and Forn Sed2, to counter charges of racism. Such charges are maintained by commentators who associate the groups’ teachings with extreme political movements drawing on Norse symbolism. The resulting polemic is analysed with particular focus on rhetorical strategies. To Norwegian Asatru their religion is not racist as it is an accident of history, a universal and natural form of spirituality, a practice renouncing doctrine, and as an expression of the best ideals of society. Furthermore, the groups argue that as victims of societal persecution they cannot be described as oppressors. In the present situation it appears that this discourse on racism has taken on an importance beyond its initial role. It has become a symbol of opposition to majority society, and is now central in the identity formation of adherents. |
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| ISSN: | 1890-7008 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Nordic journal of religion and society
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.18261/njrs.35.1.4 |