Does this make the Norwegian media happy? Wel, no not really! The success of the two brothers both internationally and in Norway has caused some to look up and shake their heads in horror! The law of. Jante (Janteloven) is definitely alive and well!
What is Janteloven?
Well, Janteloven was a term coined by a danish-norwegian author, Aksel Sandemose, at the turn of the last century to describe the way that small communities, particularly Scandinavian ones, despise and mock anyone who shows themselves to successful or different. Even if you do become successful, the understanding is that you remain like everyone else, and don't advertise it. Individuality and achievement are not considered desirable traits, and it is best to be part of the collective and not try to make something of yourself. It can keep everyone deathly dull and average - here's a couple of sayings that describe the idea well: ''nails that stick out need to be hammered back in place', and 'never stick your head above the parapet'
So Ylvis are getting a hard time in some areas of the press as they are definitely showing off with all their success! It would be better if they apologised to the world about people liking their humour and then maybe admitted that really it isn't them writing it, but all their backroom team - then I think the Norwegian media would be a bit less unhappy, but only a tad mind!
Only in Norway!
http://youtu.be/jofNR_WkoCE
