Forced cultural assimilation is looked down upon for good reason—it privileges the value system and traditions of whatever the home country is, reinforcing the marginalization of the immigrant. What happens, however, when the immigrant’s culture generally tolerates violence against women?
Norway has begun offering a controversial program that seeks to reduce the potential transfer of that violence, by working with male immigrants from countries in which women are not permitted to show skin or be publicly affectionate. These courses coach the men in European sexual and social practices, teaching that smiling and flirting are normal, and that “if a girl is drunk it does not mean she is willing to do anything.”
The New York Times reports that thus far, other European countries have been hesitant to offer similar training, for fear of stigmatizing migrants. In fact, the stereotype that looser immigration policies will increase rape is one oft-invoked by anti-immigration politicians.
From the Times:
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