On Stage & TV - Fredrik Lindström

This is a way overdue recapturing of sorts on a stand up comedy stage show at Cirkus, we went to last spring - ... yeah, I know... - with multi talented spot on linguist, comedian, writer, director, TV presenter Fredrik Lindström. I really love his TV shows where he usually analyzes Swedes, the Swedish language and dialects. His awardwinning style and personal approach of analyzing us Swedes is absolutely hilarious and I left this show with an aching tummy and sore facial muscles from all the laughing.

Noone describes Sweden, the world's most modern country and the world's most insecure people, Swedes, quite like Lindström. He does it in such a clever way, with a both simplistic and endearing as well as critical approach, he never shys away from taking himself and his own behaviour in to account when he examplifies some "typical Swedish behaviour". And I think that's the key to success, never to make jokes solely on the expense of others, but to be aware of one's own silly quirks, to laugh with and not at.

The TV show "Världens modernaste land" (The World's Most Modern Country) from 2007 with him as a host was both enlightening, intelligent and entertaining beyond words. A seemingly simple show where he made fun of the Swedish mentality and himself, the way he tried to explain our quirks with the help of historians, ethnologists and other experts, his time travels Forrest Gump-style made for seven highly amusing episodes. I'm not sure if the show's still available online, but if it is and you missed it - and you understand the Swedish lingua of course - you really ought to watch it.

And if Mr Lindström happens to turn up with his stand up comedy show in your town, go see, because the show is a lovely mix of that TV show as well as some new material, in an unpretentious package. Though be prepared to laugh your heart out.

Even if insightfulness tells us that these "typical Swedish traits" can be found in most places, in most populations all over the world, here are a few examples of what strucks Lindström - and me, although I by no means feel they're all traits applicable to me and my personality - as very Swedish;

• Swedes suffer from social phobia and do most anything to avoid having contact with neighbours and strangers
• Swedes hate any kind of nationalism and celebrating our National Day June 6, waving flags and so forth can be a sign of racism and intolerance - honestly, it's true...
• To be un-Swedish is a positive thing, since we Swedes are so bleak, boring, timid and have no rhythm
• Swedes are pro-collectivism and against individualism
• Swedes walk around in their stockinged feet indoors - personally I think it's such a nasty and dirty habit to wear one's outdoor shoes indoors, but I prefer slippers or indoor shoes before stockinged or bare feet
• The correct Swedish way to show appreciation and happiness and being social is the moderate way, never overdo it, never show passion
• Swedes are afraid of conflicts, afraid of making a fuss, grumble over improprieties to ourselves but never dare to complain, demand and make a difference
• Swedes have a complicated relationship with alcohol - oh sadly yes, plebeian is a word that comes to mind here...
• Swedes are very fond of their fika / coffeebreaks
• Swedes are nerdy, selfcritics but at the same time rather pompous, complacent and self-righteous
• Swedes are crazy about safety rules and regulations, not to mention live by the due by date on food and milk cartons - oh yes...

Ah, to summerize a few "national traits" like this somehow makes the fun less apparent and the idea of emigration more appealing...