[greenhexagon]

> "American conditions" - is a term with decades of use in Norwegian politics to scare voters.

Neat, I always enjoy learning about the various bits of propaganda and stereotypes that exist in different cultures and this was a new term for me.

I've many times had fairly entertaining conversations with Scandinavians about what life in the US is actually like compared to their expectations. They always seem a bit in disbelief at how safe, comfortable, easy and secure life is in reality. I've learned to reassure them that things would be different if I were an entry level worker at Walmart or McDonald's, and that that life might look more similar to their expectations.

[vidarh]

Having spent enough time in the US that the immigration officials used to flick through my passport in disbelief at the number of US stamps I had in there, I think the disbelief is entirely justified because our concern is not what life is like as someone in a good job, but what society is like somewhere with the huge disparities and huge gaps in social safety nets that are there in the US, and I've seen enough of the outcome of that first hand to know I have no desire to live in American conditions even if my job experience means I'd personally have a safe, comfortable, easy and secure life.

[DeathArrow]

>what society is like somewhere with the huge disparities and huge gaps in social safety nets that are there in the US

True, in US you have to work to earn a living.

[throwaway_1987]

Work does not guarantee a decent living. There are many who work full-time low paying jobs. Many even need a second job to just to "earn a living"

As a European, it is really strange to see this attitude of "survival of the fittest" here on HN

The average HN reader probably works in an office with a decent salary. Why should we deserve better health care than people doing hard physical labor and have to retire early because their bodies are broken. The society is depending on them to function, so we could at least offer them adequate health care. Someone working in a factory or delivering your Amazon packages also work hard. Much harder than what I do.

The lack of humanity in one of the most religious countries in the western world surprises me.

The same can be said about humane treatment of prisoners. Abuse and rape in prisons have become standard jokes in American comedy. I guess they deserve it when they dare to steal your car...

[DeathArrow]

You don't deserve goods or services. You pay for them, or others pay for them if you live in a welfare state and you don't work. Either way, the doctor needs the money to buy food.

[vidarh]

And this is why we don't want American conditions.

[doktrin]

> They always seem a bit in disbelief at how safe, comfortable, easy and secure life is in reality

The US is by no means unique in this regard. Outside of active conflict zones and failed/failing states, most countries in the world can provide comfort and at least the illusion of safety to those with resources and means.

[defrost]

It's certainly remarkable that countries exist with cheap affordable health care for all, unemployment safety nets, disability support, and no fear of school shootings at all.