I can tell you about the sentiments here in Denmark. While there never have been many Danes that publicly supported Trump, the ones I have talked to that support him "secretly", say that it is a show-stopper if Trump takes Greenland. If this happens, then USA will loose all support here.
You now might say (and you have many times before) that Denmark is insignificant and Greenland is just to be taken. I have read "Who cares about Denmark" or something like that here. Well I and millions of other Danes care a lot. We are a small country, but we are a proud seafaring people. We are the home of Lego and Hans Christian Andersen. The second largest shipping company in the world is Danish (in 2022 it was the largest). We have the oldest national flag, still in continuous use (since about 1219). The Vikings, from what is now Denmark, Norway and Sweden, had settlements in North America, almost 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Many words in English come from Old Norse.
Many here have considered the US to be our "big brother", so it really hurts now to hear many Americans (I know it is not all) talk like we are nothing...
What is the significance of greenland in the eyes of danes?
Like, hawaii is an island that the u.s. claims. I could see people being mad if some other country claimed hawaii from the usa.
That doesn't sound like a comparable relationship but is there still a sense that greenland is "part" of denmark's identity in a way and is something danes hold in esteem?
What is the significance of greenland in the eyes of danes?
I think it is like 2 2-3yo kids playing and one finds a toy neither ever plays with. The other wants it now and tries to take it away while the other is crying and saying "Mine" over and over and over. Eventually the other kid will get (or be given) the toy and will play with it for about 30 seconds and find something else to do.
As MajB states here, the average Dane did not think that much about Greenland (or the Faroe Islands). It was just part of Denmark and they have a few seats in Parliament. Now that the US talks about taking Greenland, it becomes an important matter.
I think Greenland was Norwegian once, but was given to Denmark as part of a treaty. But then again, Norway was once Danish...
I am aware of this. It is true that Greenland is guarded by a "dog sled". It is called the Sirius Patrol and is considered one of the toughest jobs. I also believe that Trump's sabre rattling is mainly a means to get Denmark and perhaps EU to do more protection.
A solution could be more US bases in the northern part. They already had Thule Air Base (called something else today and is now maintained by US Space Force). Since both Denmark and US are part of NATO, this could be a viable solution. However, the avg Dane does not think like this...
How will Dane's feel if a majority of Greenland decides the USA is the way to go and chooses to be Americans going forward...hence no one has to take anything it's just the way it is.
Anyone willing to accept that end if it plays out that way?
They will probably not like the idea. Greenland once wanted independence, but when that meant the loss of money and help in policing etc, they abandoned the idea. There has certainly been voices in Greenland about this now, but it seems like Trump's sabre rattling has caused Greenlanders and Danes to move closer, rather than farther apart...
Trump actions may give them the opportunity to consider and they do have a right to choose, do they not? If the Danes lose then I am sure those who lost are going to have to be adults about the situation if not...I'd have no problem defending our 51st state from it's version of modern day Redcoats....even if the coat looks Orange.
Thanks. However, it took Germany only about 6 hours to occupy Denmark. There was a strong resistance movement, and they risked their lives, but eventually it was the allies that freed us.
I can tell you about the sentiments here in Denmark. While there never have been many Danes that publicly supported Trump, the ones I have talked to that support him "secretly", say that it is a show-stopper if Trump takes Greenland. If this happens, then USA will loose all support here.
You now might say (and you have many times before) that Denmark is insignificant and Greenland is just to be taken. I have read "Who cares about Denmark" or something like that here. Well I and millions of other Danes care a lot. We are a small country, but we are a proud seafaring people. We are the home of Lego and Hans Christian Andersen. The second largest shipping company in the world is Danish (in 2022 it was the largest). We have the oldest national flag, still in continuous use (since about 1219). The Vikings, from what is now Denmark, Norway and Sweden, had settlements in North America, almost 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Many words in English come from Old Norse.
Many here have considered the US to be our "big brother", so it really hurts now to hear many Americans (I know it is not all) talk like we are nothing...
What is the significance of greenland in the eyes of danes?
Like, hawaii is an island that the u.s. claims. I could see people being mad if some other country claimed hawaii from the usa.
That doesn't sound like a comparable relationship but is there still a sense that greenland is "part" of denmark's identity in a way and is something danes hold in esteem?
I can guarantee the average Dane didn't give Greenland a second thought until Trump started talking about acquiring it.
I think it is like 2 2-3yo kids playing and one finds a toy neither ever plays with. The other wants it now and tries to take it away while the other is crying and saying "Mine" over and over and over. Eventually the other kid will get (or be given) the toy and will play with it for about 30 seconds and find something else to do.
As MajB states here, the average Dane did not think that much about Greenland (or the Faroe Islands). It was just part of Denmark and they have a few seats in Parliament. Now that the US talks about taking Greenland, it becomes an important matter.
I think Greenland was Norwegian once, but was given to Denmark as part of a treaty. But then again, Norway was once Danish...
That is all understandable but Denmark is factually unable to defend Greenland from Russia and China, so Denmark cannot gatekeep who does.
Real estate changes hands all the time, for the benefit of all concerned. This can be one of those times when things change for the better.
I am aware of this. It is true that Greenland is guarded by a "dog sled". It is called the Sirius Patrol and is considered one of the toughest jobs. I also believe that Trump's sabre rattling is mainly a means to get Denmark and perhaps EU to do more protection.
A solution could be more US bases in the northern part. They already had Thule Air Base (called something else today and is now maintained by US Space Force). Since both Denmark and US are part of NATO, this could be a viable solution. However, the avg Dane does not think like this...
Interesting...
How will Dane's feel if a majority of Greenland decides the USA is the way to go and chooses to be Americans going forward...hence no one has to take anything it's just the way it is. Anyone willing to accept that end if it plays out that way?
They will probably not like the idea. Greenland once wanted independence, but when that meant the loss of money and help in policing etc, they abandoned the idea. There has certainly been voices in Greenland about this now, but it seems like Trump's sabre rattling has caused Greenlanders and Danes to move closer, rather than farther apart...
Trump actions may give them the opportunity to consider and they do have a right to choose, do they not? If the Danes lose then I am sure those who lost are going to have to be adults about the situation if not...I'd have no problem defending our 51st state from it's version of modern day Redcoats....even if the coat looks Orange.
Well I married 1 of your woman 24 years ago. She is a hard worker and puts up with me. Her whole family are honest hard working plumbers.
I have tremendous respect for you and know how hurtful this must be. I know the Danish had a very strong Resistance Movement in WWII.
If this happens, I pray it will work out well for everyone. 🙏🤍
Thanks. However, it took Germany only about 6 hours to occupy Denmark. There was a strong resistance movement, and they risked their lives, but eventually it was the allies that freed us.