Stockholm Syndrome

I loved this episode. But it failed, overlooking the most obvious answer, that could actually change the world.

Swedes respect arts - clearly music at least - and encourage their citizens to be well-rounded individuals that simply strive to do what they love and to do it best they possibly can. AND THEN, let the work speak for itself - the RESULTS builds reputation and longevity.

Totally ignores the answer: bragging is not becoming. Because anyone who's ever had the time to drag, read or condescend has too much skin in the game to be objective. Swedes have to be objective because the competition there is strong, but healthy. If everyone is given equal footing in life, you create a community of successfully ambitious people. When you remove that, instead you get an angry, oppressed mob desperately grabbing any power they can, any way they can, regardless of consequences. Just to to have that initial footing. And watch it all crumble or poison the well.

This was an excellent chance to shed light in the basic premise most governments have utterly destroyed: we don't have to hurt each other to be competitive AND successful. Arts are vital to human survival as a means to express our dreams, science, creativity. Focus on being a good person and doing your best at what you love. Give everyone a truly equal start and we could all find our own magic.

It's so plain and simple. But you can't see it if the perspective doesn't exist for you. And that it doesn't for so many, is a tragedy.