The county Councilor for Culture in Akershus, Ole jacob Johansen (progress Party) made headlines on Tuesday when he wrote the following on Facebook: “Miss Universe 2024. A white, real woman. We are on the verge of getting normality back.Beauty pageants are great again.”
The Asker politician initially believed he had nothing to apologize for.
In an interview with Budstikka, he called NRK’s focus on the matter “garbage journalism.”
He claimed he did not see anything problematic with his own post.
This is the post that Ole Jacob Johansen shared on Facebook late Monday night.
photo: SCREENSHOT: FACEBOOK
the group leader for the Labor Party in Akershus, Elin Maria L’Esrange, believed the post was excessive.
– It crosses the line into outright racism. It’s about skin color. It’s not okay to talk like that about other peopel, she told NRK.
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Apologized in the evening
The same evening that Johansen believed he had no issues with the post, he chose to apologize nonetheless.
– dear everyone, this post has received reactions in the media and has been perceived in a wholly different way than I intended when I wrote it. I am very sorry that I have hurt anyone. It was not my intention, and I would like to apologize. it should not have been posted,and I see that it was wrong. Both as a politician and a human, I care about everyone’s rights, and about diversity. I certainly distance myself from racism. I am sorry if anyone perceived what I wrote as racist and I apologize for that. It was truly not my intention to offend anyone. But this was wrong, and it could certainly have been phrased differently. But what’s done is done, and I can’t ”undo” this. But I hope you will accept my unreserved apology and regret, the politician wrote on Facebook.
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Resigning
Today, Johansen has decided to resign. This comes after employees in the Akershus county municipality reportedly filed a notice against Johansen. The notice is said to concern the working habitat, writes Budstikka.
– I have today asked County Council Leader Anette Marie Solli to allow me to resign as County Councilor in Akershus county municipality with immediate effect. I have greatly appreciated both the cooperation in the county council and especially the tasks that fall within my area of responsibility. I see that I have acted in a way that distracts attention from the vital political work the county council does for the municipality and our residents, and I am grateful that the county council leader has accepted my wish to resign, Johansen said in a press release.
County Council Leader Anette Marie solli says the situation has been arduous for many:
– As County Council Leader, I want to thank Ole jacob for the great effort and the good political work he has done as County Councilor for Culture, Dental Health, and Volunteering. I find it sad that we ended up here, but I respect Ole Jacob’s wish to resign, says County Council Leader Anette Marie Solli.
The County Council Leader will now begin the work of appointing a new County Councilor. Until a new County Councilor for Culture, Dental Health, and Volunteering is appointed, the County Council Leader will appoint an acting councilor. the County Council’s work will or else continue as normal.
– I have greatly appreciated my county council colleagues, and I am proud of all we have achieved.The heaviest burden is what I have imposed on the county council and the common political project, which I still stand behind. I wish them good luck with the important work for the residents of Akershus. This has naturally also been challenging days for me personally and those around me. I ask for peace in the time ahead, Johansen concludes.
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Wants a new Progress Party member
– I am aware of this, and I respect his wish. I think it is a wise decision, says Geir A. moe, who is the leader of Akershus Progress Party, to Budstikka.
Moe explains that the county branch will quickly start looking for Johansen’s successor.
– The county council group will work to ensure that Johansen’s replacement is a member of the Progress Party.The County Council Leader Anette Solli obviously has the final say here, Moe explains.
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How can beauty pageants adapt to changing perceptions of diversity adn representation in contemporary society?
Time.news Interview with Dr. Anna Lindstrom, cultural Analyst and Social Media Expert
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Dr.Lindstrom. We’ve recently seen some controversy surrounding Akershus county Councilor Ole Jacob Johansen’s social media post about Miss Universe 2024. What are your initial thoughts on his comments?
Dr. Anna Lindstrom: Thank you for having me. Johansen’s remarks are troubling on several levels,particularly considering the implications of a public figure expressing such views. His assertion that “a white, real woman” should represent Miss universe raises significant concerns about inclusivity and the ongoing debate about representation in beauty standards.
Editor: Indeed. He initially defended his post, calling the media’s focus on his comments “garbage journalism.” Do you think this reflects a larger issue regarding accountability for public officials on social media?
Dr. Anna Lindstrom: Absolutely. When public figures use their platforms to perpetuate narrow definitions of beauty and identity, it can have real-world consequences. Johansen’s dismissal of criticism as “garbage journalism” suggests a troubling lack of awareness about how words can contribute to societal norms and attitudes toward race and gender. This is particularly dangerous in a cultural climate that is increasingly sensitive to issues of diversity and representation.
Editor: After receiving backlash, Johansen did apologize, stating that the post was perceived differently than intended.How effective do you think public apologies are in instances like this, where the remarks have already sparked significant controversy?
Dr. Anna Lindstrom: Public apologies can be a double-edged sword. on one hand, they demonstrate a recognition of the impact one’s words can have; on the other hand, they can seem insincere, especially if they come after a strong backlash. Authenticity is key. For many,it may feel like an apology is merely a strategy to quell outrage rather than a genuine expression of regret and understanding. It’s crucial that these public figures engage in education and reflection, rather than simply retracting statements.
Editor: The labor Party’s Elin Maria L’Esrange labeled Johansen’s post as excessive and crossing the line into racism. What stance could political parties take moving forward to address such matters more constructively?
Dr. Anna Lindstrom: Political parties need to take a firm stand against discriminatory comments, regardless of their source. They should promote educational initiatives that clarify why such remarks are harmful. Encouraging dialog about what constitutes respectful and inclusive communication can strengthen community ties and foster a more understanding environment. Furthermore, implementing training sessions for their representatives on diversity and inclusion could prevent situations like this from occurring in the first place.
Editor: This incident has certainly sparked a dialogue about race, beauty standards, and the cultural narratives surrounding them. In your opinion, what do beauty pageants represent in today’s society?
Dr.Anna Lindstrom: Beauty pageants have historically reflected societal ideals, but their relevance is being challenged.They could be an chance to celebrate diverse representations of beauty and empower women from various backgrounds. unluckily, remarks like Johansen’s undermine that potential, reinforcing outdated and exclusive standards. The future of such competitions will depend on their ability to evolve and embrace a broader definition of beauty that resonates with a more diverse audience.
Editor: Very insightful. What advice would you give to individuals who might find themselves in similar situations as Johansen?
Dr. Anna Lindstrom: I’d advise individuals to think critically about the implications of their words and consider how they might be interpreted by different communities. Engaging with diverse perspectives before posting can mitigate misunderstandings.It’s also essential to be open to feedback and willing to learn from mistakes, as personal growth often stems from recognizing and addressing our biases.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. lindstrom,for sharing your insights. This conversation is crucial as we navigate these complex issues in our society. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Anna Lindstrom: Thank you for having me. It’s an critically important discussion, and I’m glad to contribute.