Example:
"At the personal level, the inferiority that seems to lie deep in the psyche makes itself known in all kinds of little ways. 'What made you come to Norway?', ask many people... certainly hoping for a positive comment on their country and culture."
Asking what made one move to one's country is supposed to be a sign of having an inferiority-complex or begging for a compliment? Come on. There could be any number of reasons for asking that, ranging from simple politeness, to making small talk, not being able to think of anything else to ask, or amazingly enough: being genuinely interested in the answer or in the person its being asked of.
I'm always interested in seeing the world through other people's eyes, and that's one of the main reasons I ask people for their impressions.
Can confirm this is actually very accurate. Inferiority-complex is indeed a thing in Norway.
Most Norwegians seem genuinely proud of the country, but at the same time, realize that it is difficult at times, the climate is rough, it is expensive, and other such things. It is comparatively small. And as such, folks get curious about stories. It is easy small talk and more interesting than talking about the weather. Occasionally some folks get asked this in a nearly racist way: But racism isn't unique to Norway, and not sure that the racism of the US is better.
I do, in a way, understand where the author is coming from. Some immigrants are really miserable here or struggle with the society. Mileage varies, I guess, according to personal temperament and beliefs. I rather enjoy life here for the most part - even as I'm in the alternative crowd the author says has a rough time - so I'm probably more prone to positive reviews.