Fredrik Solvang struggled with self-loathing and felt completely alone as a result of racism.
There will be a tearful broadcast of “Lindmo” on Friday night when, among others, Fredrik Solvang (44) and actor Tinashe Williamson (36) visit the sofa in the NRK studio.
An exceptionally open and honest Solvang, who most people know as a strict and closed debate leader in «The Debate», tells for the first time about how he felt alone as a child. How he developed a prolonged self-loathing after encountering racism and the long process of reconciling himself with his own traits.
The stories come on the assembly line after Williamson, who is currently working on her new book on everyday racism, tells brutal stories from her childhood where she experienced gross, systematic racism.
Also read: Started signature campaign for Fredrik Solvang after Nettavisen interview
Tears to tears
Fredrik Solvang has lived a life not so far from what Williamson describes. As a child, he grew up on Setermoen in Troms where he was alone in having a different appearance than the other children at school.
– I have never been exposed to any systematic racism. But as a brown child in a small place, you always know that you are. You are made very aware of it. For my part, I was really very alone, and I do not think it is completely good. I know that it has taken me a very long time to reconcile myself with my own traits and live with the look I have, says a clearly affected Solvang who has shed tears.
According to Solvang, it all developed into self-loathing at some point. He disliked all the areas he stood out in, and saw white as an ideal. Something that became completely unattainable.
– And then you always fall short. What is a pity is that it is the worst comments that settle, and that you never forget. They are sitting, says Solvang.
Also read: Solvang on «Japanese Ramm show»: – I laughed
Several hours in therapy
According to Solvang, it has taken several years to reconcile with his own appearance. At the age of only 16 years he went to Korea to meet his biological family for the first time. A strong meeting that has left a great mark on the debate leader.
– It is of course very strong, but probably the right thing I feel I have ever done and something I would not have been without. (…) There were many pieces that fell into place. Being an adopted child is a special situation. You have family and friends who love you, but they can never fully understand. Seeing someone for the first time who looked like me was indescribable and very good, says Solvang to host Anne Lindmo.
Fredrik Solvang has previously visited the Nettavisen podcast «Schendis». Listen to the episode here:
According to Solvang, it took several years before he got rid of his self-loathing. For him, it was about growing up, and realizing that the world is bigger and that there are people who resemble him.
For Tinashe Williamson’s part, who recognizes himself in much of what Solvang says, it had to be invested in several hours of therapy to be able to reconcile with himself.
Also read: Maria Mena and Tinashe Williamson have reported racism: – Today we send a clear signal
The importance of speaking out about racism is what Williamson wants to convey. At the same time, Solvang believes that it is also important not to forget that society is also moving forward – and that the world is constantly changing.
“Lindmo” is broadcast on NRK on Friday at 22:10.
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