My cultural presentation can be viewed here:
http://prezi.com/rbjmkz702c3p/present/?auth_key=lzkqzt1&follow=kts68f57bpc9
For my cultural presentation I chose to speak of the Swedish concept of "Allemansrätten" which is unwritten law which refers to the Right of Public Access to nature for all individuals. This concept is very unique to Sweden and its neighboring Nordic countries which have similar ideas of access to nature and more flexible barriers to access and use of nature for personal and social benefits. This concept is very interesting because it contrasts highly with the idea of property and access in the United States which tends to be highly delineated and demarcated without much flexibility. Property, its protection and right to one's property is also very particular to the United States. In Sweden property, especially nature is perceived as right that can be accessed by all even if it is owned or managed by another individual. This "law" also reflects the emphasis placed on nature and people's interaction with nature in various ways.
This right reflects the way in which Swedes respect nature and its sustainability as a part of Swedish culture and its regard as central to Swedish culture in cultural events and holidays. Through my cultural presentation I learned more about the implied characteristics of "Allemansrätten" and was able to contrast with my own experiences in the United States. I truly believe that this one example of Swedish culture has much broader implications for Swedish culture and explains how the state, society, and nature interact in as sustainable manner to promote the health and well-being of the Swedish people.
Sources:
English:
http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Work/Life_in_Sweden/Climate_nature/the-right-of-public-access/
Svenska:
http://www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord/smorgasbord/natrecspo/nature/every.html
http://www.naturvardsverket.se/Start/Friluftsliv/Allemansratten/
"Allemansrätten: Vad säger lagen?" bertil Bengtsson http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CFAQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.naturvardsverket.se%2FDocuments%2Fpublikationer%2F620-8161-6.pdf&ei=dQKTT87ECM-26QH20M2GDw&usg=AFQjCNEcPnCVuF8nOyi3pHX6cknclHQRbw&sig2=Lwbh6LQfAyM2NeUkc1iXbQ
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