COLUMN: Inequalities and new paths

In addition to concerns related to the global security situation and the US's sharp gaze towards our country, I often wonder why a product like Kærgården (butter) should cost 60 kr. per tray around the country, when I can buy it for 12 kr. in Danish stores.

I know well that costs for long transport and increased fuel prices play a role, but is it really right that the product should be five times more expensive? And who is really fighting for the well-being of the consumer in these times?

In addition, many times higher prices apply to almost many other daily goods, because society is so f…… dependent on imported goods, which are indispensable in everyday life. And while prices are now high in Nuuk and the surrounding area, the very high prices for groceries and fuel have always been much higher elsewhere, not least in outlying districts.

Bad consequences

Price increases have once again been a challenge in recent years for, for example, Pilersuisoq A/S and are affecting ordinary households and businesses. Unrest, the climate crisis, the corona epidemic and increasing wars make it all much worse.

But then Pisiffik A/S and Kalaallit Nunaanni Brugseni are doing well and basking in the excessively high prices for groceries, which hurts consumers. Or does it?

Yes, inflation affects society a lot, and perhaps much more than you see on the surface. Now it is definitely not getting better, as the USA and Israel have also attacked Iran and Lebanon, with the consequence that the price of oil has hit the highest level since Russia's invasion of Ukraine 4 years ago. And who is being affected?

It affects ordinary households, perhaps especially families with children and the many early retirees and ordinary pensioners. But it also affects the business world, because the prices of electricity, heating and fuel are rising and rising, just like building materials and the like do.

To be someone

We know that inequality creates significant differences in living conditions – and thus also conditions in upbringing and in health or lack thereof. It is often an obstacle to creating opportunities, for example for children and young people in the hardest hit families. If these conditions have not led to more aggressiveness, frustrations and increased political polarization, then it will now.

Being someone means a lot to one's identity and the way forward. Therefore, it is of great importance that we cultivate and strengthen our cultural identity and social life in a good way. The debate about when we will become a state and become independent is very emotional, and therefore it prevents a healthier and more realistic debate. I believe that the debate about independence should have its place, but it should also be realistic and not based on dreams.

It means a lot to us that we have a system that provides free education and health, but how good it would be for society if some people would grasp the great need to change the way of living and choose a healthier and more sustainable path.

It is when people gain respect for themselves and thus get a sense of their inherent sense of why it is so important to create fertile ground for children and young people to sprout and grow that society will begin to grow.