The first instance of anecdotal humor below bridges the gap between Norway and America in the newly emerged bin Laden tradition. With obvious origins in Norwegian America (references, for instance, to the saying Uff da! and the Sons of Norway organization), this joke seeks to contrast what is good, simple, neighborly, and homegrown with a foreign power that is impersonal, distant, abstract, and coldly malevolent.
Ole, a common actor in Norwegian-American jokes, has instigated a declaration of war on bin Laden. His naïve simplicity (marked by expressions such as “Holy Sons of Norvay!”) is pitted against the cold strategist represented by Osama bin Laden. Ole is the straightforward, well-meaning everyman, addressed only by his first name. His comrades are marked by personal relationships (my cousin, my neighbor, the guys at the club) and his weapons are of the home-grown variety (combines, a tractor, and some lefse rollers). By contrast, Ole always addresses his opponent formally (Mr. bin Laden). Bin Laden’s military is composed of abstract numbers (one million men) and his equipment of the highest quality available in technology (My military complex is surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites).
The Norwegians take on Osama (source unknown)
Osama bin Laden was sitting in his cave plotting terrorist strategy when his telephone rang.
“Hallo, Mr. bin Laden,” a heavily accented voice said, “this is Ole down at da Viking Pub in Ringebu, Norway. I am ringing to inform you dat we are officially declaring war on you!”
“Well, Ole,” Osama replied, “This is indeed important news! How big is your army?”
“Vell, right now,” said Ole, after a moment’s calculation, “dere is myself, my cousin Engebert, my next door neighbor Gulbrand, and da entire drinking club from the pub. Dat makes eight!”
Osama paused, “I must tell you, Ole, that I have one million men in my army waiting to move on my command.”
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