Paul Thomas

In this evocative memoir, traversing more than three decades, the author recounts a life moulded through his experiences as a refugee, and then cab driver, and finally, the domain of academia as a professor in Norway. Much ink has been spilled, and careers - both academic and political - piggybacked, on writing about refugees, non-western minorities, integration, and the purported threat they face to western culture. Seldom are refugees given a voice to articulate their own perspectives. This memoir is the voice of the subaltern inspired by the postcolonial genre of the empire writing back. Personal reflections are intertwined with critical analysis in offering a distinctive outlook on the challenges and successes confronting people of colour.

On a deeper level, the memoir is crafted as a “no holds barred” navigational tool for minoritized youth caught in the crossfire of political and social skullduggery. “A Somali-Norwegian Saga: My Journey from Refugee to Cab Driver to Professor”, weaves sociological theories into the narrative and serves as a call to broaden and accommodate new and emerging hybrid identities in what has been called the "browning" of the western demographic, openly addresses the conflicts posed by certain minority cultural practices misaligned with universal democratic ideals, and ultimately suggests that success is within reach despite the enormous hurdles. It is a tribute to the fortitude and resilience of countless, nameless refugees who took on the challenges of being outsiders and enriched the diverse fabric of Norwegian society.

The ebook edition of this title is Open Access and freely available to read online.

Racism remains a pervasive issue worldwide, affecting individuals and communities in both overt and subtle ways. In Norway, a country often seen as a model of equality, the challenges faced by Black individuals reveal the deep-seated nature of racial biases. This broader societal problem encompasses themes of white privilege, visibility, and systemic injustice, demanding urgent attention and action.

Too Black to Be Here? Exploring Racism in Norway through Four Critical Case Studies offers an authentic perspective on race in Norway from a Black-Norwegian academic, a voice rarely represented in the literature. Author Paul Thomas explores four high-profile cases: the murder of Benjamin Hermansen, which starkly exposes the deadly impact of unchecked racism; Anders Breivik’s attacks, highlighting the violent anxiety rooted in white supremacy; Sumaya Jirde Ali’s racial abuse, revealing the silence and complicity surrounding racial injustice; and Johanne Ihle-Hansen’s adoption case, examining the structural racism in adoption practices. Employing an interdisciplinary approach that draws from critical race theory, whiteness studies, post-structural, and postcolonial theories, this work provides a nuanced and thorough analysis of these issues, offering both a scholarly and personal narrative.

This important work is not only an academic inquiry but also a call to action, aiming to foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Educators, policymakers, advocates, and anyone committed to racial justice and equity will find valuable insights to inspire meaningful change and promote racial literacy in the global context.

Vax Facts is a one-stop-shop for all the information parents and guardians need to make an informed choice about childhood vaccinations.

The challenge for most who are wrestling with whether to give a vaccine is a lack of understanding about what information they really need to make an informed decision.

Written by a pediatrician who witnessed the difference over decades in the health outcomes of the vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated children in his practice, Vax Facts will enlighten parents and guardians and provide the information needed for informed consent.

Covering each of the vaccines recommended by the CDC and doctors, from pregnancy through the teen years, this detailed guide breaks down the ingredients, the lack of safety testing, and the side effects and risks of the vaccines.

With the help of simple data tables that compare the rates of death from the diseases for which we have vaccines and the rates of death from the vaccines themselves, parents and guardians can easily decide what’s right for their children.

With almost four million births per year in the United States, this useful resource will resonate with all who are pregnant or considering pregnancy, and all parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who are considering whether vaccination is appropriate for a family member or loved one.

At the end of each chapter, Just a Mom (coauthor DeeDee Hoover) shares personal stories and reflections that allow readers to connect with the information.

This information-packed guide is for all those asking “Should I get my child vaccinated?” who want more than just a yes/no answer. After reading Vax Facts, parents and guardians will be able to decide with confidence whether vaccination is the right choice for their loved one.