Posted by Iflje Glorvigen, communications advisor at Norwegian Outdoor Activities.
This message was first published on NRK Ytring August 14, 2020.

I’m happy to admit: I’m inspired by bearded faces and tough guys in jackets.

In his column on NRK Ytring Karin Westrheim clearly shows concern that gruff, inconspicuous and horribly boring men of nature are invading the TV room.

They’re not particularly dangerous, but they’re certainly whiny and terribly annoying, these bearded men. It’s probably more impressive than lying flat and enjoying the breeze on a deck chair in Mexico. But there must be a reason why these boring people are on prime time? Viewers like me, for example.

Being a twenty-something girl who admires wild men like Lars Monsen and Jens Kvernmo, isn’t that the worst thing imaginable? There’s a lot of lousy television, and I just get inspired by life in the wild – which is often run by men who can tolerate a little dirt under their fingernails.

To me, TV execs are more than happy to give the best airtime to hairy men on tour.

Many of us like men who explain the world to us in the simplest way. Give me wild, hairy men instead of Paradise Hotel. It’s liberating with programs where no one cares about looking good.

In a society full of unhealthy role models, I would certainly rather follow Lars Monsen through forests and wilderness in sunny and stormy weather than see who is flirting with who at the Paradise Hotel. Luckily, we can choose for ourselves whether we want to look at bearded sons of nature or Botox blondes.

So if you’re tired of nature TV, simply use a fairly available technology: the remote control!

Life in the wild can be both harsh and challenging, and it’s undoubtedly more impressive than lying flat and breezy on a deck chair in Mexico. Unlike Westrheim, I never saw the wildlings whining. They are real. They show nature as it is and apply no filters. Being tired, hungry, and soaking wet is perfectly fine. I have more empathy for those who struggle in the wilderness in bad weather than for those who are afraid of not getting enough tan.

Dear TV Manager: It’s just a waste of time with Wilderness TV!

Unfortunately, in this day and age, a lot of time and effort is devoted to the “perfect exterior,” both on social media and on television. It’s liberating with programs where no one cares about looking good. We need to be reminded of what it means to live in the open air. Nature should not be taken lightly, but it is not our enemy either.

And knowledge of nature can help us take better care of our planet.

Make room for nature’s people – including women!

We need role models who show the way to nature. Let Lars Monsen and Jens Kvernmo show us Canada and Norway, and their spectacular, raw and harsh nature! Many of us like men who explain the world to us in the simplest way. But don’t hesitate to make room for more women in nature – and not just on the beach.

Give us more wild women with fishing rods in Canada, while grizzly bears prowl the undergrowth.

Unnatural strong and tough women. Give me Cecilie Skog, Maria Grøntjernet or Tonje Blomseth.

If they then dream of snacks and smoothies in the heart of the forest, that suits me perfectly. I would have done it too. They are inspiring women who set off on demanding expeditions alone. They hunt, gather and light fires. They can resist dirt under the nails. And it will be exciting to see Vita and Wanda, who are among those leaving soon on tour with Monsen.

So, dear TV manager: it’s just a waste of time with Wilderness TV!