In a recent opinion piece, Max Hjelm reflects on a post by Simona Mohamsson that features a photo of semlor, a traditional Swedish pastry, and uses the phrase "a Swedish community of values." This phrase sparks confusion for Hjelm, who questions the meaning behind connecting a beloved food item to a larger cultural concept. He notes that Semmeldagen (the day when semlor are traditionally eaten) is an important Swedish tradition, yet the connection to 'community of values' remains unclear to him.

Hjelm investigates Mohamsson's social media activity further, revealing that she has also referred to other food items, such as cinnamon buns, as part of this 'community of values.' This causes him to suspect that there is a deeper intention behind her words. Rather than dismissing her statements as casual remarks, Hjelm encourages exploration of the intentions behind such cultural expressions and the narratives they seek to construct about Swedish identity and values.

The article prompts readers to think critically about how food can serve as a symbol of cultural identity and community. Hjelm's contemplative approach invites discussion about the intersection of tradition, modernity, and the ways in which individuals relate to their national cultural heritage, suggesting that such expressions, while trivial at first glance, can reflect broader societal values and shared experiences.