A news story on Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s largest daily, claims that Somali minors living in Finland are being taken against their will to Somalia. The daily speaks of ”a few” cases but suggests that in 2001 the figure may be around 50. Statstics Finland claims that during 2001-11 there were about 200 minors who had…
Month: October 2012
Parliament debates practicalities of expulsion from Finland
Following a much-publicised nightclub shooting incident in downtown Helsinki about three weeks ago, the Finnish Parliament informally debated the problems of deportation on 11 October. Further views surfaced in the Finnish media on Sunday evening concerning how expulsion can be enforced in practice. The debate has focused on the problem that arises when no country is…
Racism charges dropped against Danish teacher
Charges have been dropped against an Odense, Denmark, head teacher who had reportedly abused a group of Muslim students in class, reports The Copenhagen Post. Far-right anti-Islam Danish People’s Party former head, Pia Kjaersgaard, described the whole affair as ”ridiculous.” “It’s crazy that the police have to get involved in such a case,” Danish People’s…
Immigrants that look down on other immigrants
The eagle never lost so much time, as when he submitted to learn of the crow. William Blake Some immigrants who have lived in Finland for many decades have adapted so well to this country that even their prejudices and stereotypes are just like those of the locals. Some, like Alain Chiaroni or Freddy Van Wonterghem, however, go beyond the call…
Julian Abagond: Of mixed-race identities
COMMENT: Some Finns have resolved the “mixed-ethnicity” question by stating that there is only one kind in Finland. Such an affirmation, that there is only one type of “real” Finn, is as ludicrous as stating that racism doesn’t exist in this country. What does a white Finn say when he asks about your “other mixed”…
A response to the Finnish Medical Association’s opposition to circumcision
Having read the Finnish Medical Association’s working group report on circumcision and its subsequent opposition on the grounds of ‘medical ethics’, I wish to present a critical view of their position, and hopefully to broaden this debate a little more. Their statement can be found here. I will group my main criticisms under five separate…
Banning circumcision would be the first step in undermining religious freedom in Finland
Why is it that anti-immigration parties and politicians are usually making a case or drafting legislation to outlaw circumcision of boys or ban Muslim women from wearing burkas? Is it because they have a soft spot for Muslim or Jewish children and women? Take a whiff of their arguments and you will find an obvious…
Migrant Tales Literary: Elixir – ?????
Elixir – ????? By Dana ?? ??? ????? ?? ?? ??? ???? ??????? ???? ???? ? ???? In this unlimited evil and cruel world Oh GOD u r the right one and sage ?? ?????? ?? ? ??? ?? ???? ???? ?? ?? ? ?? ???? ???? In…
Finland’s present demographic challenges are a threat to its prosperity
Finland will see dramatic changes to its population age structure in the next four decades, when the number of over-64-year-olds will soar by 941,000 to 1.639 million people, according to MTV3, citing Statistics Finland. Likewise, our labor force will shrink by an estimated 600,000 people in about 25 years. It is surprising, if not worrying, that the majority…
The lack of cultural diversity is impoverishing Finland
Jussi Jalonen, a Tampere University history researcher, asked recently why a populist party like the Perussuomalaiset (PS) continues to grow in popularity despite the numerous scandals that have riddled the group. There is an answer: Finland’s lack of cultural diversity. How is it possible that a party like the PS can win 39 seats in…