As a Tunisian who has spent the last three years in Finland, I often find myself reflecting on recent events that have influenced my life. The revolution in Tunisia is known for having been “from the people, [but] appropriated by the others.” This phrase resonates with me deeply, as I can relate to the highs and lows, the gap between expectations and reality, and the stark difference between what the media portrays and the actual situation.
One word that carries great power in this context is “the media,” and for good reason. The media has a significant impact on how people perceive their world and how they formulate their beliefs. It plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing societal attitudes. The media can either promote understanding, empathy, and inclusivity or perpetuate prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion.
When I think about the challenges faced by immigrants trying to integrate into a new community, the metaphor of a “foreign body” comes to mind. Just as an organism can reject an organ or implant, a society can be as hostile towards immigrants who want to fit in and participate as full members. Prejudice, discrimination, language barriers, and other obstacles contribute to social exclusion, segmented neighborhoods, and isolation, hindering the development of a cohesive and inclusive social fabric.
Overcoming these obstacles requires a society that fosters tolerance, empathy, and open-mindedness toward newcomers. Just as the immune system must be modified to accept “the foreign body,” the culture of a society needs to make it possible to embrace diversity and provide equal opportunities for all. Education plays a crucial role in this process by promoting cultural awareness, intercultural discourse, and improving language abilities.
But when the media is predominantly biased, it erects barriers against the “foreign body” and fails to give a voice to immigrants. The media’s portrayal of immigrants can shape public perceptions and influence societal attitudes. Negative or stereotypical portrayals perpetuate societal preconceptions and hatred, while the lack of diverse representation in the media hinders communication and feeds biases.
The Finnish media, in particular, has been a source of cultural shock for me. Much like the media back home, it often presents a negative and disturbing image, which can be subtly regarded as racist. This portrayal in the media reinforces stereotypes and perpetuates discrimination. For Finland to truly embrace diversity and inclusivity, the media must take on a more inclusive and impartial role. Journalists and media experts should make an effort to portray immigrants and their contributions to society in a nuanced and factual way, highlighting inspiring stories and a variety of experiences that accurately depict the realities of cultural diversity.
The Finnish media also has a responsibility to uphold ethical reporting standards and combat prejudice by discouraging hate speech. Fact-checking, diversifying information sources, and encouraging intercultural conversation are crucial steps toward fairer reporting. Failure to do so not only spreads prejudice and stereotypes but also poses a significant risk, as biased and deceptive media can become the perfect platform for opportunistic politicians to rise to power and manipulate public opinion.
In the face of the growth of extremist politicians and parties, it is essential to recognize the potential risks posed by a biased and even deceptive media. Such politicians target the disenchanted, the manipulated, and the frustrated electorate, using the media’s power to formulate public opinion to their advantage. They exploit the portrayal of immigrants as outcasts, even monsters, winning the support of individuals who feel marginalized by the current political climate. Furthermore, they understand the influence they can have on younger generations, who are already shaping society and are particularly susceptible to media influence.
I am often asked about my experience in Finland and whether I encountered any culture shock. In most cases, unless I am talking to people I trust and know well, I tend to give a half-truth response to avoid long and pointless debates where my thoughts might be disregarded due to my background and as a newcomer still learning and struggling with the language. I usually say, “I really enjoy it here, and Finland has my heart.” I mention the country’s robust social and political system, natural beauty, favorable weather, and cultural diversity. This answer helps me navigate discussions without getting caught up in unnecessary arguments.
However, if I were to speak truthfully, the cultural shock I experienced in Finland was primarily due to the Finnish media. As I mentioned earlier, in many ways, it was reminiscent of what I had experienced back home. Most of the time, the media presents a negative and disturbing image that could be subtly regarded as racist—an insidious form of racism. This is where my culture shock originated.
The Finnish media must adopt a more inclusive and impartial role, akin to the adaptive immunological response of the body. Journalists and other media experts can be linked to antibodies, who should make an effort to portray immigrants and their contributions to society in a nuanced and factual way. This entails highlighting inspiring stories, triumphs, and a diverse range of experiences that accurately depict the realities of cultural diversity.
The Finnish media also bears responsibility for spreading prejudice and stereotypes when ethical reporting standards are not upheld. To curb the dissemination of hate speech and advance a more accurate portrayal of immigrants, fact-checking, diversifying information sources, and encouraging intercultural conversation are crucial steps towards fairer reporting.
Given the rise of extremist politicians, it is impossible to overstate the potential risks posed by a biased media. It can become the perfect platform for opportunistic politicians to seize power and manipulate public opinion. These politicians purposefully target disenchanted, manipulated, and frustrated individuals, taking advantage of the media’s influence in shaping public sentiment.
In light of these challenges, it is essential for the Finnish media to reflect on its role in immigrant inclusion and societal cohesion. By promoting inclusivity, fairness, and accurate portrayals of immigrants, the media can help foster mutual understanding, tolerance, and the development of a cohesive society that embraces the contributions of all its members. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that the media plays a constructive role in shaping public opinion and promoting a diverse and inclusive Finland.