Tag: Finland

The Ukraine-Russia crisis can spark ethnic hatred across Europe

Posted on by Migrant Tales

The crisis and standoff between the Ukraine and Russia is worrying for many reasons. One of these, which isn’t being covered enough by the European media, is how the crisis is fueling xenophobia and age-old diehard ethnic hatred. 

There has been, however, a lot of coverage of the ethnic crisis between the Ukrainians and Russians.

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The 2009 EU-MIDIS’r survey on European Union minorities and discrimination shows that intolerance is a big issue in the region.  Why do these problems still exist in Europe? Read full report here.

In Finland, where anti-Russian sentiment has always been strong, two MPs warned this week that the crisis in the Ukraine could fuel anti-Russian sentiment and target individual Russians in the country. While Finland is one case, what could happen in countries like Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, where there live large Russian-speaking minorites?

If the crisis in the Ukraine escalates, it’s pretty certain it will not only have a negative knock-on effect on ethnic Russians in other countries, but on migrants and visible minorities as well.

Apart from the rise of neo-Nazi groups and anti-Semitism, there is concern that 150,000 ethnic Hungarians living in the Ukraine could be targeted by far-right nationalistic groups, according to AFP.

Extremist and right-wing populist parties, which can take the far-right path in the snap of a finger, could use the present crisis to boost their anti-immigration and anti-minority message as European MEP elections near on May 25.

In Finland, however, the crisis in the Ukraine has hit the anti-EU and anti-immigration Perussuomalaiset (PS) party. In a recent poll, support for the populist party fell below 17%, according to YLE in English. The last time support for the party dipped below 17% was in 2012.

Some analysts believe that the crisis in the Ukraine may have scared some of PS’ supporters due to its anti-EU stance. Possibly being a part of the EU is not such a bad idea after all when it comes to Finland’s national security.

Meanwhile, it’s clear that a country that passes anti-gay laws like Russia isn’t very credible when it criticizes human rights violations in the European Union.

In an official annual human rights report on Europe, Russia highlighted the problems that were taking place in Finland. It cited, among other violations, that Finland hadn’t ratified Convention No. 169, which deals specifically with the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples, and discrimination against the Romany minority, Somalis and Russians.

While all the above should concern us, the question is why is Europe such a tinderbox when it comes to ethnicity? Wasn’t anti-Semitism, ethnic hatred and hocuspocus ethnic myths laid to rest after the fall of Nazi Germany in 1945?

Apparently not.

Finnish-language courses reveal part of the challenges that migrants face in Finland

Posted on by Migrant Tales

Migrant Tales was happy to see one of our readers and contributors, Stephen Penny, on YLE Suora Linja Monday and Tuesday talking about the challenges some migrants face in learning the Finnish language. While Penny and Emma Kwegyir-Afful offer some good advice on how to improve Finnish-language training, the program raised two important issues that should be investigated further.  

While the host speaks about the importance of Finnish language in integration, he forgets to mention that it’s a two-way process never mind that Swedish is our other official language. This first aspect, in my opinion, reveals an ongoing problem: We speak officially of two-way adaption but the rule and expectation appear to be one-way assimilation.

Are we an inclusive society and do we readily accept people who are different from us?

The other question is how discrimination robs newcomers of employment opportunities. Emma Kwegyir-Afful, a native of Ghana who has lived in Finland for four years, has a degree in nursing from her home country and from Finland as well as a master’s degree in health.

Why is she unemployed?

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Here’s the question that she raised: Why do they bring white nurses from Spain and directly employ them with only four months of language training? The Spanish nurses learn Finnish at work.

Kwegyir-Afful doesn’t mention “white” Spanish nurses but it would be an interesting matter if ethnic background has anything to do with the matter.

Why does Kwegyir-Afful speak English instead of Finnish on the program raises some questions as well about the effectiveness of the Finnish-language courses she’s taken.

It must be a real blow to self-confidence to be so qualified as her and be unemployed.

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Penny gave some good advice to newcomers and the authorities.

“You have to own the [integration and language-learning] process yourself and not leave it to Kela or the employment office or to whom ever it may be,” he said, “you have to chase up every day, make phone calls every day and once you start chasing these things and put pressure on certain people, they tend to get done a bit quicker. But it is a frustrating process.”

Penny considered that the Finnish-language program didn’t teach migrants practical things like what type of Finnish you need at work.

MPs fear that the Ukrainian crisis could fuel anti-Russian sentiment in Finland

Posted on by Migrant Tales

The present crisis between the Ukraine and Russia could fuel anti-Russian sentiment in Finland, according to Social Democrat MP Pauliina Viitamies and MP Lenita Toivakka of the National Coalition Party, reports Mikkeli-based daily Länsi-Savo.

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Read full story here.

“I fear that [the Ukrainian-Russian crisis] could raise anti-Russian sentiment especially in the eastern border area,” said Viitamies, adding that she hoped that this would not be the case.

The warning by Viitamies and Toivakka is significant considering Finland’s difficult history with its neighbor and how it has fueled anti-Russian behavior to date. There is cause for worry if two MPs from Eastern Finland are concerned about the impact that the Ukraine crisis may have on Russians living in Finland.

If the Ukraine crisis worsens and drags on, it could not only affect Russians living in Finland but all immigrants, especially groups like Muslims and visible minorities.

The historic victory of the anti-EU and anti-immigration Perussuomalaiset party in the 2011 parliamentary elections is an example of how nationalism and intolerance have gained a bigger foothold in Finland.

Olen suomalainen, a video that says we’re Finns on our terms

Posted on by Migrant Tales

What kind of questions does the Olen suomalainen (I’m a Finn) video clip raise about Finland and Finnish identity in the new century? For one, shows that there is wide support for the idea that being Finnish is a personal matter and can be embraced on one’s terms.

In less than a week since it got published on February 25, the video clip attracted on Sunday over 137,775 views.


The video clip has been reported by the Italian media since the original song, L’italiano, came out in 1983 and was sung by Toto Cotugno.

The song was made into a Finnish hit by Kari Tapio.

The news that a song like Olen suomalainen, which promotes cultural diversity and respect, must come as a shock to Finland’s anti-immigration camp.

But let’s make one matter clear, the new version of Olen suomalainen means in my opinion that migrants and minorities can embrace Finnish identity on their terms. In other words: I am who I am and if you don’t like it it’s your problem, not mine.

Identity is a personal matter.

The video has the following message: We are Finns and we should receive the respect and recognition that everyone deserves.

Sarcastic and humorous politicians should seek new careers in comedy

Posted on by Migrant Tales

Imagine the following predicament: Politicians who should know better capitalizing on a country’s racist streak in order to further their careers and narcissism. Adding salt to social injury, these politicians claim to be “patriotic” but in fact are far from it. Is promoting nationalism, hatred, racism – no matter how passionately or subtly – so-called “patriotic” behavior?

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PS MP James Hirvisaari defended this person’s Nazi salute in parliament as “humor.” When politicians spread the message of hate and racism in Finland, they do so by claiming to be humorous, sarcastic or being critical. For obvious reasons it’s never considered racist or unbecoming behavior by an elected public servant.

Fueling intolerance is reckless and opportunistic behavior, especially if it will land you lots of votes and a political career.

On top of being reckless and opportunistic, these types of politicians are weaklings because they claim to dress their racism with humor and sarcasm.

Take for example the anti-EU, anti-immigration and especially anti-Islam Perussuomalaiset (PS) party of Finland. Is it acceptable for an elected public official from the PS or any other party to spread racism and victimize other groups to further his or her career?

Is it acceptable that the PS’ leader, Timo Soini, broke his promise to voters by not sacking party members who were sentenced for ethnic agitation?

Here’s the bottom line: The sarcasm, humor and even the so-called critical thinking against immigrants and minorities of these opportunistic politicians isn’t funny at all, especially to those they label and victimize.

If these politicians are so much into humor and sarcasm, they should make a career change and become comedians.

If they are public servants, however, they should learn to behave accordingly, respect values like social equality for all, and never forget they represent a wide constituency of society.

Why are Europe’s Islamophobic politicians and parties so “pro-Israel?”

Posted on by Migrant Tales

Are you sometimes surprised to read about how many far-right anti-immigration groups are so pro-Israel? Some, like anti-Islam Perussuomalaiset (PS) MP Juho Eerola of Finland, may go as far as to draft a written question to parliament demanding that Muslims renounce publicly their hatred of gays and Jews.

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A posting by Migrant Tales reposted on Greece’s UNHCR’s website.

Should we believe Eerola taking into account his loathing of cultural diversity never mind Muslims? Isn’t this the same person who wrote in 2010 that he is attracted to fascism and Benito Mussolini’s economic policies?

Let’s take a step further. Eerola’s aide, Ulla Pyysalo, applied for membership in a neo-Nazi association and has labelled migrants raccoon dogs.

Why do these types of people, who openly support fascism or hate Muslims, may be so pro-Israel? Why do far-right personalities like Geert Wilders of Holland and Pia Kjærsgaard of Denmark “support Israel?” Even if the Sweden Democrats have tried to build a new image from their neo-Nazi past and that the party leader Jimmie Åkesson’s “support Israel,” I wonder how many Jews trust him and the Islamophobic party.

Folks, let’s get real. These so-called “support Israel” politicians insult Jews and the Holocaust with their fake and opportunistic slogans. If these people lived in Europe during the twelve-year Nazi German reign of terror in 1933-45, how many would support Israel and Jews?

Since far-right and anti-immigration politicians and parties need scapegoats, the question we should ask is who is the next victim and group.

It’s a clear warning we’ve heard before in today’s Europe: After the immigrants, you’re next.

 

 

 

 

 

Language plays an important role in migrant adaption but so do acceptance, respect and equal opportunities

Posted on by Migrant Tales

With the help of migrants, YLE Uutiset Suoralinja television program Monday at 7.20 pm wants to find out how much do Finnish and Swedish language skills help you integrate and find employment. When teaching migrants one of Finland’s two official languages, what works and what doesn’t?

One interesting question that we could ask is why are we asking this important question today? When speaking of migrant adaption, is the emphasis only language without looking at other important issues as acceptance, respect and equal opportunities?

The answer to that question could reveal a lot about how we integrate and accept newcomers to our society.

Even if we speak of two-way adaption, or integration in the integration act, the expectation and aim appears to be assimilation, or one-way adaption. This means that the migrant does all the adapting while we are not required to change at all.

This, I believe, integration in theory but assimilation is usually the rule, is the crux of the issue. Migrants, and especially Finns who control political and economic power in this country, must do much more to fuel two-way integration.

You can read more about Monday’s program here. What are your thoughts on the topic. You can send your answers to yjr Suora linja team directly at [email protected]  or [email protected].

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There’s nothing wrong with this, but why does the Finnish media many times picture immigrants as blacks or if they are women with head covering?

Here’s what I wrote to YLE Uutiset Suora linja:

Learning Finnish or Swedish is crucial and helps in the integration process of the newcomer. However, language is used in Finland to discriminate people and seen as a panacea on how to integrate successfully into Finnish society. Language is part of your “ethnicity” in Finnish society. Russians are white but still they suffer from discrimination.

The question we should ask as well is why aren’t there enough Finnish-language classes offered to migrants? Is this a way to “control” migrants and keep some groups on short leashes?

There are many countries like Spain that show us that language is only one important factor in the migrant’s adaption process. Why aren’t Latin Americans from Peru, Ecuador and other countries, who speak Spanish as their native language, are Catholics and live in former Spanish colonies, accepted and suffer from discrimination in Spain?

Let’s bring the issue closer to home and look at the history of the Romany minority and Saami in this country. They’ve lived here for centuries and still suffer from discrimination and social exclusion.

So, when you speak of just language as the key to Finnish integration to society and believe that this will help a migrant or a visible minority get employed, you should give that thought a major rethink.

Best wishes,

Another red herring about gays and Jews by Finnish PS MP Juho Eerola

Posted on by Migrant Tales

I’m always amazed by these anti-immigration and especially anti-Islam Perussuomalaiset MPs like Juho Eerola, sent a written question to parliament demanding that Muslims in Finland renounce publicly their anti-gay and anti-Semitic stances, according to Kotka-based Kymen Sanomat.

Here’s a very good opinion piece (in Finnish) by Sakari Timonen that exposes Eerola for what he is: A politician without scruples.

The question that Eerola’s statement raises is why is he offering us this red herring now.

Those that have read Eerola throughout the years, know perfectly well that he’s no friend of gays. We could even put to question his pro-Jewish stance. Is he pro-Jewish because he supports how Israel treats Palestinians, who are Muslims?

The answer why the PS MP expresses concern now for gays and Jews is clear: European MEP elections are coming up in May and there is apparently concern in the PS that the party’s negative stand against same sex-marriages may cost it dearly.

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Read full story here.  

Eerola’s victimization of Muslims is done the same old way: He groups all Muslims in the same bag.

Reaction to Eerola’s stunt has been widely commented and condemned on social media.

PS MP Eerola is that type of far-right politicians who would care less for gays never mind cultural diversity in Finland and religious freedom.

His most recent outburst and red herring is ample proof of that.

Landmark decision in Finland: Sikh busman said “it was a nice feeling” to wear a turban at work

Posted on by Migrant Tales

The long ordeal over whether Sikh bus driver Gill Sukhdarshan Singh could wear a turban to work ended on February 21. “I got a call from the AKT (Transport Workers’ Union) on Friday and they said that it’s been resolved,” he told Migrant Tales. “I have the right to wear a turban at work.”   

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Read full story here.

“It was a nice feeling to go to work [and wear a turban],” he continued. “Everybody was happy: my coworkers and the passengers. They said it was a good thing that I could use a turban at work.”

Sukhdarshan Singh said that he went to work on that historic Friday at 10am. Even so, he had been struggling with his employer for about a year to have the right to wear a turban at work.

“[The long struggle] wasn’t nice but it’s now over,” he admitted.

The Sikh busman, who has lived in Finland for 28 years, said that it’s a good matter that Finland starts to accept people from other cultures.

“This is a very positive matter,” he said. “Finland is part of a wider world.”

Helsingin Sanomat  reported  Monday that a decision was reached last week between the Finnish Employers’ Federation of Road Transport (ALT) and Transport Workers’ Union AKT over the interpretation of the bus driver’s employment contract.

According to ALT and AKT, Sukhdarshan Singh has the right to wear a turban at work if he wants.

Sukhdashan Singh’s employer Veolia has promised to abide by ALT’s and AKT’s interpretation as well as Helsingin Bussiliikkene, Helsinki’s municipal bus company.

The right to wear a turban at work is a historical decision that Sikh bus drivers got in England in the 1969.

 

A must-see video about who we Finns are

Posted on by Migrant Tales

If there is one matter where Finland’s ever-growing culturally diverse society must still work on, it’s instilling greater acceptance and respect for those who are different from white Finns. For me, this is central in our struggle to live in a country that is acceptant and respects others irrespective of their backgrounds. 

After moving over thirty years to this country, there’s finally a video below that reflects and promotes this important fact.

I dedicate it to all those who still believe that Finnish identity is monolithic, or, as Heikki Waris claimed in the 1960s on page two of “An introduction to Finnish history,” the following (note how he forgets to mention the 10,000-strong Romany minority):  

A fourth aspect is the high degree of homogeneity of Finnish society. Racial homogeneity particularly characterizes the Finnish people who have practically no racial minorities, the less than three thousand Lapps in the northernmost arctic communities making up the largest racial minority group. Consequently, racial prejudice and discrimination are nonexistent.

Waris is very selective when he writes about so-called racial homogeneity. He simply forgets that 1.2 million Finns emigrated and mixed with people and cultures in other lands. He denies and plays down who we’ve always been and will be.

To all those Finns who still believe that this country only belongs to them, I have some news for you. This land belongs to all of us.

We won’t wait for generations for acceptance.

Acceptance begins with us.