Today marks the day when a white Norwegian terrorist called Anders Breivik murdered in cold blood 77 people. Mentally deranged? This is how some want to interpret such a vile act of terrorism.
One of the matters that the monstrous attack by Breivik has proven eight years after it happened is that we have a great ability to forget and cover up our racism with the help of collective amnesia with denial.
The system also produced Anders Breivik and 22/7. Source: Facebook.
But what can you expect? We have had centuries of training. European history is proof: initial horror is always covered up by collective amnesia.
Disagree?
Where are the news stories remembering this day of infamy?
After the horrors of World War 2, the Holocaust, genocide, and the persecution of minorities, we are witnessing in Europe today the rise of populist parties and politicians (with the toothless approval of mainstream parties) that parrot the same hatred that brought the same horrors of the past.
Wake up Europe or succumb to the horrors and wars of the past. People like Breivik is a toxic warnings that are watered and fed by our denial and racism.
Migrant Taleswrote Monday a piece about the catastrophic election result of the Danish People’s Party (DPP) this month and why the result sent shivers up the Perussuomalaiset’s (PS)* spine.
In early June, the DPP saw its popularity nosedive by 12.4 percentage points to 8.7% (16 MPs) from 21.1%(37 MPs) previously.
The PS and DPP are cosy ideological allies.
Certainly, the result in Denmark shows that populist anti-immigration parties are immortal and vulnerable and can be beaten in their own Islamophobic game.
Another matter it shows is that issues like climate change, which explains the rise in popularity of the Greens, is taking over immigration as a top concern of voters.
Islamophobia and xenophobia have their limits, too. You can tighten immigration policy to the extreme but where will it take you? Is the final phase using boxcars to transport people to concentration camps?
The firely Islamophobic langauge and aims of the Danish People’s Paty.
It may well be that immigration in the next parliamentary election in Finland in 2022, which is a pet topic of the PS, may be taken over by climate change.
If I were a member of the PS, I would be worried, very worried about the future of the party.
Doesn’t the PS deny climate change?
This will not go down well with the voters.
* The Perussuomalaiset (PS) party imploded on June 13, 2017, into two factions, the PS and New Alternative, which is now called Blue Reform. In the last parliamentary election, Blue Reform has wiped off the Finnish political map when they saw their numbers in parliament plummet from 18 MPs to none. A direct translation of Perussuomalaiset in English would be something like “basic” or “fundamental Finn.” Official translations of the Finnish name of the party, such as Finns Party or True Finns, promote in our opinion nativist nationalism and racism. We, therefore, at Migrant Tales prefer to use in our postings the Finnish name of the party once and after that the acronym PS.
After the good showing of the Perussuomalaiset (PS)* in April’s parliamentary election, it is surprising how little media attention the national media gave to the dismal showing of the anti-immigration Danish People’s Party (DPP) in this month’s election in Denmark. The DPP, which is a close ideological ally of the PS, lost 21 of its seats to end up with 16 seats.
“It’s great that the Danish People’s Party suffered such a loss in the election and it is a new chapter in Danish politics,” a Danish Muslim told Migrant Tales.
The election in Denmark was significant for two reasons: It showed that if traditional parties use the same anti-immigration rhetoric of populist parties they can win elections; populist parties can be beaten in their own Islamophobic game.
Apart from cries by PS vice chairperson Riikka that the party will win the next parliamentary election, the result in Denmark must have sent shivers up hers and the party’s spine.
What is worrying about the Social Democratic election victory in Denmark, and the defeat of the DPP, is that it may offer Finland’s Social Democrats an option to take the wind out of the PS’ sails.
Looking at the ever-anti-immigration rhetoric of the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus), it is already happening.
The rise of populism and anti-immigration parties in the Nordic region reveal that racism is a powerful political force and that present politicians are at a loss on how to confront it or, possibly, don’t care to challenge it.
* The Perussuomalaiset (PS) party imploded on June 13, 2017,
into two factions, the PS and New Alternative, which is now called
Blue Reform. In the last parliamentary election, Blue Reform has wiped off the Finnish political map when they saw their numbers in parliament plummet
from 18 MPs to none. A direct translation of Perussuomalaiset in
English would be something like “basic” or “fundamental Finn.” Official
translations of the Finnish name of the party, such as Finns Party or True Finns, promote in our opinion nativist nationalism and racism. We, therefore, at Migrant Tales prefer to use in our postings the Finnish name of the party once and after that the acronym PS.
Ever wonder why there is an obsessive interest by the Finnish media of Perussuomalaiset (PS)* chairperson Jussi Halla-aho? Most of his views are centered on anti-immigration rhetoric and white supremacy (fear of becoming a minority) as well as conservative views on topics like economic policy and the environment.
The media’s interest in Halla-aho is one reason why he got the most votes (30,527) than any other politician in the parliamentary elections. His campaign budget was only 308 euros.
In Finland, the media played a critical role in the rise of the PS and politicians like Halla-aho. It’s clear that whenever the media writes about such parties and its leaders, it is because such stories sell well to their readers. Another culprit is the near-silence – and incompetence – of most of Finland’s political class to challenge the far-right threat.
In short, Finland lacks politicians with a vision to defend our institutions and reinforce the rule of law, which are under threat today thanks to parties like the PS.
Social activist Joacine Moreira of Portugal was asked Friday if she feared the rise of the far right in Europe. The PS is in our opinion a far-right party. Her response was the following: “I am not afraid of the far right. I’m afraid of the mainstream parties [which should know better] but don’t do anything to change the situation.”
The political situation of Europe today could be compared with the rise of fascism in the 1930s. How many of those that supported Nazi Germany in the 1930s ever thought they would end up defeated and in ruins in 1945? Instead of facing justice, many of their leaders preferred the easy way out by taking a cyanide capsule.
Brazilian LGTB activist Jean Wyllys said that “The alternative media is the answer [to the traditional media for oppressed voices to be heard and construct their narratives].”
I could not agree more.
It is clear from the reporting by Finland’s and Europe’s mainstream media that alternative media is needed more than ever. That media, which gives a voice to minorities, must also adhere to ethical journalistic standards and fair reporting practices just like the mainstream media should.
The faster we act to elevate that voice, the better.
* The Perussuomalaiset (PS) party imploded on June 13, 2017,
into two factions, the PS and New Alternative, which is now called Blue
Reform. In the last parliamentary election, Blue Reform has wiped off
the Finnish political map when they saw their numbers in parliament
plummet from 18 MPs to none. A direct translation of
Perussuomalaiset in English would be something like “basic” or
“fundamental Finn.” Official translations of the Finnish name of the
party, such as Finns Party or True Finns, promote in our opinion
nativist nationalism and racism. We, therefore, at Migrant Tales prefer
to use in our postings the Finnish name of the party once and after that
the acronym PS.
The ministry of education and culture decided to cut 115,000 of funding for the Perussuomalaiset (PS)* Youth for violating the Youth Act 2017, according to Yle News.The news was hailed by some anti-racist activists as a step in the right direction on how Finland should challenge institutional racism.
One of the important aims of the Youth Act 2017 is to promote social equality and inclusion.
PS Youth chair Asseri Kinnunen said he could appeal the decision.
The latest racist tweet that got the Youth chapter in trouble came in March. A black couple is smiling happily at their newborn child with a tweet by the youth chapter: “Vote for the Perussuomalaiset so that Finland won’t look like this.”
The racist outbursts by the PS Youth are a part of their DNA and political addiction. Below are a few recent examples:
While it is a positive matter that institutions like the ministry of education and culture are taking steps to address growing racism in our society, a lot more has to be done to address this social ill that is mocking and attacking our institutions and values.
Here is a good column (in Finnish) by Yrjö Rautio about how hate speech and racism have undermined the rule of law in Finland.
As the PS and its youth chapter cry us a river about how the decision to cut their funding this year is an infringement on their free speech and their right to be racists, we should not give them any further funding until we see a change in their ways.
* The Perussuomalaiset (PS) party imploded on June 13, 2017,
into two factions, the PS and New Alternative, which is now called Blue
Reform. In the last parliamentary election, Blue Reform has wiped off
the Finnish political map when they saw their numbers in parliament
plummet from 18 MPs to none. A direct translation of
Perussuomalaiset in English would be something like “basic” or
“fundamental Finn.” Official translations of the Finnish name of the
party, such as Finns Party or True Finns, promote in our opinion
nativist nationalism and racism. We, therefore, at Migrant Tales prefer
to use in our postings the Finnish name of the party once and after that
the acronym PS.
In the same way, as in the United States and other predominantly white countries like Finland that are witnessing a growing culturally and ethnically diverse society, Jane Elliott, an anti-racist activist, and educator offers some sound advice below.
In Finland, some of us are so afraid of losing power to ethnic minorities that we saw the rise of an Islamophobic party that is the second biggest in parliament. The Perussuomalaiset* party’s youth organization recently tweeted voters to vote for the PS unless they want Finland to have people of African descent.
Here is Elliott’s advice:
“If you want to get ready for the future, if you want to be treated well in the future, treat others well in the present. What we do in the present constructs the future.”
* The Perussuomalaiset (PS) party imploded on June 13, 2017, into two factions, the PS and New Alternative, which is now called Blue Reform. In the last parliamentary election, Blue Reform has wiped off the Finnish political map when they saw their numbers in parliament plummet from 18 MPs to none. A direct translation of Perussuomalaiset in English would be something like “basic” or “fundamental Finn.” Official translations of the Finnish name of the party, such as Finns Party or True Finns, promote in our opinion nativist nationalism and racism. We, therefore, at Migrant Tales prefer to use in our postings the Finnish name of the party once and after that the acronym PS.
The Perussuomalaiset* joins the newly formed Identity and Democracy (ID) group in the EU led by far-right politicians like Matteo Salvini, and Marine Le Pen. This is one of many examples of the PS’ far-right colors.
One of Finland’s most significant acts of denial is not fully acknowledging that the Perussuomalaiset (PS) is a far-right party that is openly hostile to migrants, minorities, and to our Nordic institutions. The mainstream European media calls the PS correctlya far-right party as do NGOs like HOPE not hate.
A “perfect” far-right couple: Matteo Salvini and Laura Huhtasaari.
One of the big political pitches that parties like the PS make directly or indirectly the the hateful language of white supremacy. The most recent case implicating its youth organization is a case in point. In a tweet by the PS Youth group, showed a picture of a black couple smiling contenedly at their newborn child: “Vote for the Perussuomalaiset so that Finland won’t look like this.”
While it is a good matter that there was a reaction to such a racist message made possible with the help of tax-payers’ money, time permitted the hateful message to sink in.
One of the oldest tricks used by parties like the PS do to communicate with their voters is making outrageous claims usually racist and in code. Parties like the National Coalition Party use the same trick as we saw with Piia Kauma’s false claims about baby carriages.
This is how it works: A politician makes an outrageous claim to a journalist, who doesn’t bother to question its veracity. Eventually, the journalist may do some investigating and find out that he or she was fed a generous spoonful of malarkey. By then it’s too late because the story is already out there.
There are many reasons why the national media does not label a party like the PS as far right. Finland has good journalists like internationally acclaimed Jessikka Aro, who exposed pro-Russian Internet trolls, Tuomas Muraja, Kati Pietarinen, and others.
In the face of such good journalists, their valuable work ends up in the dustbin thanks to a lot of poor and toothless journalism. It’s a bit like writing a lot of blockbuster articles, but the last one you did does not make the grade. Your good articles will be forgotten because you are as good as your last story.
What are some reasons why the Finnish media does not call out parties like the PS:
The media is too white to notice the difference when it comes to racism;
The media tends to speak in code;
Finnish consensus and naive expectations that the far right isn’t a threat and will eventually become “normal;”
In the latter case, racists and anti-racists will join hands and love each other;
Journalists also house closet white supremacist views as far-right parties;
Lack of leadership and vision;
Opportunism.
* The Perussuomalaiset (PS) party imploded on June 13, 2017, into two factions, the PS and New Alternative, which is now called Blue Reform. In the last parliamentary election, Blue Reform has wiped off the Finnish political map when their numbers in parliament plummet from 18 MPs to none. A direct translation of Perussuomalaiset in English would be something like “basic” or “fundamental Finn.” Official translations of the Finnish name of the party, such as Finns Party or True Finns, promote in our opinion nativist nationalism and racism. We, therefore, at Migrant Tales prefer to use in our postings the Finnish name of the party once and after that the acronym PS.
A poll by Yle shows that the far-right Perussuomalaiset (PS)* party enjoys the most support with 19.5%, according to Yle News. Since 2011, when the PS won its historic election victory, we have seen the party come and go in the polls.
Of all the Finnish parties in parliament, the PS is the most hostile to migrants and minorities.
I am pessimistic that white Finns and their parties could help rid the PS from the Finnish political map. They too are white like the PS. Why would they want to stick their necks out for migrants and minorities if there is no political gain in it?
Denmark offers a warning for us in Finland.
Even if some see the victory of the Social Democrats in Denmark in this weekend’s parliamentary election as a death blow to the Islamophobic Danish People’s Party, think twice.
Writes The Nation: “The Social Democrats, faced with waning support in the past two decades, have parroted the Danish People’s Party on immigration, backing hard-line policies they characterize as necessary to save the country’s prized welfare state.”
If the white political parties are to be believed, migrants are putting in danger the welfare state in a rich country like Denmark. Studies in that country show that strains on the welfare state hinge on an aging population.
The Nation continues: “While other social-democratic parties [in other countries] have adopted tougher immigration laws in times of ‘crisis’ and used anti-immigration and Islamophobic language, no party has so openly ran on a nativist and welfare-chauvinist agenda as the Danish Social Democrats,” said Cas Mudde, a political scientist at the University of Georgia who specializes on populism.
The big question that we should ask is how far will the Social Democrats in Finland go and will they jump on the anti-immigration bandwagon as they already have in some cases. It may be that the Left Alliance, Greens and Swedish People’s Party are keeping them in check fo the moment but for how long?
It would be naive to leave to chance the future of migrants and minorities in this country to political parties. When matters get tough, they will be the first ones to ditch us.
This leaves us with an option: migrants, minorities and especially people of color have to unite and work hard to get their voices heard and our grievances answered.
Watching and listening to parties like the PS constantly mock and undermine our rights are a constant insult to decency. Their anti-immigration rhetoric is an insult to our Nordic institutions.
What I can say with certainty is that their leaders, like other xenophobes from other parties, will not be forgotten. We will do everything possible to inform our children and grandchildren of Finland’s hostile environment so that we never return to this wretched place again.
* The Perussuomalaiset (PS) party imploded on June 13, 2017,
into two factions, the PS and New Alternative, which is now called Blue
Reform. In the last parliamentary election, Blue Reform was wiped off
the Finnish political map when they saw their numbers in parliament
plummet from 18 MPs to none. A direct translation of Perussuomalaiset in
English would be something like “basic” or “fundamental Finn.” Official
translations of the Finnish name of the party, such as Finns Party or
True Finns, promote in our opinion nativist nationalism and racism. We,
therefore, at Migrant Tales prefer to use in our postings the Finnish
name of the party once and after that the acronym PS.
Seeking asylum and/or a better life is not a crime.
What is one to think of plans by the new government to use electronic ankle tags to monitor the movements of asylum seekers whose asylum application is rejected. Is it ok?
How would you like to wear an electronic ankle tag? Would it enhance your feeling of human worth or be just another example of Finland’s ever-worsening hostile environmentagainst migrants and minorities?
Moreover, the use of ankle tags by asylum seekers reveals a fact about how Finland sees asylum seekers, especially those who are Muslim. It shows the authorities do not believe asylum seekers’ suffering and plight.
Source: @Amnestyusa
If one thinks that the hostile environment in Finland began in 2015, you should think twice. The hostile environment is an integral part of this country’s history throughout its independence.
Disagree?
How come it took almost 66 years after independence, in 1983, for Finland to have in force its first immigration law?
Things were much worse. So much so, in fact, that few people ever moved to this country.
