Controversy Erupts Over Racially Offensive Gesture in Finland
Posted on October 5, 2023
Government Officials Express Concern
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, voiced his concern on Thursday regarding images circulating online that feature a beauty pageant winner and a few Finnish lawmakers. The images depict them pulling back the corners of their eyes, a gesture recognized as racially insensitive towards Asian individuals.
Japan’s Expectations from Finland
During a press conference, Kihara stated that Japan anticipates an appropriate response from the Finnish government regarding this unfortunate incident, which has been labeled the “slanted eyes” scandal by local Finnish media.
Finnish Prime Minister Addresses the Issue
The controversy gained traction following an apology from Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to Japan for the “insulting” actions of certain parliamentarians. Orpo pledged a commitment to combat racism as highlighted in a statement released through the Nordic nation’s embassy in Tokyo.
Background of the Controversy
The uproar began when Sarah Dzafce, the winner of the Miss Finland pageant, was prominently featured in an online post making the racially insensitive gesture. The response was swift, culminating in Dzafce being stripped of her title, further amplifying the public discourse surrounding racism and cultural sensitivity.
Support for the Pageant Winner
In the aftermath of Dzafce’s title removal, several members of the far-right Finns Party shared similar images on social media as a show of solidarity. This party is part of Finland’s ruling coalition, reflecting the increasing tensions around racial discourse in the country.
Finnish Values Under Scrutiny
Prime Minister Orpo denounced the controversial posts, asserting that they do not represent Finland’s values, which prioritize equality and inclusion. This stance has been reinforced through public statements from Finnish embassies in both China and South Korea, condemning the offensive gesture.
Implications for Cultural Sensitivity
The ongoing situation underscores the critical importance of cultural sensitivity in today’s global society. As nations engage in dialogue over racism and representation, it remains essential to address actions that may perpetuate stereotypes and misunderstandings.
