Have you ever thought why the term kantasuomalainen, or “ethnic Finn,” has become a common word among white Finns. Why is this term used today and why wasn’t it used before?
What those the word “ethnic Finn” relay to those who are migrants and minorities?
If the term “ethnic Finn” has become more common why are migrants and minorities still referred to by ethnic Finns as “person with foreign background?” Moreover, we should ask if the term “ethnic Finn” pitted against “person with foreign background” promotes social equality.
In my opinion, it does just the opposite. The term, which shows that the majority needs a term that distinguishes them from Others, emphasizes “us” and “them” in Finland.
Definition #26
The term ethnic Finn is a good example of how white Finnish privilege exists and manifests itself in this country.
While people define who they are such ethnic labels shouldn’t serve to discriminate and exclude others from being treated as equal members of society.
It’s unfortunate that the role of the word is to do just that: define “us” versus “them,” entitlement or white Finnish privilege.
See also:
- Defining white Finnish privilege #1: I have it and you don’t
- Defining white Finnish privilege #2: Third culture children versus “pupil with immigrant background”
- Defining white Finnish privilege #3 No history, no doctrine, no heroes and no martyrs
- Defining white Finnish privilege #4 Holding the short end of the stick
- Defining white Finnish privilege #5 It’s ok to be a racist
- Defining white Finnish privilege #6 Not having a voice and the media
- Defining white Finnish privilege #7 A definitive guide
- Defining white Finnish privilege #8 Underrated and less intelligent
- Defining white Finnish privilege #9 Mohammad Ali’s insight
- Defining white Finnish privilege #10 I can victimize and make up any story I like about migrants because I’m white
- Defining white Finnish privilege #11: Case Teuvo Hakkarainen
- Defining white Finnish privilege #12: Case Tom Packalén
- Defining white Finnish privilege #13: Case Matti Putkonen
- Defining white Finnish privilege #14: Losing sight of the real issue
- Defining white Finnish privilege #15: Case Halla-aho on the PS
- Defining white Finnish privilege #16: Rosa Emilia Clay and my history versus yours
- Defining white Finnish privilege #17:The Perussuomalaiset and our civil rights
- Defining white Finnish privilege #18: Labeling others according to your prejudice
- Defining white Finnish privilege #19: My rape statistics about your group
- Defining white Finnish privilege #20: Labeling Others to strengthen “us” and “them”
- Defining white Finnish privilege #21: Who can be a Finn?
- Defining white Finnish privilege #22: From racist, fascist to politician without memory
- Defining white Finnish privilege #23: Greater police powers to monitor migrants and minorities
- Defining white Finnish Privilege #24: Becoming a heartless accomplice in wars and people’s suffering
- Defining white Finnish Privilege #25: This land is my land, this isn’t your land