Miss Finland’s ‘Slanted-Eyes’ Photo Sparks Racism Controversy
The controversy surrounding Miss Finland has ignited discussions about racism, particularly concerning her “slanted-eyes” photo. The backlash has prompted various responses from both Finnish entities and international observers.
Impact on Finnair
Finnair has noted that the controversy has impacted its reputation. The airline received calls for a tourist boycott of Finland due to this incident. In response, Finnair emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion through a statement on its Japanese X account.
- “The statements made by some members of Finnish parliament do not reflect Finnair’s values,” the airline clarified.
- Finnair aims to welcome customers and employees from diverse backgrounds with respect.
International Attention and Activism
The issue has captured attention in East Asia, especially in Japan, South Korea, and China. A Japanese resident in Finland initiated a petition calling for an investigation into anti-Asian discrimination. As reported by the Asahi Shimbun, this petition has garnered over 7,000 signatures.
Response from the Finnish Embassy
The Finnish embassy in Japan has acknowledged receiving many inquiries regarding Finland’s stance on racism. They stated that “Racism remains a challenge in Finnish society, and addressing it demands continuous effort.”
Miss Finland Organization’s Statement
The situation surrounding Miss Finland, Kira Dzafce, has arisen as an offshoot of the recently chaotic Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand. The Miss Finland Organisation expressed that dethroning Dzafce was necessary, stating:
- “Miss Finland is viewed as a role model, which necessitates respect for all individuals, regardless of origin or appearance.”
- “We sincerely apologize for the distress these events have caused, especially to the Asian community and all affected people.”
The organization firmly stated that racism, in any form, is unacceptable and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a respectful environment.
