Miss Finland Faces Racism Accusations for Eye Gesture; MPs Follow Suit

Finland is currently under scrutiny due to a controversy involving its representative for the Miss Universe pageant. Sarah Dzafce, crowned Miss Finland in September 2023, recently lost her title following backlash over a photo she posted. In this image, she pulls the corners of her eyes, a gesture perceived by many as racially insensitive.

Incident Details

The viral photo, which was accompanied by a caption that read “eating with a Chinese,” sparked outrage from various Asian countries. Several Finnish politicians also contributed to the controversy by sharing similar images.

Statements and Reactions

• Dzafce apologized on December 8, 2023, stating it was never her intention to offend anyone.
• She claimed that the image was shared without her consent by a friend.

The Miss Finland Organization responded by revoking her title, acknowledging the hurt and disappointment caused by the incident. They emphasized that racism is unacceptable in any form.

Political Fallout

The situation escalated as several far-right politicians expressed support for Dzafce, taking to social media to mimic her actions. This reaction drew further ire, prompting Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to publicly apologize to affected Asian nations, including Japan and South Korea.

Impact on International Relations

Japan’s government expressed concerns through its embassy in Tokyo, highlighting hopes for continued communication with Finland. The scandal has implications for tourism, with calls for a boycott of travel to Finland circulating online. Finland is a popular destination for Asian tourists, and this controversy may adversely affect its tourism sector.

Response from Airlines

Finnair, the largest airline in Finland, has acknowledged the negative impact of the scandal on its operations. The airline’s senior vice-president noted that they have felt the repercussions without disclosing specific details.

Conclusion

As Finland grapples with these accusations of racism, it remains urgent for all leaders and citizens to reflect on the importance of respect and inclusion. This incident has sparked a wider conversation about the values that should define Finnish society.