By: Hope Makara

MIELI Without Borders is Anti-Racist

At MIELI Without Borders ry, we stand firmly against racism in all its forms. Our mission is to destigmatize and spread awareness about migrant mental health through community action. We believe that a society free from racism is essential for the well-being of ALL its members. However, we are unable to rid our society of all forms of racism when the very people running our government are guilty of holding racist beliefs, using racism and inflammatory rhetoric, and openly (or privately) writing racist comments about minorities in Finland. Therefore, we are unable to support the current government’s anti-racist campaign and condemn the current government’s immigration policies, which foster an environment of discrimination and exclusion.

2. “Me puhumme teoin”

In recent months, Finland has found itself at a crossroads, grappling with issues of racism and xenophobia that challenge the very fabric of our society. After the Finns party took control of the government in 2023, we saw racist scandal after scandal.

A timeline of 2023 events

First, we saw The Minister for Economic Affairs resign after supporting Nazism and making comments about promoting abortion in Africa. The government then promoted an MP to Minister of Economic Affairs after he was found to have written privately racist and discriminatory statements about Somalis and Muslims in Finland. The very leader of the party, Riikka Purra was not only found to have used racist and discriminatory language on social media in the past but is also ‘not sure’ she will join the current anti-racism campaign. The summer continued to unravel with The Interior Minster’s social media posts arising that promoted “väestönvaihto” or “population replacement”. A far-right extremist conspiracy theory that poses that minority groups are trying to replace or ethnically cleanse the white population. She consistently uses inflammatory language and has merely taken down her posts without apology and denies her belief in the theory.

Following these despicable scandals, the Finnish government released a statement on promoting equality and non-discrimination in response. It pledges to implement measures such as banning holocaust denial and prohibiting the use of Nazi and communist symbols. However, according to Amnesty International, the plan has been described as “inadequate”. In response, 10,000 people gathered to protest in Helsinki the racist actions of the government and proposed immigration changes.

Over the last year, in response to all of the scandals, the current government created a work group to create the ongoing anti-racist campaign called “Me puhumme teoin” which translates to ‘Action, not only words’. The proposed campaign outlines comprehensive and clear steps to implement anti-racist policies including, #4 “We make sure that the necessary support is available to those who have been targeted by racism in our work community or our operations” (Varmistamme, että työyhteisössämme tai toiminnassamme rasismia kohdanneille on tarjolla tarvittavaa tukea), and #6 “We implement safer space principles in our operations” (Otamme käyttöön turvallisemman tilan periaatteet toiminnassamme).

However, we have yet to see the current government adopt the commitments of the campaign and in fact, today the Finns party has decided not to join the campaign at all. It begs the question, if the government says they speak through action “Me puhumme teoin”, what are their actions telling us?

What’s more, the government continues to push forward with anti-immigration laws that propose stricter immigration laws, including extending the period of residence required for Finnish citizenship from five to eight years, reducing financial support for asylum seekers, and issuing shorter residence permits. These proposed changes and the empty commitments to anti-racism as a government exacerbate inequality and structural racism in Finland.

Unfortunately, the campaign appears to be a reactionary measure to mitigate the backlash from these scandals rather than a genuine effort to combat racism.

3. What Does Anti-Racism Mean?

Anti-racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies, practices, and attitudes. It involves recognizing the existence of racism and taking conscious actions to challenge and dismantle it. Being anti-racist means more than just being non-racist; it requires proactive efforts to address and rectify the inequalities and injustices that racism perpetuates.

In practice, anti-racism involves:

• Education and Awareness: Learning about the history and impact of racism, and educating others.
• Advocacy and Policy Change: Supporting policies and initiatives that promote racial equality and justice.
• Safer space implementing safer space principles in your work place and organizations which is enforced
• Reporting: Create a designated process for reporting discrimination and racism and the repercussions for doing so.
• Community Engagement: Building inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and respected.
• Self-Reflection: Continuously examining one’s own biases and behaviors, and making efforts to change them.

4. First things first

The campaign, drafted with expert input contains 18 commitments (only available in Finnish) which outline how organizations can adopt policies to be anti-racist. Unfortunately, the campaign seems to be falling on deaf ears when the creator and promoter of the campaign continues to normalize racist and xenophobic language in their party and does not hold their party accountable for racist language or action.

If you are interested in reading all 18 commitments, you can view them here ONLY in Finnish on the website.

• Implementing Comprehensive Anti-Racism Training: For all government employees and public sector workers to ensure they understand and can combat racism effectively.
• Increasing Support for Immigrants: Providing adequate financial and social support to help immigrants integrate into Finnish society.
• Promoting Diversity in Leadership: Ensuring that leadership positions in government and public institutions are representative of Finland’s diverse population.
• Strengthening Anti-Discrimination Laws: Enforcing stricter penalties for acts of racism and discrimination.

If the government genuinely adopted the anti-racist commitments of their own campaign, it wouldn’t completely eliminate racism and discrimination in Finland, but it would be a significant step forward. Until we see the current Finnish government embrace these commitments, it feels a lot like a parent saying, “Do as I say, not as I do”.

5. Call to Action

We urge all individuals and organizations not to join the government’s hollow anti-racism campaign. Instead, let’s work together to promote genuine anti-racist practices and policies. To show your support you can:

• Become a member and support MIELI Without Border’s mission
• Vote
• Support initiatives like MIELI’s Side by Side project which offers practical tools and guidance for combatting racism and supporting migrant mental health
• Follow Anti-Racist Forum on Instagram @antiracistforum to get more information
• Get involved! There are many ways to become civically engaged through volunteer work, rallies, volunteering, mentoring, and more.
• Take an anti-racism training for example by THL
• Share this article

MIELI Without Borders ry stands in solidarity with all those affected by racism and discrimination. Anti-racism is not just a moral imperative but a necessary step toward ensuring the mental health and well-being of all members of our community. Together, we can build a Finland that is truly welcoming and supportive of everyone, regardless of their background.

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Sources
(1) Third racism scandal hits Finland’s government in space of … – POLITICO. https://www.politico.eu/article/racism-scandal-in-finland-economic-minister-under-fire-for-racist-slurs/.
(2) Finns Party leader Riikka Purra not sure party will join government’s …. https://yle.fi/a/74-20107623.
(3) PM Orpo: Government parties reach agreement on anti-racism stance https://yle.fi/a/74-20047787
(4) Roundup: Finnish government launches anti-racism campaign amid controversy. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2024/08/28/roundup-finnish-government-launches-anti-racism-campaign-amid-controversy.
(4) Scandal-ridden Finnish government presents anti-racism agenda. https://www.politico.eu/article/finland-government-adopts-anti-racism-statement-after-months-of-racism-scandals/.
(5) Finnish Government Renounces Racism After Scandals, Staving off Collapse. https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-08-31/finlands-government-agrees-anti-racism-policy-to-save-coalition.
(6) Human rights groups call on Finnish government to tackle racism …. https://yle.fi/a/74-20079649.
(7) Finnish government launches anti-racism campaign, drawing criticism and …. https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/politics/25562-finnish-government-launches-anti-racism-campaign-drawing-criticism-and-exposing-old-divisions.html.
(8) Finnish government launches extensive anti-racism campaign amid doubts …. https://yle.fi/a/74-20103393.
(9) Finland’s center-right government survives no-confidence vote over 2 …. https://apnews.com/article/finland-government-confidence-vote-racism-scandal-06f79041fad1b13090d6486bc5b97ba6.
(10) APN Podcast: Finland’s stormy summer of political scandals https://yle.fi/a/74-20044700
(11) HS publishes racist messages by Economic Affairs Minister Rydman https://yle.fi/a/74-20042871
(12) Purra apologises for “stupid social media comments made 15 years ago” https://yle.fi/a/74-20040580
(13) Junnila resigns after week-long row over far-right links https://yle.fi/a/74-20039202
(14) Interior Minister denounces right-wing conspiracies, removes past social media posts https://yle.fi/a/74-20039408
(15) “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi – A key text that outlines the differences between being “not racist” and being actively anti-racist.
(16) “Me and White Supremacy” by Layla F. Saad – This book explores the personal and systemic aspects of racism and provides guidance on how to practice anti-racism in daily life.

by Maria Perkins

May 22nd – 28th is Mental Health Art Week in Finland and this year’s theme is Feel Your Emotions – tunnetunteesi in Finnish. If the idea of ‘feeling your emotions’ makes you nervously want to run and hide, that’s ok! (no niin!) If you’re feeling ready to jump in and join an activity, great! Both feelings are welcome! All of You is welcome, however you feel. For me, this is an ongoing invitation (and inquiry) that threads its way throughout my life. Welcoming all emotions, not only the ones that we consider to be ‘good’ is key to being well and staying well.

Feeling your emotions includes grief

For MHAW 2023, I am facilitating two events called Eco-grief Tending on the 23rd of May and Grief Tending on the 27th of May. I’ll be inviting us to remember ‘all of our experience is welcome, including the parts that feel unwelcome.’ This foundational welcoming of how we feel is a great way to live. It’s a way of being that can feel challenging if you haven’t tried it, and transformational if you have! It helps to remember that ‘feel your emotions’ is an invitation. Your ‘NO, I don’t want to’ is also welcome.

I’m here to encourage you to participate in MHAW2023 because I know that being in (a supportive!) community helps to sustain health. This feels particularly important when dancing with Artist’s (human) shame – a subject I’ll talk about more in future posts.

What is Mental Health Art Week?

MHAW2023 is an event that brings artists and theaters together in spaces where discussions about mental health are warmly welcomed! When I say artists, what I mean is human beings. I sincerely believe we are all artists! You, me, we. In Scotland, where the idea for MHAW was inspired, the aim is to discover how active participation in the creative arts can prevent ill mental health.

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) led by the Scottish Mental Health Foundation is now in its 17th year. In 2023 will take place 4-22 October. Its overarching aims are to:

“support the arts, explore how engagement in the arts can help prevent mental ill health, and challenge mental health stigma”.

SMAHF

In Finland, Mental Health Art Week (MHAW) began in 2014 and is organised by MIELI ry Finlands oldest and largest mental health organisation.

MHAW aims to:

“strengthen cultural well-being, increase knowledge about the effects of cultural participation on mental health, and lowers the threshold to discuss mental health and its meaning for individuals and for the community.”

MHAW2023 MIELI Without Borders presentation

This year #MHAW2023 is partnered with Suomi Teatteri and performance will literally take centre stage in the programme of activities. You’ll also discover activities that are not directly related to the theatre or the arts in a traditional sense.

See the MHAW full programme on on MIELI’s web (in Finnish) or MIELI’s MHAW Facebook page for programme events and updates. (also mostly in Finnish)

Get involved, try something new?

MHAW2023 is an opportunity to tend to your mental health by trying something new and strengthening your connections to the community and others. For me, it’s also an attempt to cultivate a more intercultural Finland.

There’s a lot happening during MHAW 2023 all over Finland. Naturally, most of the program participation is in Finnish. If you’re reading this I’m guessing you’re fluent in English. If you’re also fluent in Finnish the whole program is open to you. Yay! (noticing I feel envious). If you’re learning Finnish you might want to dive in and join an event in Finnish, for the fun of it!

The events promise to be a beautiful way to meet and connect with fellow artists (humans) who are open to discussing mental health. I know I’ll be jumping into MIELI Etelän-Karjalan‘s Wellbeing for Artists event in Lappeenranta. I also know it’s going to require some courage. My hope is: all of me will be welcome, including the shame I feel speaking Finnish like a young child.

You’ll find the full program of events over here on MIELI’s web and updates on MIELI ry Facebook and Instagram.

If you’re looking for an event in English check out MIELI Without Borders home page or Eventbrite for events in Lappeenranta, Helsinki, and Espoo.

I hope MHAW2023 will inspire you to connect with the creative community and nourish your well-being. It doesn’t need to be an MHAW2023 event activity! Take it as an invitation, get curious, and see where your curiosity takes you.

Feeling left out. Make connections

Until about a month ago, I didn’t have a clue there was a dedicated Mental Health Art Week in Finland, and I‘m a Mental Health and Wellbeing professional in Finland! If you’re a foreigner in Finland you’ve probably experienced the challenges (and emotions!) that feeling left out can bring. If you feel this way, please know, you are not alone! For the past 4 years, I’ve felt the challenges of navigating personal and professional activity – while slowly (very slowly – h I t a s t I ) learning Finnish.

I only knew about MHAW because I am an active member of the newly formed MIELI Without Borders which I connected to through International Working Women of Finland where I am Lappeenranta Chapter Lead and Wellbeing Lead. Getting involved in the Finnish community can be a challenge – and sadly the feeling of being left out, of not belonging, adversely affects mental health and wellbeing. I highly recommend making connections with organisations, communities of interest, and individuals…in any way you can!

I’m grateful to have started making community connections here in Lappeenranta who are kindly supporting MHAW2023 by providing support and venue space: Plantis Community Garden where I volunteer, and Nicehearts Me-Talo Lappeenranta where I am a Neighbourhood Mother.

Ending with all the ‘feel’s’!

So, how do I feel? Well, I’m delighted to be part of MHAW2023 here in Lappeenranta. Delighted might feel like an emotion unrelated to the workshops I’m offering on grief. Yet, delighted I am! (and that’s ok!) It’s time we made space for grief and the transformation that can happen when our feelings of loss are acknowledged and welcomed with respect, curiosity, and kindness.

I’m excited about the Playback Theater workshop with Svetlana Bilevich, a bit nervous and a lot curious about the Wellbeing for Artists event, and right now…as I get ready to publish this (first ever!) blog post….feeling fearful tension in my body and mind. Yep, I got so many ‘feels’. And that’s ok! I’m human.

My biggest ‘feel’ is hope! I hope that by actively supporting well-being through creative inter-cultural community connections, life in Finland will become a healthier place – for us all!

The original blog post can be found on Maria Perkins’ website!

Mental Health Art Week 2023