When it comes to different nationalities, there are usually some stereotypes or things in general attached to each one. These can be true or false, good as well as negative, and known globally or only locally. There are many things I could list off that I consider to be culturally Finnish. Sauna, sisu, salmiakki, shyness, drinking, hockey etc. However, this time I want to talk about something, that is more universal as a concept. And that is trust.
I think one of the best things about Finnishness and the Finnish society is the atmosphere of trust. If you look at the society and how its built outside of personal relationships, there is a feeling of safety and security. Whenever I need medical care or I need to rely on our institutions, I can feel relaxed and secure. Just at the start of this month we had our presidential elections and not once did I doubt our election system or officials. I don’t have to worry about corruption, execution of democracy, or abuse of power, I can trust.
Obviously I am not saying that these things don’t exist at all. But compared to many other places in the world, Finland and its people call these things out before they spread too far. Our Finnishness gets in their way.
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