Sometimes you need to go far to see close – to try something different only to see things the way they are.
This applies to me, at least, when it comes to understanding what it means to be Finnish – as well as my personal experience of Finnishness. I’ve had to travel to realise all the good things I have back home, and the privilege I posess simply by being Finnish. Sure, it made me realise the things I dislike about my home country and culture, as well as all the things we lack as a nation. However, for now I want to focus on the privilege of being Finnish; the indivdual benefits and the internationally recognised advances of this nationality.
Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been told how good our healthcare and education systems are; of our advanced and (on an international scale) equal structures; overall, how well so many things function within this country. I’ve been reminded, time after time, that what we consider basic rights are a luxury that most people can’t even dream of.
And that is the truth. I am not saying there isn’t work to do – the world will never be ready, but all of this is a privilege that should recognised and appreaciated. However, I don’t think one truly understands the meaning of this before experiencing something different.
I was well aware of the benefits provided by our welfare state, but did not understand the concrete impact before experiencing, i. e., the healthcare and schools of the U.S., the very analogical and (on my personal scale) old-fashioned services and structures of the Southern European countries. I needed my international friends to tell me the sympathetic cultural charasteristics and point out the funny manners of the people. And again, I knew the stereotypes and prejudices about Finland, but getting another persepective helped me to see it in a different light.
And that is privilege number one: a well-functioning society.
Most Finns strive of nature – we use it to recharge. We appreciate all that it offers us, we know the beauty of our unique nature, the diversity of the changing seasons and the possibilities brought about by them. We are breathing the cleanest air and drinking the purest water. We see the beauty of it all, but easily take it for granted. Still, whenever asks us to describe the country, we proudly refer to the thousands of lakes, to the never-ending summer nights and to the crispy, snowy winter days.
So, privilege number two is a unique, versatile, clean nature.
The stereotype of a Finnish person is actually accurate and fitting – and for that it’s also funny. And you might not even reaslise it before someone points it out or you see the behaviour in yourself, when traveling in a country with a culture of the complete opposite. Still, having a Finnish background is a non-negotiable privilege. Internationally, Finns are always considered reliable and safe. Our reputation is mostly positive. We’re well-educated, punctual, genuine and trust-worthy. Being from Finland will never get you in trouble when traveling – in fact, it might earn you special treatment or benefits.
Therefore privilege number three is reputation.
This is a very short and simplified list of all the good things that come with Finnishness. Although national privilege is a big factor of Finnishness, so is humbleness and modesty. We mind our own business and respect the privacy of others. We are well aware of our daily luxuries. We carry our Finnishness with pride – as we should – but NEVER brag about it.
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