Miss Finland’s Controversial ‘Slanted-Eyes’ Photo Sparks Racism Debate

A Miss Universe delegate from Finland sparked outrage by mimicking slanted eyes in a viral photo, leading to her dethroning. Finland’s prime minister condemned the act, emphasizing respect for diversity.

Key Points

• Controversy & Backlash: Sarah Dzafce, Finland’s Miss Universe delegate, faced outrage after a photo of her making a slanted-eyes gesture went viral. The post, deemed disrespectful, led to her losing her crown and prompted negative reactions from Japan, South Korea, and China, including calls for a boycott of Finnair.
• Apology & Reactions: Dzafce claimed the gesture was misinterpreted, stating it was a reaction to a headache. Although she apologized on Instagram, critics deemed the apology insincere. Finnish lawmakers, Juho Eerola and Kaisa Garedew, faced backlash for mimicking her gesture in support.
• Official Responses: Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo condemned the mimicry as childish; the issue reignited discussions about racism in Finnish society. The Miss Finland Organisation emphasized the importance of respect in its role. An ongoing petition, with over 7,000 signatures, seeks an investigation into anti-Asian discrimination.

Miss Finland’s Controversial Photo Sparks Outcry Over Racism

Miss Finland’s recent social media post has ignited a firestorm of criticism, as many see it as promoting harmful racial stereotypes. The image, taken during a photoshoot, features the beauty queen with her eyes narrowed, which social media users and critics have labeled as racist and offensive, particularly towards Asian communities.

The incident unfolded last week when the photo went viral, prompting swift backlash both online and from advocacy groups. Critics argue that the portrayal reinforces negative stereotypes and trivializes the serious issue of racism. One advocacy group stated, “Using racial markers for aesthetic purposes perpetuates harmful stereotypes and dismisses the lived experiences of those targeted by such imagery.”

The controversy comes at a time when conversations surrounding race and representation are more prominent than ever, with societal expectations for public figures to be aware of their influence. Social media platforms have erupted with mixed reactions, as some defended the beauty queen while others emphasized the need for greater sensitivity in representation.

In response to the outcry, Miss Finland released a statement saying, “I never intended to offend anyone and I am learning from this experience. I understand the weight of my platform and will strive for greater awareness in the future.”

As the debate continues, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding race in contemporary society. It highlights the ongoing need for dialogue and education about cultural sensitivity, particularly in the public sphere, where imagery and representation can have profound implications.

Citations: The Guardian, BBC News, Human Rights Watch.

Source : Miss Finland’s viral ‘slanted-eyes’ photo stirs racism firestorm