Is Finland REALLY the American Dream?

[@ev721]

As an expat myself, I can agree with the sentiment that you seek a country or society that allows you to be you. Doesn't mean that you left your home country because it was bad. You just weren't as happy there as you are now in your new home.

[@mattilindstrom]

Finland has had a rocky road last century, founded in the hopes and dreams of a brand new nation-state. The driving force has always been in the worst case forcing a grin through adversity, prevailing in the worst of times. This is personal opinion only: unlike the USA, Finland has never been a promised place of refuge and hope, but rather a place of solace in the prevailing conditions. Hostile winters, an overly-excitable neighbor, and an economy very rigidly tied to international trends. You are right in saying Finns get the basics right, here things just work (unless you fall into one of the small but deep rabbit-holes of bureaucracy). Not everyone's dream, but here your worst nightmare fall will be arrested by the safety net of the society. I gladly pay my taxes for the security, should anything ever happen to me.

[@LukeBland]

Everything you said is so true. Fins are so resilient!

[@marknewton6984]

Who has a Finland dream?

[@EasyFinnish]

You are an excellent story teller:) Kiitos tästä videosta.

[@llssneN]

glad you brought up the wars because people don't always understand how big of an effect they've had, and the latest war for the country's own survival was not long ago. Every family affected. A great deal of suffering, loss of people and land, not being able to trust your fellow nations right next to you, a certain repeat offender even. Sometimes people ask in Helsinki how come there are these classic jugend buildings here and suddenly a 1960s looking office building in the middle of them, and of course it's because of the massive russian bombings in the city. Naturally Finnish independence day also isn't as celebratory in nature as for example the american one, since so much and so many were lost rather recently in the defense of that independence.

[@Silveirias]

Agreed! Also, 12% of the living population lost their homes back then - seemingly forever. Many were never able to even visit their homeland ever again. This affected their children and grandchildren - probably their grandchildren's children, too. It certainly affects me, second-generation since at least the 1600s born outside my ancestor's hometown in the Finnish Karelia. It leaves you feeling oddly rootless and homeless, yearning for a home you've never even been to.

[@marknewton6984]

You stood up to the Russians bravely!

[@ihabeelkehal2788]

Very heartfelt and powerful, thank you Luke!

[@mreuben3]

Very respectfully put, I have run much of the same course as you in that I moved to Finland in 2005 at 25 years old with my wife. I found Finland to be very open at that time and a very harmonious society much like the America my Swedish grandparents moved to. As for the education system it is hard to explain how well they do it to my friend's and family back home. It is the reason, that and the safety that my 3 sons have to come and as they please, That after moving back to the US in 2010 that I moved my wife and sons back to Finland in 2017 and I myself am leaving my career as a firefighter to move back this year.

[@TheNismo777]

Not a perfect place, but I'm glad you been enjoying your time here :)

[@vanhamies8512]

Finland IS a country that gets some basic things right. I respect your effort to articulate your nuanced feelings toward America. Don't be reluctant to speak openly and critically. America needs its critics to become what it wishes to be.

[@LukeBland]

I fully agree!

[@immokukkonen]

Wise words Luke. So much thougth what you say, long life experience.

[@phoebebee4250]

A very heartfelt and logical video. Thank you for posting. 🌼

[@sannihelanen511]

We love you so much ❤️ for me it has been privilege to see your journey

[@merc340sr]

How the Finns have built such a great country in such a hostile environment is amazing! (darkness, cold, Russian neighbours, etc.)

[@mikrokupu]

The general positive attitude on life you often hear in the US is something I'd like to import to Finland. The Finnish saying "A pessimist doesn't get dissappointed" says it all :)

[@LukeBland]

My response to that is: What's so wrong with being disappointed? 😄

[@ilkkak3065]

I think the Finnish saying means when you expect worst and get something better than worst you can feel happy for getting more than you expected.

[@auvomesilampi6325]

It takes some life experience not to care so much but you’ll get closer to your inner peace in time.

[@marknewton6984]

I'll stay in Florida. Thanks

[@bror8228]

@@marknewton6984 Okay, it´s your choice. I´m not gonna complain....but I would never move to US...

[@topilinkala1594]

About the tax not included: I've been is States and I was surprized that they use the ,99 selling trick there when each and evryone knows that there's the tax added to the prize, so the price never is ,99.

[@dalbertonyebuchi]

If you are a type of person that deeply cares about social equality, Finland is for you. You will not be super rich, but you will never live below the poverty line. It is very possible to earn livable wages. You will do just fine, and really fine if you do not go down the rabbit hole of substance abuse. I recommend Finland to anyone who prefers general peace and safety over "big money". Finland is a country that understands social administration. It is quiet, no drama, just real and enough.

[@jasong728]

Good stuff. Enjoyed this one even though I come back for the music.

[@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129]

i knew a guy who slipped on a leaf and was on crutches for months...last year i walked with this and i didnt slip .."Drive Medical 10210-1 Deluxe 2-Button Folding Walker with Wheels" i used that not to slip...i wonder how many slip a year and drive up medical costs in winter

[@Shellbee22]

Healthcare ..child care /schooling is excellent ..but as a New Yorker ready for Florida lol …I couldn’t do the winters lol

[@aaronstavern]

Been loving your content lately Luke, And your attitude is fairly similar to mine I think, Love to see it ✊🏻

[@LukeBland]

We should meet 😁

[@Sci-Fi_Fan296]

Wow, so glad to have been recommended to this video. Powerful. Inspiring msg. Thanks for sharing.

[@LukeBland]

Glad it was helpful!

[@doodleman9837]

every country is unique and I believe there is no perfect country in the world just like every person is unique and not perfect as well. we jump into a new country, experience all,different culture different language different people.some parts of them might let you think it’s better than your pervious one , but some parts of them also might let you feel down. after all,whereever you might end up with,i still think Leaving your original home country to live in another country ,this in itself, these experience are very precious which can makes you to understand this world in different angles.

[@LukeBland]

Yes! It's very eye opening!

[@auvomesilampi6325]

Yeah. Often it’s the place you started from where you’re the happiest. But without trying everything else you might not appreciate it. To me home is where my significant other is, because otherwise I wouldn’t stop. I may still go, I don’t know.

[@cherrylane79]

Unless the social insurance institution of Finland force the student to take a loan from the bank to pay for your studies, but it's like 5000-6000 € per year. But then the school meals are free. (I mean after the basic studies, children over 16 yo).

[@auvomesilampi6325]

Since when have they been free? Never.

[@Gibbetoo]

finding your own identity might be very important, i have been finding my roots too and it has gone far beyond what i thought, thank's to my aunt who took it for an effort to investigate lot. i know much more about my ancestors, where they came from and what they did and why.

[@larrywave]

They should do more for the people that come here in the sense of integration

[@suzyq8328]

Great video Luke

[@LukeBland]

Thanks!

[@mikorossi1959]

Finland fought for its independence in 3 DIFFERENT WARS in 1939-1945. Winter War and Continuation War against the Red Army and Lapland War (45) against Germany. Finland retained its independence. And Finland also paid all war reparations in record time. We appreciate what we have today and what sacrifices 3 different wars have required. Today, Finland is valued in many different statistics around the world. I’m not going to tell you where America ranks in those statistics. TRUE equality is more important to us than money. I understand and respect your honesty, as well as your patriotism, so I understand very much what you are saying.

[@LukeBland]

Thanks Miko! So True!

[@FindTheTRUTH337]

Mr. Rossi, in general, what is the Finnish sentiment towards migrants seeking refuge in your country and trying to find a new way of life?

[@vilidious]

@@FindTheTRUTH337 I'm not Miko, but a Finn nevertheless. My personal opinion is that it varies. I think nowadays some places in Finland may be more racist, but some places are likely more tolerant to foreigners... it depends a lot on that area's experiences or prejudices or education level, as small places can be kinda backwards sometimes, and big places can also be getting a lot of bad influences (NB. Sweden's immigration trouble). If we're ignoring that worrisome trend, then if you're a refugee that wants to and really tries to adapt to our values and ways of living, and actually wants to be a Finn, I think you'll probably have a good time. Our normal approach tends to be that you can believe in whatever you like (or have whatever sexual orientation you want) as long as you don't rub it in other people's faces and as long as it doesn't hurt/harm others, since we value our own personal (mental & physical) space, safety and individuality a lot. Animals and pets are also respected, children are like small adults and should be treated/valued as independent people, and sometimes women are even more equal than men, in my male opinion. :) On the other hand, if you're stubbornly carrying a lot of hate towards others (no matter towards whom or how justified it is), propaganda, or culture/values that severely conflict with ours... then you'll more likely be treated with disdain... which in my opinion is pretty natural wherever you go. We like to live in peace and quiet, and let others enjoy the same... tensions for any reason are going to just make everyone's lives more miserable/insecure. It's like if you feel like you're standing alone in a forest or other wildnerness, with no soul in sight, when you're in the middle of a city/society, then that's imo pretty close to ideal. How to say it, when you come to live in Finland, you come to live in Finland... not your previous home country... That place is still there, and if you want it to become better, isn't it the task for the people of that country to do something about it (even though it can be really unrealistic)? In practice, as long as you as its people survive, I think that's already more than good enough... to me, a culture/nation and its pride is its people. As such, as long as your culture isn't something too opposite to our own and you can keep it private or to yourselves if need be, in my opinion Finland can be a good place to at least wait out the worst times... I doubt anyone's gonna even bother to care about what cultural habits or language you have/speak in your own home... to the contrary, we'll more than likely keep a wide berth of you unless we really need/want to approach you. (Which is just normal basic respect towards others here.) ;) Of course, that's still just my opinion, so I don't know how it goes in practice in the most racist places in Finland, since I haven't been or seen how it can go there... I'm a native, so my life here is easy. But yeah, I'll leave it at that... hope it answered your question a bit and I hope I didn't cause any offense with my directness... since no offense was meant. :)

[@torspomedia5861]

That whole sales tax thing is something that I never really understood. Why not include the tax in the price tag.

[@kattanakaokopnik5170]

Our taxes vary *widely* depending on municipality, and the price tags are often printed in a distant company headquarters.

[@MrAatami]

@@kattanakaokopnik5170 Yeah, I remember reading about that when I first realized tax thing somewhere. Not only is it by state, but also by local rates, some have 0% by state, but local can be 0-10%, some have statewide norm and no local. Then I think there is state norm + added local, amounting close to like 20% while in some states it's like 8% set by local, so 4+4% for example. Numbers are probably not accurate, but basically there are many different ways how it's done

[@kattanakaokopnik5170]

@@MrAatami - one more layer! National/state/county/local It’s a mess and handled by the checkout register and we just expect some level of disparity. I know it makes everyone else bonkers. I couldn’t break myself of the habit of expecting an at-checkout surcharge. But we also expect it when dining, for tips, so…just baked into the entire system.

[@civzation471]

I'm in tears now. My huge hangover (maybe) has something to with that. As a Finn this was a blast to hear and watch. I going to move out of Finland and I'm going to miss a lot of things from this country. American dream? Propably not, but we have a better society than USA got.

[@LukeBland]

Agreed

[@marknewton6984]

You are wrong.

[@petrusinvictus3603]

I spent a year in Pittsburg PA in 1984-85. I liked it. I got the funny hat from local High School. And to brag I was 6 feet tall blond(185cm), I got some. O the youth.

[@LukeBland]

😄👌🏼

[@MilaMan]

Most of all I am so proud to be Finnish equality, democracy, women's right and respect of them. And being free.

[@LukeBland]

Yes

[@germainmorin4925]

It's always inspiring to hear you speak about your reasons to live in Finland. It has been a dream of mine to live there for two decades, yet there are no reasons Finland would let me in. I guess I'll just opt for the digital nomad way and visit a couple of months more often!

[@TheNismo777]

You could always come as a "refugee" and that should work just fine :)

[@jonnenne]

@@TheNismo777 That doesn't actually answer to many expat's goals. It would be hell for many people to go through that process of not being able to work and needing to rely on handouts.

[@marktrvls1218]

Interesting video Luke, I’ve been to Finland 4 times and all over the US and both countries are great places to visit I think, for sure Finland has better public transport and for sure the States is more exciting I think

[@marknewton6984]

You can do anything in the States. Go to the Top!

[@janttu5283]

It's not only Finland, it's the Nordic or European model.

[@herrakaarme]

It's easy to forget the original American dream was indeed to find freedom from the tyrannical and narrow-minded European societies of the past centuries. Of course in the 1930's there were still a whole lot of people who were fleeing for their very lives from Europe to the USA, but for many people in the 20th century Europe (such as Finns), it was already the modern American dream of finding opportunities to get rich.

[@Toolo559]

Not only to get rich but live a decent and safe lives.

[@herrakaarme]

@@Toolo559 Aside from the civil war and WW2 years, the independent Finland wasn't unsafe for the citizens. Especially in the decades before the WW2, Finland was quite poor, so a decent life could have been much easier to find in the USA. After the WW2, it was more about finding a chance to build wealth and a standard of living above that in Finland, although many travelled no further than Sweden for that purpose. It was exactly the same for many other European countries as well. In the decades after the WW2, safety hasn't really been a concern, unless it was a person from the former Eastern Bloc.

[@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129]

my grandfather was born there when russia had it....finland and or sweden had famine many starved...in sweden at least conservatives just didnt care to help

[@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_famine_of_1866%E2%80%931868

[@herrakaarme]

@@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129 Yeah, but I was dividing my comment into two periods on purpose. The 19th century still belongs to the old times when people moved to the USA just to survive. I suppose some would have already dreamed of riches also back then, naturally, but when in their country of origin just surviving might have been hard, the first priority is simply to be able to live.

[@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129]

i knew a guy who slipped on a leaf and was on crutches for months...last year i walked with this and i didnt slip .."edit post didnt display

[@christian53050]

When I moved to the US from Finland I was told: "In the US everyone can become rich and famous (hope)...but most people never do!" Looks like it is true.

[@marknewton6984]

Never give up, the American Way!

[@toinenosoite3173]

A system based on reason and logic? True, at least partly, or, more correctly, that is what is the result. Behind it all is actually a historically poor country with harsh conditions (and the last famine in Europe) that had to find a way to survive. Thus, the system is really based on necessity because of not being a country with rich and vast resources.

[@PetriApell]

Kauniita sanoja oli ilo kuulla

[@prisondude]

America is the doomed land. The pit of hell and I have had enough suffering there. America is full of despair and greed and hatred

[@topilinkala1594]

I wouldn't be surprized if there was a revolution in US in my lifetime and I'm 61.

[@prisondude]

@@topilinkala1594 least not there to see it if It happens now

[@johnveerkamp1501]

NOT FINLAND ,BUT EUROPE IS IT.

[@lonewolfnormanfinndian6129]

i guess my ancestors came to Massachusetts around 1660 and im native--i find USA a boring tiring place i guess and its so racist here...maybe i can find peace in arizona---im totally exhausted

[@joojoojeejee6058]

Finland might be the "American dream", if you are politically leaning towards the left, but if you are right-wing, then not so much. USA probably has more opportunities to become rich, if you are an industrious individual. So it really depends in my opinion.

[@Phangmaster]

It's strange hearing you talk about Americans' postive go-get-em attitude, cus over the past 20 years I swear it's all but disappeared and been replaced by cynicism.

[@LukeBland]

Yeah that’s what I’m hearing lately

[@marknewton6984]

There is no comparison. America is the land of opportunity.