Living in Finland for One Year || What is it like

[@GIOBOZZ]

Hey, i hope this video clarifies my absence and my concerns thank you for watching and thanks a lot for the support

[@Nothingbutdust_]

Yes, I've actually been wondering why I haven't gotten any notifications in a while. But now I understand the reason. And I just want to say I'm sorry about what you've been through and I believe you! Some Finnish people can be such idiots. Usually they're just very depressed people who have nothing better to do than to mind other people's business and for some reason they just can't tolerate when someone else is happy when they themselves aren't. Sad to see how some men believe that bullying and threatening makes them somehow strong and manly. Toxic masculinity is everywhere here! And it's not just the men, but women too. As a Finnish woman and a victim of school bullying, who grew up in Helsinki and has lived here in the suburbs for all my life I can tell you not everything in Finland is as wonderful as portrayed to foreigners! Even Finnish people threaten and bully each other here no matter the ethnicity. But hopefully, you'll eventually be able to focus more on the good things here and I sincerely hope you won't have to face such hatred again in my country ❤️

[@GIOBOZZ]

@@Nothingbutdust_ thank you And I’m sorry for the issues you’ve faced likewise

[@Nothingbutdust_]

@@GIOBOZZ No need to feel sorry, I just thought I should share my experience to let you know if it helps you understand. It's not always about race or ethnicity but people can be very nasty regardless but of course either way bullying is something we as Finnish people need to tackle in our society. But there's still a long way to go.

[@JohnSmith-xk5qn]

Very easily explained. Nobody helped Finland in the Winter War against mass murderer Josef Stalins Soviet Union, thats why Finland helps nobody. Finland had to fight and survive against the worlds biggest and strongest army alone. Do you get it now ?

[@butterflies655]

​@@JohnSmith-xk5qn Finns are very helpful ppl. I heard that very often.

[@Miro3]

I'm sorry you have to deal with dumb people like that! but I hope you can still keep your head up king we love you and it's awesome you live here and document your experiences about it

[@GIOBOZZ]

Thank you I’ll keep pushing forward I think Finland has its share of positive people but the negative people are unfortunately more vocal due to their hate But I’m happy to have people like you here that gives me light to be able to understand that it’s not just negativity there’s also wonderful people

[@pojuantsalo3475]

Nice to see a new Finland video from you Gio! I appreciate everyone trying to learn Finnish! 👍 All the negativity sucks, but we live in a World toxified by social media. People are venting their frustrations and bad feelings on innocent people without realizing what they are doing. 😕

[@GIOBOZZ]

Very true

[@peteparfentieff2368]

As a Finn, I would say that it is really depressing to hear that even in 2023 this kind of thing is still being seen in this country. 😕 I appreciate very much that you have been able to live in Sodankylä (as well as in Finland) for a whole year, and I hope that you will be able to live in the future as well without the things of those a-holes saying getting too much under your skin. BTW, nice to hear that at least the Sirkus Finlandia was a nice experience for you. 🎪

[@GIOBOZZ]

It was lovely It is tough living in an area where people aren’t experienced however I hope to be the light to their ignorance

[@NestoriG]

@@GIOBOZZ Im sorry we Finns comment or talk straight. Not much small talk. Im sorry it can be taken harsh. I think in bigger cities you dont have so much broblems. Half of my neigbour are from somewhere else than FInland. They are working in luxury cruise ship docks near here. And Finns are jobless by choise. Not so good hoodz.

[@AlexanderElo]

Make sure to make a criminal report if you get hate speech and especially death threats, even online. I produce a lot of online services and I can say from my own experience that police do care and makes requests for users information for far less minor offences. It doesn't matter if they sent the message anonymous. I don't want to downplay this issue, but police have said that the risk of people carrying out any actions in these cases is extremely small. Go out as you normally would, don't let them win. Fear, shame and guilt is perfectly normal feelings but you have to remember and understand that it is not your fault and you don't have to put up with any form of harassment or intimidation. Please make sure you aren't alone with this, talk with your friends about this and seek professional help for the situation if needed.

[@pahis1248]

yes that is most important comment here today. I think.

[@niilaheikki]

Hey yo! Long time watcher, first time commenter here. Really bummed to hear you've had to deal with negative and hostile people. I would love to think all finns are great, and everything about Finland is great, but of course nothing is ever that simple, people the least! This may sound over simplistic, but try to keep in mind that people are usually good inside, but they are scared of all sorts of crazy things because they are simply ignorant. Their fear just comes out as hostile behaviour. And yes some folks are just plain stupid. Nothing to do about that. But don't give up on us! :) I'm also glad to hear you're still trying to break to box. I hope you make friends there, being alone in your situation sounds awful. These comments do not make up for a real friend. It could be anyone. If you sense a cool person like you said you often do, maybe try to crack a little conversation? Finns will be flustered for sure, but they love the attention anyway. Have you looked for a basketball group? I tried to google local groups, with not much luck. However, there is a basketball group for Tähtikunta school personnel, but I'm absolutely sure they won't mind if you show up, introduce yourself and ask if you could play with them. They play every Sunday from 16:00 - 17:30 at Tähtikunta school (Tähtikunnan koulu) court, Unarintie 33. Who knows, maybe you'll make new contacts! Good luck, and enjoy the summer! -Niila

[@DNA350ppm]

You went that extra mile for somebody you empatized with - Finns can be like that, too! Nice to see!

[@Alderzone]

I dont usually comment but all the best to you man. Finnish internet can be toxic af and I personally think that because we are so reserved, many idiots vent their racism and problems extra hard on the internet because they would never have the balls to do it in real life. And unfortunately there's always people who use the finnish 4chan who think that this sort of behavior is just acceptable and/or funny.

[@MikkiHelsinki]

I love watching your videos. As a Finn I love that you decided to move here. I just think you decided to move to a very rural and remote part. Even most Finns wouldn't feel comfortable there.

[@jarmokarila]

Hey man i am truly sorry for the negative experiences you had to endure here :(. Your videos are great and it is important for us natives to hear the realities of moving here. I had quite a hard time of settling back here this winter from a lenghty student exchange in Namibia. The social climate can be so isolating. Honestly man the more you go out and get to know people, the better it gets. If you ever need a friend or just some company in general feel free to msg me!

[@koomaj]

Sad to hear you have experienced negativity here. It doesn't surprise me tho. In small places things can be hard because you see the same negative people all the time.

[@ssam1337]

You silly twat... if this was a place of only positive vibes and enforced bliss, then I would leave this place and thats something Finland do not want.

[@iivarikoutonen9027]

@@ssam1337 I assume that you have not yet dealt with your personal devils? I highly recommend that you pursue to get some therapy.

[@gruntscrewdriver3261]

Just smile to em and they will be more negative :d

[@tuulia178]

I’m Finnish person living outside Finland (over 20yrs). Finland has changed a lot during this time to more open and diverse place, but I was shocked of the atmosphere during last few weeks when I was there on holiday. I truly hope things settle soon for better. I remembered something my husband said years ago, “Finland is technologically advanced, but socially behind”. I was quite offended at the time, but understood what he meant after few years living abroad. Maybe moving to bigger city would also be easier if you still want to stay in Finland. All the best, your channel is great ❤

[@Febard]

Yeah i would say to move to south like Helsinki or Tampere. Hes living on hardmode up in the north :S

[@ArktinenPeikko]

Been watching your content since last October I think and I've been so happy to have not heard of much racism or hate towards you. Kinda been secretly happy of our people finally being a bit more modern In their thinking, but apparently there is still some work to be done... Its a generational thing I think where some people just pass that hate to their children. With any luck, the kid will be smart enough to think for themselves rather than becoming an echo chamber for their parents' ideals... For what it's worth, from what I've seen and heard you do or say in your videos, you, good sir, have plenty of sisu. More than your average Finn. I'm genuinely proud of you. We all get some hate and admittedly race related is very different from your typical bullying, but I can see that you are the type that doesn't let that drag you down. You can get out of that box. You've easily "earned" the right to do that, even though that is a really dumb way of saying it. I hope you know what I mean anyway.

[@Shanklymania]

100% agreed. We did have the N-word in our schoolbooks even in the 60's, so there's a lot of brushing off especially with the "older" generation. Love the content, so refreshing to see someone going through our everyday life as a rookie of some sorts.

[@waynesmith3767]

There’s a small minority of people who go online just to be negative and even spew hate but they really are a small group, they just comment more than others.

[@royeb63]

Congratulations on your first year in Finland. Would have loved to hear a little more about your thoughts around things like the weather, darkness, light, freezing temperatures, fighter-jet-sized mosquitoes....

[@piiatainio2905]

Hang in there! Don't let the haters get you down, you've got this! Find some favourite music in Finnish and rock your heart out - singing is really going to help you get the feel of the language! ❤

[@mangomonster5296]

Been waiting for this video title ever since you put your feet on finnish soil. A year is a good time to look back. Sounds like it has been a roller coaster. You can see yourself trying to manage your life in another country as a pilot learning to manage complicated aircraft. Few more years and you will make it like a pro 😉

[@matkahenkilo8554]

First time commenter here. I think you gave yourself the best advice at 15:17. Just get out and get it done! Join a sports team or some volunteer organisation and meet aome real people! Don't stay in your box and let some confused angry people on a digital device get you down. Life is too short! For starters go get that drivers licence! Unless you are scared, in that case it is okay to give up. And yes, I am pulling at your chain there 😉

[@billw.overbeck8913]

If you get death threats I would recommend to file a police report.

[@jiikor]

yo dude you are one of those special people, that's why I watch your vids. keep it up!

[@xItzSpruce]

Nice vid! Btw i live in Finland with my parents. I enjoy living here. And good thing about finland is that it has lot of nature and not so much light pollution.

[@paulaturpeinen6612]

I'm so sorry you experienced that awful rasism. Good that you speak about this. It's rare to hear, even , I think, everybody knows it's a big issue here. I don't know what else to say , I am ashamed for them. It's so sad and hard to change. So sad.

[@holoholopainen1627]

I Dont know how much have You travelled ? Have You been - outside of Finland ever ? You need to know - something before buying the ticket... Not every country IS like Finland ! At many Countries and regions - They Try to Do everything to make You to give Up your values !

[@TaigaTomodachi]

I am sorry you have had bad experiences. I can't understand how people can be so mean sometimes. Just want to say there are many kind-hearted people too. I wish you can see past the negativity of others. I enjoy your content and enthusiasm about new culture and new things. Never lose yourself to negativity. Greetings from the middle part of Finland.

[@Robert-xv7io]

You are doing a good job . Keep the spirit let haters hate. Those people dont realize that they are only embarrassing themselves. I hope you will be as active as you want and dont let this people who are rasist limit you.

[@bettyhappschatt3467]

Nice to hear from you. You are such a great person!

[@GIOBOZZ]

Thank you I try my best

[@Unenvarjo]

Randomly came up your video on my feed and I’m glad I did! Great to hear of your experiences and you have a great attitude for living here. And I loved your view on the circus stuff! Sisulla siitä selviää, as we say.

[@johnchitty2804]

Congrats on your first year in Finland. So sorry you had to experience all the bull crap that comes with that negative crap man. Keep your head up bro. Don't stop your journey, whether you end up staying in Finland or moving on to another place, more power to you bro. Stoked for you and your adventures.

[@lyondragons8898]

About Finnish language: when people told you it's not easy to just learn it that fast, it is not to say that you can't do it at all, so don't even try or to put you down. It is bc we know it's super hard, so we don't want you to be too hard on yourself about it or have expectations way over what is normal learning pace. There's a lot of folks in here that have lived in Finland for many years and can't really talk Finnish outside of taking care of crosery shopping or something else easy and that happens especially if you can speak English, bc then you can just use it. So please don't take it wrong way, all of us just don't expect it to be easy and it's ok. It is super common for people to expect it to happen fast and it won't, and then it's easy to feel bad about it. And that is the message when we say it is not that easy, other people didn't do it that fast either, and it's ok. It takes time and practise, and practise is hard to get in an introverted culture on top of the fact that the language itself is so challenging.

[@Braindnc1]

Oh my god that is so awful! Is there anyway we can help you? (I live in Jyväskylä) That is so hard to hear! You do live in a very non-diverse part of Finland, but nothing justifies that kind of toxic behavior from our people. From anyone. If you ever need or want to travel and meet other Finns who could be your allies of finding hope and get out of depression, let us know. You seem to be such a kind hearted person who deserves respect and safety. Hugs and I'm happy you told us about this! We are here for you! - Esa

[@credence89]

This is the first vid I´ve seen from you and I just feel bad for you man. So sorry that you you had that kind of experiance of us Finns... Don´t know where you lived thoug. I can imagine it´s a bit different in the rural areas that in Helsinki etc. All the love for you bro, seem like a solid person, an honest one

[@MH-gg5bg]

Hey! Thank you for your videos! It is interesting to hear about your experiences here in Finland. I'm sorry that you now feel like that. But I think you should go out and maby travel a bit in Finland. And I hope you will find out that most finns are kind and wellcomming people. You just have to go out and try ❤

[@Thekovaluu89]

If you believe in yourself you can learn Finnish! Keep your head up and be proud what you are and its way harder to anyone bring you down. When someone gives you stupid argument you can add "i probably pay more taxes than you" 😄.

[@juha1258]

Hi mate ! I had my military service in Sodankylä, wouldn't go back there even if paid to do so 😅 Move to Oulu / other bigger city, i promise your quality of living will skyrocket. More opportunities and wider social life. Btw. Nice vids and ignore those haters..hillbillies from sodankylä hates every outsider, no matter where you from(doesnt matter if you're foreigner or just from neighbouring town)

[@DNA350ppm]

It is such a difficult process to up one's roots and get them to thrive in a new place - it is not anything one can foresee, one has to live it, and it can almost kill you. Try as much as possible to make it a two way process, you make an effort to adapt to Finland and Finns on a local level, and give them time to adapt to you. Find energy for keeping up your hope, your projects, your goals, from outside of the adaptation process. Avoid negative Finns! You can never embrace all kinds of Finns, never all traditions in the country, but there is "a Finland" for anyone, I'm sure, you just have to search long enough to find your individuals, your activities, your places, your music, and your habits - that's how Finns live, too, in a mosaic of selected patterns and choices, just as you live in the USA, everybody has their own USA. I think the language will do a lot for you! And remember to stay a world-citizen in your heart!

[@oappi4686]

Good advice for life at the end! Finnish is hard language to learn, not impossible, but it is so different from other languages that it is pretty easy to spot someone who is not speaking it as first language. Personally, I prefer to speak English with someone who struggles with Finnish and I have no problem with that. I my self am really slow learner of languages, and think it is bit arrogant to demand someone to learn language. I have colleagues who have been in Finland for 5 years and don't speak Finnish but also people who learned Finnish with in a year and I don't think any less of people who have been 5 years here and cant speak the language. I do think it is amazing that someone has taken the effort though. It is more important that people (whether Finn or not) pulls or at least is trying to pull his/her weight towards the society. It might be bit hard if you cant speak English or Finnish though. I would turn your comment to life lesson for foreigners though, if someone is dissing you should you when you are productive person in society, should you really care about that persons opinion? He is probably some miserable asshat who has no better things to do... more likely living off welfare if his manners are any indication of his/her intelligence. If someone goes as far as threatens your life, I would go fill out police report. No-one should have to deal with that what ever the case is. Sorry that you had to deal with that.

[@ANJING_SITUMORANG]

Hyvää Juhannusta!

[@Shanklymania]

There's always a spare room for you in Kuopio mate, if u want to travel a bit south. Hope to see you at the movie festival at least!

[@sannaolsson9106]

I'm sorry about the hate you have gotten. Unfortunately there's racism everywhere no matter what country you're in, but just know there's more people who DON'T think like that. The hateful voices are just louder.

[@johnchitty2804]

PS. if you were to leave Finland, where would you consider going next in Europe?

[@wtflolhahe]

For me finns can be one of the nastiest people to outsiders especially on the internet. That doesn't change the fact that any finn can be as nasty to their family member(s). It changes alot by person, age and schooling. Also some racists can be closeted to the point that no one gets hurt at all. In any case welcome to more fullfilling years in Finland and I hope you get to "finnish" that challenge (learning finnish in 1 year)!!

[@cypressjuniperus4457]

Hey man dont care about them idiots. Just do your thing. I have enjoyed watching how you adapt here in Finland. You should definetly do a trip to southern Finland and make video about it.

[@GIOBOZZ]

Most definitely. I think being away from KZbin for a while regarding Finland made me realize how much love I’ve received and honestly I love it.

[@TheNismo777]

Get the driving licence, live the fullest life, dont let the minority to put you into bad mindset.

[@jarieljahbaba2275]

Hi Gio, Im a 50 years old non-binary who moved from Helsinki to Kittilä 6 years 24 days a go and watching your videos has been absolute blast for me, I feel your struggles and joys because even than we are very different, our experiences of moving to lapland has been so similar. When i moved to here i was so amazed by the nature, real winter, friendly people, mosquitoes, dayles night and nightles day etc the nature and the culture are so different than in Helsinki so i can only imagine how different they are to you. Here is some of my experiences from moving here, at start I saw a lot of positives but when time passed i started to see some negatives as well, im sorry if i offend some locals but i must say that racism and even chauvinism are still quite strong in here and not only that, some sort of small mindnesnes, watching your neighbour and the worst, endles gossiping and lies so i got a bit disapointed, but then i got to know more ppl here and like very very different ppl than me and it took a while for them to start trusting me, im very talkative and not afraid to say my opinions, and many here are quiet, rather not create any wawes, but when we found common ground and trust, they are so cool ppl and they know so much about things that i dont, specialy nature things, fishing, berry and mushroom picking etc and it has been a pleasure to learn about those things and to learn about their point of view, so if you experience any of this and dont know if you will find your place in lappland, hang on in there, time for lapplanders is very different than for the rest of the world, like i told some one here that i love this place and will probaply live here for the rest of my live and he asked that how long have i lived here, so i proudly told that 5 years what to me was defenet prove that i knew what im talking about but he watched me, nodded and sayed that, exaxtly, i cant know yet because i have been here for so little time:) What you told that the internet and real world are 2 absolutely different things is so true, i used to have my own youtube chanel and even than i didnt got so much hate it was enough for me to take my channel down, some angry ppl just use the net for theyr hate, what can you do.. And for the end, that circus finlandia closing number with the bikes is absolutely bonkers.. i dont know about sodankylä but here in kittillä yearly markkinat is soon so if you have something like that there i highly recomed to chek it out. Good to have you here in finland and lappland, you make the best place on earth even a bit better:) dont let the haters get you, after all they are a small minority. ps sory for my bad english.

[@jarieljahbaba2275]

And about learning the language, when i lived in sweden it was much easier to start understunding svedish than to talk it so i did that, then i started to use the common smal words like ja, nej, tack, etc and slowly from there.. on the other hand i still cant really speak svedish so i dont know if my advise on this is good:)

[@nykaenenable]

Some people just feel the urge to spread hate around because they feel like shit about their lives. You really seem to be a positive person whos interested in the surrouding world and is keen to see whats up. That sticks out and makes you an easy target for some people. Dont give up to the negativity!

[@artoeloranta2810]

Did you say "island"?

[@puhistagram]

Thanks for the video, Gio. It's been a while since your content has popped up to my feed, I don't know why, but I am glad it did now. If you happen to take a summer trip to deep south (Tampere), msg me for a cup of coffee ( of course you won't but still 😉). Take care Gio.

[@pahis1248]

great video, good to see u back.

[@AnnaPennanen]

You seriously should try living in the south of finland. It's more open minded here. Less mosquitoes and longer summer 😂

[@jarilammi]

Living that far up in the North you definitely going to need your driver's license. Maybe consider also taking a ham radio examination, they're about equally difficult, but may open up a very nice secondary means of communications to the finnish people and the rest of the world, especially on your current geographical location. A morning coffee with some open minded albeit weird friends might be a good start for a day every now and then. :)

[@tonibufu6103]

As a Finnish person, about Finnish language, if someone wants to learn it, that is fine for me. If someone do not want to learn it, that is fine for me. If someone gives up and don't wanna learn it anymore, that is fine for me also. If someone wanna and gonna learn Finnish language, I encourage, help, or/and support, sometimes. But, if you want to work in Finland, especially in customer service, most of these jobs require that every employee can communicate in Finnish. E.g. in factories, there is not much customer service and therefore Finnish language skills do not matter that much. And you that the Finnish government wants the young and healthy adults living in the country to quickly get on the squirrel bike, so the government can demand that they quickly learn the Finnish language and start working, under the threat of a disqualification. But a similar situation can also exist in other countries, where English is not one of the official languages. Like, if a person moves to America who doesn't know English, then living there can be challenging, maybe.

[@Xarmutinha]

The hardest part is finding finnish acquitances, finns.

[@simoherttuainen7750]

Just keep fighting to stay out of box. There is good and bad, just focus on the good things. Tsemppiä!

[@jessejones1102]

"Remember, when you're being criticized, you're being noticed. It's when you're irrelevant that you're being ignored." - Paulo Coelho

[@GIOBOZZ]

That’s true

[@nikokorppi5215]

Well well, don't you now lose the bit of finnish sisu that you have gained! In every country there are pros and cons in the people also. It's sad that you have got hit by the negativity of some people. Most probably they are more afraid than you of the future. Keep on going, get out of the box and don't fear to get new experiences! Sometimes we finns need to see foreigners experiencing things in our country to understand how to grow better. Go and get more new experiences and by them gain a bit more of sisu. It doesn't come by sitting in a box, even for finns.

[@ismoouu]

One thing about "making faces", that's just the Finnish blunt face. Fake smiles or pretending is not part of Finnish culture, specially at Sodankylä. The people are not sad but they just might look rude.

[@Gert-DK]

Don't let the fear control your life, do try to overcome your fear. I will suggest, you learn Swedish. Swedish is Finland's second language. With the Swedish language, you will be able to navigate in Norway and Denmark too.

[@butterflies655]

Ppl in all Nordic countries can speak English.

[@whosfxsse]

Sorry to hear that you've had some negative experiences but i wish you all the best in Finland❤️🇫🇮 Some people just are like that..😤

[@kathrinkaefer]

Being a foreigner in Finland is hard, man. I too have received messages online telling me to go home and that Finland is for Finns. To be honest, nobody needed to tell me that, because that is the vibe I get when basic services are made inaccessible to me as a foreigner. I know that I'm in Finland and people speak Finnish and I am learning, but it's a difficult language. My existence here is smaller than it would be in my home country and I think all the time about leaving (but can't).

[@GIOBOZZ]

I’m really sorry about that. Also I understand the issue about leaving The thing no one understands is You’ve invested in the country If you’ve lived in Finland for over a year you’ve invested so much money in this country it’s not easy to just quit For example I’ve paid for my drivers license but still haven’t done the test due to the same issue but then I realize I’ve already spent the money there’s no turning back.

[@bakeraus]

I have had that as well, funnily enough it was on a video (only video I ever put on YT) I made to sell a product and I must have said "before I move to Finland" it was so strange. I do have a screen shot of it somewhere because the video was only up for a day or two. I've been here for three years full time now and on and off for 10 years with my partner. I won't be staying here, it's just not my style. My home country is very welcoming, friendly and happy for a chat style just easy going here it's like everyone is worried about conversation. As a foreigner you are always on the outside of everything.

[@viljanov]

In internet ALL sort of negativity and hostility flourishes. Racism too. Sorry to hear about your experience though.

[@skurkela]

Sorry to hear that 😥. Take care bro!

[@Exu.]

Hi im finish ... and hmm just be your self. We finn are some times little slow for new ppl, but trust me when we get warm you will joy more to be in here

[@niles8576]

im so sorry for what you have been through

[@markkuhiltula8415]

hang in there

[@glissando93]

You are awesome ❤ Maybe you shoud try to live in central Finland or below. I think bigger cities don't have so much so called racism. Ofc some people are idiots, but don't care about them too much. I live in Tampere and I love it! ❤ I wish you all the best 🤗

[@VanHonkerton]

If you were my neighbor, I'd be pretty happy about it.

[@timosivula]

There are bad comments and idiotic people in every country and also in Finland, you should leave them alone and not comment on anything.If you answer them, it's like throwing gasoline on a fire.

[@oh2mp]

I'm sad to hear about your negative experiences, but you know, some part of the population are idiots in every country. About the language... just be brave and try to speak. We Finns have often a bad habit that we switch to English when some foreigner tries to speak Finnish. Happily I have learned out of that when I have had a lot of colleagues from many countries. Some of them spoke Finnish and some didn't. And still, I promise to offer you a coffee if I come again to Sodankylä some day (My last time was 2021). Unofrtunately it most likely won't happen this year.

[@TPacoustic]

Finns have had a centuries long difficult relationship with a certain minority that im not going to name. My grandparents hated them so much, that my granddad still talked about them on his dying bed. Im sure that easily transitions to all darker coloured people. There is one thing americans and many other people don't understand about Finland. It is a small nationstate. The sole purpose of the nation, why it was founded, was to protect finnish people and finnish tribes from outside threats. This was the state of affairs all the way up to early 2000s, when there was a major shift in mainstream media and politics. The idea of multiculturalism is very new in Finland. I still remember when I was a kid and I saw a first black man walking on the street. That was early 90s. I was like 8 or 9 years old, and I live in 9th largest city of the country. I thought to myself, this has to be one of those basketball players from the USA who play in our basketball club. 😀

[@anza77]

Head to south... Helsinki/Tampere/Turku... In larger cities people already used having immigrants with different shades

[@petrihaikonen2528]

Even though we (Finland) have come quite a long way as a nation, there's still a lot of work to do. Racism should not exist, period. As for learning to talk Finnish, I don't think you have to learn it. If you decide you want to learn the language, I think there are several people who are willing to help you practice over voice chat.

[@Xarmutinha]

Where are those angels ypure talking about at?

[@josepha8415]

You should still tell the negative things that happened to you in Finland to give awareness to non white people considering going to Finland.

[@Jantzku]

People be dumb. Damn

[@Kosmologiikka]

2:10 Ohhhhh... I was expecting 40-50 minutes. Dont worry, you'll get used to it.

[@bluebonbon22]

The horrible things people do, it's around the world. I am the mother of an interracial family, adult children, adult grandchildren and school age great-grandchildren. One thing I've learned dealing with all kinds of people is some people are just going to be haters. You will never make the haters stop hating. Some people tolerate the haters because they don't really agree with the haters but they are scared to speak up. Then there are those who will respect you, and allow you to be you. They accept who you are, don't have a problem and most of the time will speak up. Do you, because you will never please everyone. Trust God for protection, love others as best you can. I live in multicultural Los Angeles, CA. and have traveled the USA. In Los Angeles I have met and made friends with many people from many different cultures and many different counties.

[@sagamaraia]

We have real racists here, but we have a lot of people that are not. But the ones that hate, they hate a lot and hard. Horrible, horrible people who hate.

[@Zami80]

Hello from Helsinki! This sounds really bad, you need to move to a bigger city dude. There is haters in the bigger cities too but probably smaller percentage.

[@martinostlund1879]

Sorry to hear about your bad days. I’m Swedish, and I think it is much the same here. Sweden is good for the Swedes, but not the same for immigrants l’m sorry to say. Seems just about that for you in Finland.

[@Urbankin]

There are people in the internet that are actual aliens who try to understand human interaction and fail misserably at that. For some, having foreign surname is enough to discriminate. Heck, i'm 3rd generation immigrant and still get the looks. Especially in bars. Like... what is it with some people who just can't accept that people look/speak differently and they are still just as human as the next person. geez. Haters gonna hate. Nothing one can do about it. Better to just focus on something that you have control over.

[@kajanaland25]

I'm sorry for you and all the people living here. I'm afraid it's gonna get worse bc of the new government. I hope there are good people nearby so you will have some support from them. 💓 Stay safe!

[@SadeMetsavirta]

I'm really sorry about your experience in Finland regarding racism and prejudice, it's something I'm definitely ashamed of this side of Finland. I live in the south, but I've heard racism is worse outside of the capital region where people aren't as used to foreigners. There are lots of nice and understanding people here, no one should expect you to learn to speak Finnish suddenly, it's just a projection of their own insecurities. I feel bad you've had such a bad experience, really sucks you've had to feel afraid here :/ (Also completely unrelated but Finland isn't an island, sorry had to say it :,D)

[@GIOBOZZ]

Oh yeah Finland isn’t an island I actually said that a lot I meant land

[@petri1698]

Hey i think it's illegal to do hate crimes on Finland, if someone is aggressive in any way to you, you can call police and sue them! it sucks to hear that you have had bad experiences and i understand there are idiot's everywhere but only thing you can really do is to keep ur chest high and keep on going, it makes me sick to think there are some ignorant ppl in here that will make others feel bad b'cuz they have smooth brains or small pp..

[@GugureSux]

11:57 "What you see on the internet, doesn't represent the entire population of [Your Place Here]." And that's the lesson here, ladies and gents. It's like a broken record, but all of you: go out, touch grass talk with HUMANS! You'd be shocked how outright... uneventfully calm... things can be. If not even lead to some totally positive outcomes.

[@ShadowSamba]

It's probably because Finland has almost purely white nordic background and some people are just too damn proud of that and don't want any color in here. It's sad but yes Finland has a big problem with racism and a fare share of national socialism aswell. I also can't stand grumpy people, i'm 100% an optimist and i always want to bring a smile to peoples faces, there's no better feeling than that. Stay strong buddy

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

😂😂😂15 mins walk. You think that’s a lot. It’s not. 😂

[@herra5153]

you all ready win that shit tude, place where you live isint the easyes. i like what you have done here, i live in helsinki. all good for you. 😁😁 dont let shit chance you

[@vilidious]

Well, I don't really have anything good to say... just good luck, I guess? Personally, if there's a person I don't want to deal with, I stop communicating/associating with them, and then that's it; you can't please everyone. Of course, as a hermit like person, it happens also with people I do still consider friends; life just drifts us apart by itself. So what I'm trying to say is that if there are people in your daily life that seem to be bad for you, you don't really have to deal with them more than absolutely necessary... Finland should be an easy place to live in that respect. Your neighbours are giving you the stinky eye? Don't give them any extra attention, stay polite and distant if you have to interact with them, and otherwise mentally close them in a box instead. I mean, whether you are in a box, or all the others are in a box, could maybe be a matter of perspective? At least for my part, I'm too used to living in my box (appartment), and I rarely have visitors.. hence a hermit. ;) When it comes to threats, as another commenter said here, it's also imo a police matter first and foremost and, additionally, i can't see anyone being willing to go through the effort of travelling hours in the middle of nowhere to the middle of nowhere for some kind of internet insult. Still, better safe than sorry, and i want to believe you can rely on our Finnish police force in that respect, if necessary. Lastly, Finns can sometimes be really direct with what they are saying, so not all things that sound like insults are necessarily insults to us... but of course, depends case-by-case. Quite a few words for having nothing really to say, but use those if they feel useful to you, and feel free to discard the rest as words of a person who doesn't really even understand your true situation and feelings. :)

[@merjakotisaari9046]

don't stay in that box, go to the police, tell them about the threats, they are illegal, tell your friends and neighbors, tell many people, you will get protection and support from them.

[@hopoheikki00]

Sad to hear about your negative experiences here. :(

[@russko118]

do you still like Finland? because if you want more relaxed people, here in south europe is surely more relaxing. Isn't finland one of the country with the highest suicide rates in europe? or one of the highest at least (?)

[@Jantzku]

Nope

[@Nothingbutdust_]

Our rates used to be the highest in Europe, however it's not quite as bad anymore, although recent world events have affected us badly in the last few years.

[@butterflies655]

Finland's suicide rates have gone drastically down in 30 years. Watch the statistics in the video " Comparison suicide rates by countries/Country suicide rate comparison." 62 highest suicide countries and Finland is not even mentioned.The highest suicide countries are: The 1st Russia. The 2nf South Korea. The 3rd Kazakstan. The 4th Ukraine and the 5th Japan.

[@lamppulaamanen8084]

Suicide rates. Same as in France and Switzerland.

[@ane-louisestampe7939]

It hurt my heart to hear your story. Try to remember this, when people are treating you badly: If you fill a bus with Finns, an other bus with Gambians and a third bus with Argentinians, the will be excactly the same amount of a*holes in each bus!

[@hanna-maijamiettinen244]

Did you find negative things here in internet or with real people. Some can be very ungly in social media but real finnish people even in small villages usually are nice.

[@kathrinkaefer]

The problem with experiencing negativity online is that you're then walking around IRL wondering which of the people you encounter are secretly thinking that way.

[@tonibufu6103]

Circus shows have to be entertaining for all viewers, because otherwise the shows would be lame, and that leads to a decrease in ticket sales, which would then lead to fewer shows, bankruptcy, etc. because who would want to pay for a crappy show. And in these days, you can find so good circus shows from internet for free, that each year circus performers have to be better or/and different, that people want to come and see shows, and this brings stress to the circus director and the performers.

[@j.langer5949]

Finland definitely "needs" another African foreigner. As if there weren't enough of them... I wonder where this will end and when the Finns will wake up.

[@4leks11]

Just push through the negatives. Life is hard. Do things for yourself and not to those "nay" sayers...

[@enitenveli]

there is not as much racism in southern Finland as in the north

[@AmRazzie]

It's a shame that you have experienced a lot of hate as a foreigner in Finland, sadly there is a lot of xenophobia over here due to awful government decisions and news about crime caused by immigrants. Even good people in Finland can show signs of racism due to uncertainty and bad experiences, but I'd say the majority of people here will show you how kind and open we can be once they get to know you. But then again there is not much you can do about random strangers, people will hate and fear what they do not know and your best bet is try to stay polite and positive in hopes of the views of those people slowly changing with them gaining more pleasant experiences with foreigners. Hopefully you end up having a pleasant stay in our country with more good interactions than bad!

[@fortuna7469]

Angry to hear that your life has been threatened! That is totally unacceptable. And so sad to find that you feel fearful and have enclosed yourself into a box, but perhaps some sources of this fear are unfounded.. The statistics that you showed, although disappointing, should not cause fear in you. It does not mean that 66% of Finns hate people of color. It means that if you as an immigrant, for example, apply for a job or wish to rent a flat, Finns tend to rather employ or let their flat out to another Finn. So they don't necessarily hate black people, but assume that there might be trouble (with language, different habits or finances) if they rely on somebody with an immigrant background. Perhaps living or even traveling to some bigger town or city where you could connect with immigrant communities would help you get out of your box. They could give you more realistic perspective on racism in Finland. And you could join a basket ball team! Also, I think that if you became a student or an employee you would make friends with Finns and this country would become your home. I truly hope that you will feel better soon. ❤

[@Tsazao]

I imagine the more rural you live, the worse its gonna be with people - they don't see colors that often

[@saddeplays6473]

1 part of the speaking and learning finnish is that, many of Finish people might think that its easier to speak with you in english thats the problem, y'll never learn Finnish if you dont get to speak it with Finnish people. And i think many of us finns aren't straight racists, i think many of us just dont like when people move here just to leech of our welfare society, not saying that you are or any of the people who move here, come to take advantage of the welfare society that we have build with hard work. Just saying that some folks come here and take the chance on that and that pisses finns off. Just my toughts, and i dont know witch kind of racism you have faced. Hope this brings some kind of clarity to you.

[@phyton9O]

Likely these people just harass you because you pop up on their recomended and see an easy target to poke at on phone whilst being a dick to their regular neigbourhood too.

[@eikkajormanainen5355]

All hats to you trying language and culture in this shitty athmosphere. Hope things get better for all of us sooner rather than later.

[@tuomassankiaho]

Mostly it's bitterness not hate. Finnish people are always jealous if someone does something that they cant. Finland is also very very white country, so lots of people are not used to diversity. Like my dad told that when he was a child it was in news that there has been spotted a black person(not for bad, just because first one ever). Some finnish are just scared of new things, but yeah there is lots of racism unfortunately.. Mostly it's stupid "dont take my job" stuff and also US movies were here before most people had seen black people in person (not painting very good picture). I hope u start to see more of the finnish goodness and thinkfulness than these bad people.. Finnish people are so honest that if they are even bitter they will say they are racists and that's why it's so high. :D Also as finnish person i can say that i dont care a **** about if u learn finnish. It's a hard language to learn and u can speak english that most of finnish speak.