A young Black woman who was subjected to racist abuse after being selected to lead celebrations of a Swedish festival of light in Helsinki has received an apology from the Finnish prime minister.
According to the Swedish tradition, each year a young woman or girl is chosen to represent Saint Lucia by dressing in a costume of a white gown, red waistband and crown of candles as part of the official annual festivities in Finland at the Lutheran Cathedral on 13 December to mark the shortest day according to the Julian calendar.
About 5% of people in Finland, which until 1809 was part of Sweden, speak Swedish as their native language, which is one of two national languages in the Nordic country.
Daniela Owusu, 20, who is Finnish Ghanaian, received thousands of hate messages after on Friday becoming Finland’s first Black Lucia. The organisers have reported the abuse to police and the discrimination ombudsman and are considering taking legal action.
Racism?
In Europe?
Youre telling me the continent founded along xenophobic lines is racist?!?!
If you think racism is Europe exclusive I have some bad news for you buddy
You’ll experience racism if you are considered a minority in the country you’re in; it’s how it is. However, you should continue to live your life. Live where you want to live.
I keep saying this: the only nations that aren’t racist are the ones that don’t have to deal with actual diversity.
The only thing I think when I see black people is how awesome the hair of most them looks.
Racism is very high ranked in the list of dumb things.
She did get to play her part!
It’s sad that she had to go through that. I hope this doesn’t put them off other POC participants in the future.
They should just have black women in the role from now on. Maybe have black men do it too for fun.
A few decades of black people in the role exclusively should cause all the racists to stroke out and die.
