Almost everyone has a 'childhood Finn' – who is yours?
The article discusses the celebration of Sverigefinnarnas Day by exploring personal connections with Finnish individuals in Sweden.
The article highlights the upcoming Sverigefinnarnas Day on February 24, encouraging people to reflect on their 'childhood Finns'—those significant Finnish individuals from their past. Notably, it features insights from rapper Dogge Doggelito, who grew up among the Sverigefinns in the suburb of Alby in Stockholm, and producer and author Henrik Johnsson, who is best friends with celebrated Finnish personality Mark Levengood. The program '15 Minutes from Uutiset' facilitates a discussion on how these relationships have profoundly shaped the speakers' lives and identities.
Dogge shares a personal anecdote from when he was 12, recalling a trip to Finland with his friend Sami to visit Sami's relatives in a small village in Kesälahti. He humorously recounts the experience of being referred to as 'lakritsipoika' (liquorice boy) by Sami's cousins, a nickname that embarrassed him considering his life in Alby. This reflection captures the cultural differences and the joys of growing up in a diverse community among Sverigefinns, illustrating the impact of childhood experiences on one's identity.
The article ultimately serves as a conduit between individuals' pasts and their present identities, emphasizing the strong ties that cultural relationships have in shaping personal histories. The mention of Sverigefinnarnas Day positions the narrative within the celebration of Finnish heritage in Sweden, reminding readers of the significance and warmth associated with these cultural connections. This approach showcases an essential piece of social and cultural integration in Swedish society, celebrating the bond between populations and their shared histories.