Pertti Rajala, a historian who has examined Finland's 1918 civil war, discusses the media's role in fabricating and deepening societal divisions during that period, particularly through the labor newspaper Sosialidemokraatti in Pori between 1906 and 1918. He argues that the newspaper's content mirrored a divided society, reflecting class struggles and fostering political polarization. Rajala highlights the shift from a news outlet advocating for parliamentary methods to one that used increasingly divisive rhetoric, illustrating how language cultivated animosity between workers and bourgeoisie. As the civil war escalated, the term 'Lahtari' appeared more frequently in the newspaper's writings, signifying the intensifying conflict between the Reds and Whites. Rajala suggests that, similar to the past, today’s media can amplify divisions within society—drawing parallels between historical reporting and the current influence of social media on public opinion. He posits that the cyclical nature of polarization in media is a significant concern that must be addressed to foster dialogue and understanding in contemporary Finland. In light of these findings, Rajala calls for a critical examination of how media framing can either contribute to or mitigate societal rifts. By connecting the past to the present, he emphasizes the ongoing impact of media narratives in shaping political landscapes and encourages readers to reflect on their role in consuming and disseminating information.