Miss Finland's viral 'slanted-eyes' photo sparks racism controversy
The Miss Universe delegate from Finland has ignited a racism debate over a photo that went viral, showing her making a gesture that has been deemed disrespectful to East Asians. The 22-year-old contestant, Sarah Dzafce, was dethroned after uploading the photo with the caption 'eating with a Chinese'.
The gesture, known as 'slanted-eyes', is often seen as offensive and has caused a backlash in Japan, South Korea, and China. The photo sparked a heated debate, with the Finnish prime minister calling the gesture 'thoughtless and stupid', and the country's flag carrier, Finnair, facing calls for a boycott. Ms. Dzafce claimed the gesture was due to a headache, but the damage was already done.
The Miss Finland Organisation dethroned Ms. Dzafce, emphasizing the importance of respect for all people, regardless of origin or appearance. The organization's statement highlighted the need to address racism and the harm caused to the Asian community.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the broader issue of racism in Finnish society, with the Finnish embassy in Japan receiving inquiries about the country's efforts to combat racism. The incident has sparked a petition for an investigation into anti-Asian discrimination, gathering over 7,000 signatures.
The Miss Universe audition in Thailand, which was already chaotic, has been further complicated by this incident, raising questions about the organization's handling of such issues.
