Public figures must shoulder role-model responsibility to say explicit 'no' to racism

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's public apology to East Asian countries over racist behavior by Sarah Dzafce — this year's Finnish contender to the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand last month — is a responsible response. It recognizes not only the immediate harm caused by offensive gestures, but also a deeper malaise that Western societies must address: the persistence of racism targeting people of Asian origin, often trivialized as "jokes" or cultural ignorance.

The incident itself was disturbing. A photograph of Sarah in which she is seen pulling the corners of her eyes went viral with the caption "eating with a Chinese". While Sarah has been stripped of her Miss Finland crown, lawmakers from a far-right Finnish party repeated similar gestures in an apparent show of solidarity, revealing how anti-Asian stereotypes are often normalized in parts of Western public discourse. In this context, Orpo's acknowledgment that such behavior "does not reflect Finland's values of equality and inclusion" sends an important signal, both domestically and internationally.

Racism against Asians in Western societies has a long and complex history. From colonial-era depictions of Asians as inferior or exotic, to Cold War narratives that framed East Asia through ideological hostility, stereotypes have been passed down, reshaped and amplified as "the yellow peril" in popular culture and mass media. These prejudices often surface in the form of caricatures and coded language that "legitimize" exclusion and discrimination.

For example, Asians are frequently reduced to their physical features, portrayed as perpetual foreigners regardless of citizenship, or treated as acceptable targets of ridicule. Online platforms have further magnified these tendencies, allowing offensive content to spread rapidly while shielding perpetrators behind anonymity or claims of irony. The harm is multiplied when public figures engage in such behavior, as their actions implicitly grant social permission for others to follow.

The influence of racism goes far beyond an individual's hurt feelings. It erodes social cohesion, fuels mistrust among communities and undermines the credibility of governments that claim to champion human rights. When racism infiltrates political practice, it can distort public policy, leading to discriminatory legislation, biased law enforcement or unequal access to social resources. At the international level, such attitudes can poison diplomatic relations, alienate partners and weaken the moral standing of countries that seek to play constructive roles in global affairs.

This is why Western politicians, in particular, must be vigilant to implicit racism in their exercise of power. Words and gestures matter, especially when they come from those entrusted with public authority. Orpo's apology is meaningful, precisely because it recognizes that positions of power carry responsibilities as remarks can have consequences beyond national borders. His apology should therefore be accompanied by sustained efforts to raise public awareness, strengthen education on diversity and hold offenders accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.

Public figures outside the political circle also bear a responsibility to be role models. When artists, athletes or media personalities tolerate or perpetuate racism, they undermine the integrity of their professions. Conversely, by openly boycotting racism and promoting respect, they can help reshape social norms and inspire broader change.

Ultimately, combating racism requires a commitment to inclusiveness, cultural diversity and mutual learning between civilizations. In an interconnected world, no society can afford to cling to outdated notions of superiority or cultural arrogance. Respectful dialogue and genuine curiosity about other cultures enrich humanity as a whole. The Finnish prime minister's apology should therefore be seen not as an endpoint, but as a reminder that saying no to racism is an ongoing responsibility — one that demands courage, reflection and action from leaders and citizens alike.