The Complex Journey of Finnish Americans: Legal Recognition and Social Identity

Introduction

The classification of Finns and other immigrant groups in the United States has a complex history. In the early 20th century, many immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, including Finns, faced challenges regarding their racial and ethnic identities. This article explores the intricate details of Finnish Americans' journey towards legal recognition and the broader context of racial classification.

1. Pre-1908 Legal Uncertainty

Despite being Northerners and culturally similar to other Scandinavians, Finns often encountered legal and social hurdles in the United States. The concept of race and ethnicity was fluid and highly contested during this period. For example, in the 1908 case United States v. Thind, the Supreme Court ruled that Indians were not considered white, leading to questions about the legal status of other immigrant groups, including Finns. However, it was not until a specific court ruling that Finnish Americans were officially recognized as white.

2. University of Minnesota and Societal Prejudices

Personal accounts from individuals who attended the University of Minnesota during the 1960s provide further insight into the deep-seated prejudices faced by Finns. These individuals recount how other Scandinavians held the Finns in low regard, believing they had 'Asiatic blood' and were therefore inferior. Such biases were not merely historical; they had real-world repercussions, affecting social and economic opportunities for Finnish Americans.

For instance, Moa Shmith, a student at the University of Minnesota, shared the following account: 'I was shocked how other Scandinavians looked down on Finns. I had never given Finns much thought before—I just thought they were another nationality of Scandinavian. Other Scandinavians felt they had Asiatic blood and were therefore inferior, very inferior. The depth of this prejudice shocked me.'

3. The Sámi People and Indigenous Identity

The Sámi people are an indigenous Finno-Ugric people inhabiting Sápmi, a region that spans parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Historically, the Sámi have faced their own unique challenges in terms of identity and legal recognition. Their culture and language have distinct characteristics that set them apart from mainstream Finnish and Scandinavian societies.

The Sámi have historically been known in English as the Sami or Saami. Their linguistic and cultural heritage, as evidenced by their unique DNA and linguistic patterns, differentiates them from other Finnish and Scandinavian groups. This identity is often tied to their traditional way of life, which includes reindeer herding and a deep connection to the Arctic environment.

The handling of the Sámi identity is another example of how social and legal classifications can be malleable and subject to societal biases. Their legal and social status has evolved over time, reflecting broader changes in the perception of indigenous peoples in the region.

4. DNA Ancestry and Legal Recognition

With the advent of DNA ancestry tests, more individuals are discovering their Finnish heritage. However, earlier legal classifications did not always align with this genetic information. Until the 1908 ruling, some Finns were not considered white enough for citizenship. This legal uncertainty was not based on their genetic makeup but on the prevailing social and legal definitions of the time.

For example, when DNA tests first suggested that a person might be part Finnish, they did research to understand the historical context of Finnish Americans. The legal recognition of Finns as white was a matter of court rulings and societal attitudes, not genetic evidence.

Conclusion

The journey of Finnish Americans towards legal recognition and social acceptance is a nuanced and multifaceted one. While the 1908 court ruling was a significant milestone, the broader context of racial and ethnic classification highlights the complex and evolving nature of such identities. Personal accounts and legal precedents provide valuable insights into the historical challenges faced by Finnish Americans and the ongoing discussions around identity in the United States.