I Quit
When I started writing a series of articles discussing the feelings of disenfranchised immigrants, I was so naïve that I thought raising public awareness was a good thing, that it would be viewed as I intended, an attempt at fulfilling a social responsibility. I had no idea it would generate such anger. But it did, and so, in an attempt to be fair and objective, I presented the other side of the coin, the views of “critics of immigration.” 
A coordinated attack was launched against me on their website, Homma Forum. This despite the fact that I agree with many of their policies concerning Finland’s relationship to the international community. I simply dislike racist rhetoric. The discussion concerning me has been viewed by well over 4000 readers. I had no idea so many people would be interested in me. Hmmm. Should I be flattered?
I was heartened today to see that the latest posts focus on my novels, rather than attacking me personally. A rather lengthy commentary was published that discussed two of my novels. The verdict: I am possibly the worst writer ever born. I’m more than fine with that. The man exercised his right to free speech and is entitled to hate my work as much as he likes. In fact, I was thrilled. It appears that most people on that site who are rambling on about how much my writing sucks have never read any of my novels. At least the man took the trouble to read my work before voicing an opinion about it. I respect that.
I do wish that readers would recognize that I’m a noir writer, and the events and attitudes expressed in my novels are genre appropriate, that writing noir set in Finland doesn’t mean that I view Finland as a violent, corrupt, and dangerous place to live, any more than James Ellroy’s noir writing means that he hates America and in particular, Los Angeles. Folks, it’s fiction. After fifteen years here, Finland is my home, I’m happy here. The culture suits my personality better than anywhere I lived in America ever did. But that’s neither here nor there, and I’m digressing.
My mistake was believing that the public at large is interested in the welfare of all—that an objective examination of the situation from differing viewpoints might be valued. That was idealistic bullshit. I made a mistake and learned a lesson. It isn’t wanted or valued. To not take a side is to be the enemy of all. I offered Perussuomalaiset/Basic Finns a guest blog, and because I’m a man of my word, if they wish, I will honor it, without comment from me.
I view no one as an enemy and don’t want there to be a perception that I do, and so I will write no more about this subject. My views aren’t wanted or needed. There will be no thoughtful discourse. Minds are made up and hate from both sides will reign for another generation. If it makes you happy, go ahead and hate your brains out. You’ll see no more essays about it from me. I quit.
When I start feeling low about writing, I try to do something to remind myself that my novels have brought pleasure to at least some people. Here are some screenshots from my statics on Goodreads. I looked at them today and they made me feel better.
James Thompson Helsinki, Finland November 6, 201
http://jamesthompsonauthor.com/site/
https://www.facebook.com/JamesThompsonAuthor Twitter: tassu15
Clicking on the images enlarges them and makes them easier to read.
- Helsinki Blood will be released in the spring of 2013.
With his first internationally published novel, Snow Angels, James Thompson proved himself Finland’s best and most popular representative in the rise of Nordic noir. It was selected as one of Booklist’ s Best Crime Novel Debuts of the Year and nominated for an Edgar Award, an Anthony Award, and a Strand Critics Award. His novel, Lucifer’s Tears, has received critical acclaim from all quarters, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus, and was selected as one of the best novels of the year by Kirkus. His novel, Helsinki White, was released to critical acclaim in the U.S. in March, 2012. He is also a reviewer for The New York Journal of Books. The first three books in his Inspector Vaara series have been optioned for film.
I know your books make me feel better. My husband stole my kindle when Helsinki White came in. Plus, we know how Dee stalks you for your books.
Is there free speech in Finland? Obviously not if there is this much outrage regarding your books, which clearly fit into a genre that is popular through out the world. Does this group consider themselves well read? Obviously not if they can’t understand the concept of FICTION! Any who…I digress! You are right, Jim…you will ALWAYS have critics. It comes with the territory of being a published author. But your fans and anyone who picks up your books can seperate FACT from FICTION! I think some, whatever their ulterior motives are, will target you like bullies they swear to abhor.
Your fans, old and new, beg you to keep writing. We have the insight to distinguish what is developing a setting and what is true to Finnish living.
BTW…I asked this before and I ask it again. Do these people wear such rose colored glasses that they see Finland as a Utopia that exists NOWHERE?
Do these people wear such rose colored glasses that they see Finland as a Utopia that exists NOWHERE? Yes.
Free speech is a basic tenet here, else they wouldn’t be able to slag me as they have. It’s their right. I respect it. They have, however, also, and it’s in their manifesto, declared themselves the arbiters of what is and is not art. The wording makes the precise meaning unclear, but the tone of it implies that anything created in the modern era is garbage. My work is in part true crime, and I combine fact and fiction. They espouse realism in art as a good thing, but seem to feel my work critical of them and so is not art. One member posted that my work, being realistic, exactly meets their definition of what is worthwhile. The response to him was that although that is true, my work is shit and doesn’t count. And another admitted my work would be OK if written by a Finn, but as a foreigner, I do not have the right. So at least some would like censorship to become part of the system. But as I wrote on FB, it’s a big party, and not reasonable to paint them with a broad brush. They also note that I’ve written about them again, as if I’m running an anti-Perussuomalaiset campaign, when in fact, I’m only responding to what is written about me. Apparently, that also is against the rules. Frankly, the shit is ludicrous and I’m bored with them.
I forget to say, thank you for being so supportive.
What, Jim…no comment about your stalker Dee?
Free speech goes both ways, Jim. One cannot have free speech on one side and the other is expected to shut up either from just being too tired of dealing with the garbage or intimidation.
Art, books and music..is in the eye of the beholder. That is why I consider it to be so pure. IF they truly believed in the concept of free speech, they would recognize that. In general..all over the world..I call these groups frauds…because they don’t understand the concept of what free speech truly is. Calling someone’s work “shit” whether it is implied or stated clearly is mixing “feelings” or emotions in with what is a pretty unemotional concept. The other point on this is that the social/political group who condone this type of action are full of a bunch of hypocrites. They determine and control who has free speech and who doesn’t. Those are not true advocates of free speech!Those individuals are nothing more but propagandists for a bigger agenda, which in my opinion, given what I have read in other things on this topic and debates I have had with Finnish readers, socially approved ethnic bias and racism. This screams true in the fact that because you ONCE lived in America you are not a Pure Finn and therefore cannot write a bad word about Finland. YET, it would be acceptable for you to do so if you were born and bred in Finland. I have heard better justification for errors from my son when he was 5 and caught doing bad stuff. The lunacy of this thought process was so clear and evident in that idiot I had debated with regarding Helsinki White.
Frankly, it saddens me that you are the only one fighting for your works. Not that I don’t think you are a dynamic author because you know I do, but because it is a symptom of something much more systemic, particularly in the Finnish literary world! I can tell you that I have had American books that I have though stunk or were disgusting in their context and/or content, but even if I disagreed with the author, I would go toe to toe to ensure that author’s right to produce the work. It is my personal responsibility to not read it if I don’t want to. NO ONE has the right to tell another person what they can/cannot read.
Yes, I agree with everything you wrote. However, a strange irony of freedom of speech is that if we are to have it, we must acknowledge the right of others to criticize it.
At first, I want to thank you for your writings in this blog. Since “truefinns” came to everybody´s knowledge I´ve been thinking how does that affect to foreign people in Finland. Answer is pretty clear. If you were Somali or other african nationality, I bet it would be even more disastrous.
As a Finn, I have absolutely no belief in Finns as a nation. We have been out of cultural and political centers too long. Actually all the time. Our destiny will probably be like a native tribes in Southern Pacific, who adopted various Cargo cults during WWII. An series of random acts trying to keep status quo.
Our wealth makes us scary of everything and everybody. If you listen to “truefinns” economical and political opinions, you will soon realize, that they want clocks turned back to 70´s or early 80´s. That is no realism. Unfortunately most of the people do not want to live in reality, but in utopia.
I have the utmost gratitude to anyone, who comes outside and dares to say his/hers opinions on our society. We, who are born here, are too blind to see our own faults and you are providing a very important input to our society.
Unfortunately it will not help. We are also so friggin´ stubborn survivalists, who does not trust anyone. Especially people from OUTSIDE. You know. I cannot put this better than The league of Gentlemen; The Local shop for local people: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meF7NmfnXZ0
I must cease this mindless rambling, but I wish you to know, many Finns feel just as helpless and sad as you. Thank you for your blog. I will read Helsinki White, as soon as I can.
Marko, I personally have no problems here and am happy enough. Actually, my life is pretty nice. I just picked up a torch for those who don’t share my good fortune. What you said reminds me about feelings. In the U.S., people remember the early 60s, especially when Kennedy was president, with great nostalgia. They’ve forgotten the terrible problems the country faced. I didn’t grow up here, but of course know many who did and have had long talks with them about it. The poverty is forgotten. What people have today and are considered poor was considered at least middle-class then. It was the same where I grew up, but people want to remember the ‘values’ and a return to a past that never truly existed but has passed into myth. I suppose it’s human nature. Thank you for your kind words.
Dear Jim,
I guess a lot of Finns are fed up with foreigners bashing them and Finland. But I have a piece of good news, too. The liberal elite and other traitors of their own people will love you and one fine day you may be honored with the Finlandia literary award.
BTW I have never read anything of your writings and propably you have never bashed the Finns. Nevertheless.. who cares, just take the prize.
Hi acc, I think i recognize you from Homma Forum or a blog. The mistake people are making is that I am a noir writer. The genre is dark, often ugly. It has nothing to do with my feelings about Finland. It’s fiction. Entertainment. In fact, I won’t even spend time with people who bash Finland. They bore me. They can leave whenever they like, if they’re able. Many are no longer able due to poverty or emotional problems, for a range of reasons. And if they won’t or can’t leave, those that have been issued Finnish passports ARE NOW FINNISH CITIZENS, and have the right to stay. Just as you, if you do, have the right to vocalize your desire for them to leave.
This is my home now and I’m content living here. I’m comfortable here. This country has been good to me, provided me with many opportunities I never would have had If I had remained in the U.S. And by the way, much is made on discussion groups that dislike me for one reason or another about me not learning to speak Finnish. In fact, I have a master’s degree from the University of Helsinki, including a minor (sivuaine) in Finnish and have worked as a translator. Before becoming a full time writer, working in bars, I spoke Finnish most of the time. Now, my profession means that I speak to the international community, and for that, Finnish is useless.
I sometimes do interviews in English because public speaking makes me nervous and I like to speak my mother tongue, because I’m more comfortable and I make grammar mistakes in Finnish, which embarrass me and make me even more nervous. Also, if they’re recorded and I like them enough, I post them on my website. Most visitors aren’t Finnish and so can’t understand, while most Finns speak English and do understand, so it’s more practical for everyone. I think I have the right to speak whatever language I choose, and I gave dozens of interviews in Finnish before being published internationally, so I have nothing left to prove. Since you communicate with the group carrying on the conversation about how and why I suck, I’m sharing this with you so you can pass it along, if you would be so kind. I will never win the Finlandia. First, because I’m not a Finn. Foreigners don’t qualify. Second, I write commercial fiction. I don’t pretend that my work is important literature, and many writers deserve it far more than I ever will.
And by the way, acc, I couldn’t give a fuck less what the liberal elite think. Why should I care? Also, there are no real good guys or heroes in my novels, so if you think I’m choosing sides, you’re wrong. If any political party got hit the hardest in Valkoinen viha, it was Kokoomus, not Perussuomalaiset.