This short text comments on symbols of Finnish independence. Using insights of feminist scholarship, I analyze masculinist nationalism in what I call “Jihadism of the Blue Cross”. The reference is to the cross in the Finnish flag and I also analyze a patriotic song that evokes violent memories.

Even if with the “jihadism” reference I play with an analogy between masculinist nationalism south of the Mediterranean and Finland, I emphasize that there are also peaceful interepretations of the term. Continue reading →