I am concerned about how the mainstream media back home keeps portraying Estonians abroad, especially those of us born here. A case in point is the recent coverage of the Estonian elections, held on March 3rd. ERR, Estonian Public Broadcasting posted an article online under the title of “Almost half of votes cast by diaspora Estonians go to EKRE.” (Reprinted in Estonian Life #10, March 8)
ERR News editor Aili Vahtla, (born Sarapik in Baltimore into an active and involved Estonian family), rightfully points out that the community abroad tends to be conservative. She makes some valid points about EKRE’s appeal to us here – but what about in Estonia, where the party gained a lot of support? Ms Vahtla unfortunately perpetuates an image of us that simply is not true. She is quoted as saying that the diaspora is not “actually informed enough about Estonian politics to understand what is behind it all. This is particularly sad to see.”
No, Ms Vahtla, what is sad is your assumption, and it borders on the offensive. Having recently been in Tallinn, talking politics, that similar approach was expressed – simply because I live in Toronto. Well, hello! There is such a thing called the internet, where one can glean plenty of information. Visits, Skype calls with friends and relatives mean that while not in Tallinn we are as close to Estonian politics as is possible. The very political refugee Estonian community, in North America especially, continually informed politicians about the Soviet occupation, keeping Estonia in the public eye. Very much a part of the process of ensuring the peaceful regaining of independence.
And then there is the disambiguation concerning EKRE, the Estonian National Conservative Party. Their fundamental patriotic values (Eesti eest – for Estonia) are skewed in Estonia in the mainstream media. While in Tallinn in February I was startled to read a lengthy article implying that most members of EKRE carry some odious past. Members, not candidates mind you, but when people are accused of being a pedophile, noting criminal records – this is all for blurring the image of a party that is concerned about Estonia’s population being diluted through the European Union’s refugee policies, of laws being passed that give preference to others. Focusing on issues that will ensure our cultural and linguistic survival.
The irony here is that 30-year-old Aili Vahtla herself spent her formative years – the first two decades plus – as a member of the diaspora. During the last two years of occupation she was learning to walk. The first, trying years of regained independence learning to talk, form sentences, express herself. Certainly unaware of the efforts of the diaspora to support our beloved Estonia. The Isamaa party and the Mart Laar governments benefited from advice from abroad. Isamaa, later Isamaaliit was, of course, the most patriotic party around.
That role has now been taken over by EKRE. Isamaa, while having some stellar politicians (Urmas Reinsalu) is a shadow of its former self. In fact, of the five parties that gained representation in the Riigikogu only two, perhaps three would have been given consideration by the diaspora. Hence, EKRE support is no surprise.
Aili Vahtla is to be commended for moving to Estonia, embracing her heritage. Yet disseminating a picture that is not true does not serve our unity, global community well. Especially when expressed in English for the uninformed. Aili Vahtla’s comments do not reflect reality, reflecting perhaps her naïveté or the extent to which she has fallen victim to the often biased mainstream media in Estonia. In either case bordering on irresponsible journalism.