- The image of the great Finn is found in one's everyday life, in film, popular culture and in humor. Everyone with Finnish fervor in Sweden, whether they have been supit or not, has lived with the stereotype of the Finnish alcoholic, says Lina Puranen, producer for SVT's documentary series Hard Work.

Some classic examples from the Swedish humor scene are the Grotesco gang's sketches about alcoholic fins, Robert Gustafsson's imitations and SVT's 90s duo Tratten and Finkel.

In the documentary series Hard Work / Kova Työ, Lina Puranen and Nanna Huolman portray the working class immigrants from Finland. The first season was about the move and life as an industrial worker in 50, 60 and 70's Sweden, and received nice criticism.

Want to highlight social problems

The second season wants to highlight social problems such as loneliness, but also alcohol abuse - a topic that is loaded with many Swedes, a minority with a history of being subjected to racist stereotypes and generalizations. The theme is also addressed in, among other things, the journalist Christian Catomeri's book The uncanny legacy from 2004.

- During the work, the reactions have been mixed. Many Swedes are tired of being associated with alcohol and would rather have focused on something else. Others think it is good that we take up the subject, says Lina Puranen.

Wrestle with the stereotype

Lina Puranen emphasizes that the series is not just about people with alcohol problems, several participants have not experienced such a thing. But the Swedes who are portrayed in the series, and who have struggled with abuse, have at the same time wrestled with the stereotype.

- Like Mauri, who talks about how his sobriety is questioned with jokes like "you are, after all, you can't be sober". This stereotype makes it more difficult to talk about the actual tragedy that families with alcohol abuse are going through, with the fate of alcoholism.

A lot of humor has a serious bottom. Shouldn't one be able to joke about things that have a serious dimension?

- Many of the jokes about pimples and alcohol I laugh at myself and think are funny. But for some, and for those who have actually lived in addiction, it may be sensitive to repeatedly have to hear the joke, says Lina Puranen, adding:

- As a counterbalance to all these jokes, we want to treat the subject with some kind of seriousness and respect, because the subject needs to be deepened and talked about.