The Guardian’s recent celebration of Jacinda Ardern’s “kindness” reflects the liberal media’s obsession with style over substance, emotional affect over material analysis. Ardern’s global image as a compassionate leader—a sort of progressive antithesis to Trumpism—has become hegemonic in international discourse. She has been lauded for her empathy during the Christchurch mosque attacks, her cautious stewardship… Continue reading The Cult of Kindness: The Reality of Jacinda Ardern’s Leadership
Tag: Ardern
Jacinda Ardern: The Myth of Kindness and the Reality of Division
The release of Ardern: Prime Minister is the latest attempt to mythologise Jacinda Ardern’s tenure as a time of compassionate and decisive leadership. The documentary frames her as a selfless leader who guided New Zealand through crises, from the Christchurch terror attack to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for us, this hagiography obscures the real impact… Continue reading Jacinda Ardern: The Myth of Kindness and the Reality of Division
On Jacinda Ardern’s Honour from the British Crown
The news of Jacinda Ardern, a self-declared republican, accepting an honour from the British Crown feels like a betrayal of principles, especially for those of us committed to dismantling colonial and hierarchical systems. Ardern, who has in the past expressed support for New Zealand eventually becoming a republic, accepting recognition from the very institution that… Continue reading On Jacinda Ardern’s Honour from the British Crown