Your An Evil Sexist If You Don't Like Ardern Says Fake News TVNZ

[Ryan-NZ]

"The Conversation: What's behind the vitriol directed at Jacinda Ardern? - NZ Herald"

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-conversation-whats-behind-the-vitriol-directed-at-jacinda-ardern/BHSBLLKGH6MXKIJ2KY6NXQXB24/

Excerpt: It's probably not an overstatement to say Ardern is one of the most reviled people in Aotearoa New Zealand, attracting vitriol that violates the bounds of normal, reasoned political debate.

During the recent illegal occupation of parliament grounds, the apparent hatred was fully evident. There were ludicrous claims the Prime Minister is a mass murderer, and demands she be removed from office and executed for "crimes against humanity".

How a leader is judged and what they can achieve is never simply a reflection of their individual characteristics and abilities.

Old-fashioned sexism and misogyny

But these first two factors alone, while significant, don't explain the full extent of the violent and hateful rhetoric directed at Ardern, albeit by a minority. Rather, it's clear this is rooted in sexist and misogynistic attitudes and beliefs, further amplified by conspiratorial mindsets.

Research shows men and women with more traditional views desire "tough", "bold" and "authoritative" leadership. A man displaying traditionally masculine behaviours, who is an assertive risk-taker, dominating and commanding others, is their ideal leader. This aligns with an assumption that women should follow, not lead.

Ardern's emphasis on traditionally feminine ideals, such as caring for vulnerable others, and her strongly precautionary Covid response run counter to what traditionalists respect and admire in leaders.

What's known as "role incongruity theory" further suggests that Ardern jars with what traditionalists expect of "good women". Overall, the sexism and misogyny inherent in these traditionalist beliefs mean Ardern is treated more harshly than a male prime minister pursuing the same policies would be.

Worryingly, the 2021 Gender Attitudes Survey by the New Zealand National Council of Women showed such traditional views about leadership and gender are on the rise.

https://twitter.com/1NewsNZ/status/1496269228286091270

Traditionalist myths

Insults and abuse commonly directed at Ardern on social media reflect the generally gendered nature of cyberviolence, which disproportionately targets women. These insults translate traditionalist beliefs into sexist and misogynistic acts.

Referring to Ardern as "Cindy", for example, infantilises her. Calling her a "pretty communist" "f-ugly red race-traitor whore" not only reflects the sexist and misogynist view that a woman's worth is measured by her appearance, but also suggests her looks disguise her real aims.

This plays on the traditional trope of woman as evil seductress. From there it's a short leap to the conspiracy theories that depict Ardern as part of an evil international cabal.

Unfortunately, for traditionalists and extremists alike, the evidence shows that effective leaders do not conform to their ideal or play by their rule book. Instead, they tend to be collaborative, humble, team-oriented and able to inspire others to work for the common good – qualities women often exhibit.

Of course, Ardern's performance is not beyond criticism. But a fair-minded analysis, free from sexist and misogynist bias, would suggest the hatred directed toward her says more about the haters than Ardern.