Sexism
A few days ago, A video of the Finnish Prime Minister dancing at a party went viral on social media. Many people frowned upon her action calling it unladylike or inappropriate behavior for a Prime Minister. While many came to her criticism, many people as well as politicians came to her support.
While it is not uncommon for a woman to become a Prime Minister,
it is sure rare, given that politics like many other fields predominantly has been considered masculine.
This masculinity in politics comes with a steady stream of sexism in every country. Some countries are vocally sexist against female politicians. And most western countries are not vocally sexist but there is an underlying condition that flows like an underground river of sexism with a facade of progressive attitude, Finland is one of them.
A video went viral a few days ago where the Finnish Prime Minister was seen enjoying herself and dancing with a group of friends. The internet exploded and critics wasted no time demonizing the Prime Minister.
The Finnish public seems to be divided on the issue – one section of the public calls it Unladylike or indecent behavior for a Prime Minister and another portion of the public says, it’s alright, she’s a human.
Soon personalities like Hilary Clinton came to Marin’s defense saying “keep dancing” in a tweet.
Sexism, Societal expectation, Tradition, and individual freedom
It’s not the first time that we have seen sexism and casual sexism in politics. It is a recurring practice in the world of politics that is rarely condemned.
While Marin being a Prime Minister of a progressive country like Finland, have to answer questions about her competence – on the other side of the World, a president started his political career in Washington with the statement “Grab them by the p**sy”, never had to answer the public about his questionable statements.
Societally we are conditioned to expect that the head of the State will act in a societally accepted way.
Hence politicians, dating, enjoying themselves at a party, and love connections are often frowned upon by the public. Because we treat Prime Ministers and Presidents as Kings and Queens instead of representatives of the people. If they are truly representative of the people and not representative of God then they must have certain human traits. But most people around the world have a different understanding of politicians.
Marin defended her actions by saying “I hope that in the year 2022 it’s accepted that even decision-makers dance, sing and go to parties”. This recent controversy has opened a pandora’s box of sexism even in the most progressive countries in the world.
