The crises the world has been facing has taken its toll on people around the world, of all demographics. We are witnessing the continuation of a financial crisis, the threat of largescale war, an immigration crisis, the rise of extremism is most religions worldwide. It has left global citizens wary of politicians and their ideologies. In the French elections we witnessed the people not giving up hope.
Just like the US election, French voters could have voted for a delusional appeal to ‘make France great again’ by supporting Marine Le Pen. It’s the same way that UK voters supported a Brexit. Thankfully, French voters did not give in to the overwhelming frustration and angst that has enveloped the world. They voted for their future, knowing that isolationist approaches does not help the economy or protect them from the rest of the world.
At the same time, I have this question haunting my thoughts. Since we seem to be subconsciously discriminatory towards women, could Le Pen’s political stance have won over the people had she been a man? It seems so easy for the masses to dislike women leaders for being too strong or demanding. I certainly hope not. I recently read about how people don’t like female protagonists in films and television if they don’t fit the typical woman role. Being vulgar, raw or aggressive made these unlikable. I think the same holds true for many women politicians.
I choose to believe that Emmanuel Macron’s election victory in France was because the people aren’t willing to give up on the goodness of humanity as a global community. Although it’s important to know our history and learn from our past, we shouldn’t be trying to replicate it. How are we to move forward and progress if we constantly strive for what was?
- The reader is a nurse based in Dubai.
