Considering that we live in 2018, one would expect that a pregnancy announcement by a female would be a rather run-of-the mill occurrence. However, when that the expecting mother in question is New Zealand’s Prime Minister, it seems that the floodgates are suddenly open for criticism and derision.
Back in October, New Zealand welcomed Jacinda Arden as their new Prime Minister. The world’s youngest head of government, this decision was welcomed with open arms by the vast majority of New Zealanders. Of course, some people, including Mark Richardson of the AM Show quizzed Arden on her plans of starting a family, claiming it was “totally unacceptable” that a female Prime Minister could potentially take maternity leave while in office.
Of course, Richardson’s comments went ignored and yesterday, Jacinda Arden took to Facebook where it was announced that she and her partner Clarke Gayford were expecting a child later in the year – making her the first female in office to give birth since Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto back in 1990.
“Clarke and I are really excited that in June our team will expand from two to three, and that we’ll be joining the many parents out there who wear two hats,” announced Arden. “I’ll be Prime Minister AND a mum, and Clarke will be “first man of fishing” and stay at home dad. I think it’s fair to say that this will be a wee one that a village will raise, but we couldn’t be more excited.”
https://www.facebook.com/jacindaardern/photos/a.10151312135452441.1073741827.45300632440/10154987366582441/?type=3&theater
“I know there will be lots of questions, and we’ll answer all of them (I can assure you we have a plan all ready to go!) But for now, bring on 2018.”
As expected, numerous folks have taken to the Internet to express their concerns about the idea of an unwed female having a baby while holding a job in a typically eloquent matter.
So Jacinda Arden announces she’s going to take 9 months maternity leave. Jesus fuck NZ, what did you do?!!?! #JacindaArden #nzlabour
— Kiwi Shithole Holborn (@KiwiHolborn) January 18, 2018
However, the flipside to this has seen almost overwhelming support towards Arden, Clarke, and their future child, with many trying to make it clear that not only is Jacinda not the first female to give birth, but that this is a resoundingly normal scenario, regardless of political position.
NZ’s prime minister is having a baby with a man she’s not married to and he’s going to be a stay at home dad while she runs the country.
WELCOME TO 2018, MOTHERFUCKERS.— Janina Matthewson (@J9andIf) January 18, 2018
Jacinda in 2017: Vote for me!
Sexism: But what if you get pregnant?
Jacinda in 2018: Let’s find out. BOOM!
— Brad Kul (@Brad_Kul) January 18, 2018
NZ’s prime minister is having a baby with a man she’s not married to and he’s going to be a stay at home dad while she runs the country.
WELCOME TO 2018, MOTHERFUCKERS.— Janina Matthewson (@J9andIf) January 18, 2018
While some close-minded people are around the world are undoubtedly stocking up their underground bunkers for the imminent apocalypse that occurs in June when Jacinda Arden gives birth to her child, others are behaving like rational-minded folks, and eagerly looking forward to seeing New Zealand’s Prime Minister welcome a new addition to her family.