<
https://theconversation.com/does-jacinda-arderns-popularity-really-qualify-as-a-cult-of-personality-as-some-critics-claim-187516>
"Jacinda Ardern’s popularity has fluctuated over the past five years, with the
prime minister’s approval peaking at 76% in May 2020. Those early rises in
popularity were met with warnings about the risks of placing a political leader
on a pedestal. Some even labelled the phenomenon of “Jacindamania” a
personality cult or branded Ardern “a cult of personality politician”.
But this description not only misrepresents Ardern and her popularity – it also
dilutes the concept of a “personality cult”, overlooking several of its
defining characteristics.
My research explores the difference between mere popularity and personality
cults. This work is important as commentators and media increasingly conflate
the two ideas.
By definition, a personality cult parallels religious worship, elevating an
individual’s authority “through the deliberate creation, projection and
propagation of a godlike image”.
A personality cult also entails a specific set of social practices including
inflated flattery and toadying, immunity from delegitimising crises and
entrenched rituals.
In the contemporary context, the label of personality cult has been more
accurately applied to leaders like Russian president Vladimir Putin and former
US president Donald Trump."
As usual, conservatives like to deflect by accusing others of what they
practise themselves.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
