Run
Run, they say.
“Why don’t you run?”
“You’d make a difference.”
“They need more of you at the table.”
“Gosh, wouldn’t you disrupt the status quo.”
Run, they say, because representation is sorely needed.
Run, they say, because the solution to decision making that only uses one lens is to have a broader range of lived experience and communities represented.
Run, they say, never considering that you are consistently forgiven your flaws when you are a man, and consistently awarded them if you show up to the table as anyone else.
Run, they say, when the wealth distribution crisis, the overwhelm and underfunding of support services including health, the consistent reporting on widening inequity and the costs of power and food are all waiting to be glanced at in passing.
Run, when those holding all the power ensure that the centre still holds.
Run, they say, when “many New Zealanders are open to a “strong leader”:
“Almost half of men aged under 45 are in favour of New Zealand being governed by a strong leader who does not have to bother with parliamentary oversight or elections.”
Run, when in this country “strong leader” likely means “strong man”, because with the demonstrable, consistent, appalling misogyny we apply to women leaders, how could a “strong leader” possibly be anyone but a man?
Run, when that consistent, core belief impacts elections, policy, culture. Run, when that core belief impacts how we talk about elections, policy, culture.
Run, when those who position themselves as “strong” men are strongly funded and strongly convinced they are the only ones - the only one to champion equality, the only one to combat the scourge of diversity, equity and inclusion, the only one with a god-given right to lead.
Run, when campaigning has already begun, when it’s already a race to the bottom.
Run, when “progressive” parties who in reality are being pulled centre right are already participating.
Run, when “threats of physical and sexual violence have become commonplace for female parliamentarians”.
Run, when “gender-based harassment”, “racism, online trolling and physical threats” are par for the course.
Run, despite the existence of the “line where criticism becomes vitriol”, despite the fact that “too often that line is being crossed”.
Run when there’s no acknowledgement of unacceptable behaviour - just a consistent doubling down.
Run but don’t talk about anti-rainbow bigotry, misogyny or racism. Don’t talk about the white supremacy culture that pervades our systems, our policies, our interactions.
Don’t talk about that culture driving editorial decisions, billboard decisions, campaign talking points and policy that disadvantages vulnerable communities.
Run, despite the culture that will win the election for somebody without deliberate moves to counter the culture: our media landscape, campaign funding rules, RSE guidelines, quiet removal of healthcare access, internet comments sections, men who intimidate candidates who don’t look like them.
Run, because the growing problem in this country clearly sits with you to change.
Run, because surely the responsibility to change the overwhelming, consistent, year-after-year statistics sits with those most impacted by them.
Run, and be accountable to your community, to your values, to the things you wish to see change.
When they are accountable to nothing and to no one - run.