In a show of solidarity, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern wore a hijab while speaking with Muslim representatives in Christchurch. Photo Courtesy of Associated Press
One of the most horrifying and heart-wrenching news stories this month has been the mass killing of 50 people in an act of hate against Muslims. On March 15, a gunman entered two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand and started firing mercilessly at worshippers, killing 50 people and wounding more than 50 more.
The Christchurch mosque shootings frightened New Zealand’s population, exposing the threat of white nationalism and hate. The shooter frightened minority groups around the world, who knew the victims could have just as easily been themselves. The shooter frightened me, a Muslim girl trying to understand why peace-loving and pious individuals like myself were ruthlessly slaughtered.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was heartbroken, too, but she quickly used the attack as a platform to effectively combat terrorism. Ardern spoke out against hate in her nation, visited Christchurch’s residents and schools, and immediately began to take action. She also addressed an aspect of terrorism that often goes neglected: social media. The shooter in Christchurch live-streamed his killing spree and shared the video on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Before it was removed from Facebook’s platform, the company admitted that the video had been viewed over 4,000 times — a figure that is shocking and unacceptable. Ardern was quick to criticize social media companies and to inform the world about the dangers social media presents in spreading terrorist ideals.
Most notably, New Zealand almost effortlessly passed a ban on semiautomatic weapons and assault rifles within a week of the shootings. Together, Ardern and the New Zealand Parliament displayed the power and effect of one single thing: unity. Not allowing political divides to get in the way, New Zealand implemented a monumental law aimed at combating further attacks like the Christchurch massacre.
This act, if nothing else, is a message to other countries in the world, notably the United States. Despite having almost one mass shooting or terror attack per day last year, the country has seen little reform to its gun laws. Political polarization, Democratic-Republican feuds, and powerful lobbying groups have been at the root of why the country cannot take action. President Donald Trump P’00 has done nothing to help. By posting tweet after tweet criticizing and mocking his fellow politicians, he has done nothing but divide the government even further.
Additionally, in England, political parties pitted against one another have grappled for months to create a plan for Brexit. United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May has proposed a plan that has been met with resistance from the majority of Parliament. Now, the U.K. is fast approaching its deadline to leave the European Union, and its politicians still cannot work together and formulate an organized plan. In light of these events and more, New Zealand’s ability to efficiently pass gun laws is a message to every nation that cannot take action because of trivial political disputes.
I, too, have a message for every world leader of every nation. It’s simple: learn from Jacinda Ardern. This Women’s History Month, we have a lot to celebrate. With more women in governments, leadership positions, and schools than ever before, it is evident that women are making a stand. Jacinda Ardern is no different. I implore you to learn from a prime minister who, in a time of turmoil and sadness, is showing compassion, empathy and, uniquely, strength. Learn from a woman who did not just post condolences on Twitter or give a speech of remorse. Follow the example of a world leader who has redefined what it means to be a great leader.
