Footage of Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin dancing with friends has circulated in the media this week. She did nothing illegal and yet she’s faced major backlash. Why? (Image: Laura Kotilla via Creative Commons)
By Eliza Dunn | @dunnbyeliza
Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin has copped major criticism in the media after a video of her dancing with friends was leaked online. In the video, Marin can be seen singing and enjoying the company of fellow partygoers. She appears to be merry and in high spirits. Dancing does make you feel good. So, why the uproar?
News outlets around the world have said this behaviour is unfit for a national leader. To set the record straight, Marin responded to these claims and completed a drug test. It came back clean. Marin said she resents that these videos became public, also saying that they were filmed in a private space.
This beckons the question of whether this behaviour is wrong, or just wrong for women?
Marin became the youngest government leader in the world in 2019, being named Prime Minister at the age of 34. And sadly, this is not the first time Marin has been criticised for the way she chooses to present herself.
In 2020, Marin was involved in a photoshoot with Finnish magazine Trendi. She wore a black pantsuit and controversially, no singlet or blouse was detectable under her jacket. Naturally, this caused a stir. Nothing out of the ordinary can be seen (other than a beautiful layered turquoise necklace) but, alas, people had a hard time accepting that their leader felt comfortable exposing her partially bare chest. How daring!
Julia Gillard received similar judgement during her time as Australia’s prime minister, with her wardrobe choices constantly making headlines. In 2012, Q+A guest Germaine Greer said Gillard wore jackets that did not fit and were unflattering. She also made comments about Gillard’s body, saying, “You’ve got a big arse, Julia. Just get on with it.” More concerningly, in the days that followed, then opposition leader Tony Abbott supported Greer’s remarks.
I can recall plenty of unflattering outfits from Abbott (most notably the budgie smugglers), and yet we let him get on with his simultaneously scantily-clad beachgoer and politician life. And while we’re on the subject of politicians making bad fashion choices, surely the shade of Donald Trump’s foundation deserves a mention. It seems that men get a pass completely. Not only do we forgive and forget their fashion faux pas, we also excuse their incessant outfit repeating that is the now the norm, hello suit and tie.
Again, this beckons the question: is having bad fashion sense wrong, or is it just wrong for women?
The double standard in fashion is glaringly obvious and, more seriously, it’s completely discernible in politics too. We have one set of rules for men and another entirely archaic set for women. Marin’s behaviour is completely excusable, acceptable even. She was behaving in a way that is typical of men and women her age. She was having fun (while not at work). She chose to do so in a private place and no illegal activity occurred.
Simply put, Sanna Marin did nothing wrong. All that’s wrong with these videos is the world’s response. The problem here is one of inequality and discrimination. Dancing has led to questions about Marin’s adequacy in her job and it’s only because she’s a woman.
ontherecordunisa.com 
