New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern adopted a novel but effective approach to talking about the terror threat.
In a speech before the parliament on March 19, she said that she would never speak the name of the 28-year-old Australian man charged with opening fire at two mosques which killed 50 people last week.
“We in New Zealand will give him nothing — not even his name.”
— CNN (@CNN) March 19, 2019
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the suspected shooter in Friday’s terrorist attack will be “nameless” when she speaks https://t.co/7CqAYRiAUh pic.twitter.com/5DbiJN18Z0
Visibility supports the spread of terror. It makes terrorists look more important than they really are, giving them a platform to spread their message. He’s a terrorist and needs to be viewed as one. What he did was beyond humanity and saying out his name, in a way, humanizes him.
Twitter lauded her decision to refuse giving notoriety to the shooter.
NZ prime minister @jacindaardern: “others will give him notoriety, we will give him nothing, not even his name.” Bravo – the same goes for that other anonymous vermin in Risdon prison, Hobart.
— Paul Bongiorno (@PaulBongiorno) March 19, 2019
Once again Jacinta leads the planet: Christchurch shootings: Ardern vows never to say gunman’s name https://t.co/IDpSaPTyG8
— Dr. Andreas Mershin (@AndreasMershin) March 19, 2019
This is how a true leader should protect its minorities and stand behind them.
— Ghulam (@Ghulam863) March 20, 2019
Jacinda Ardern is a true leader and amazing person. The hope for peace and humanity in this world come from people like you👍 proud of your humanity and attitude.
— JoOoD (@jood_alfaleh) March 19, 2019
I so agree with not only the sentiment of what she is saying but also the practical notion of NOT acknowledging people who destroy innocent human lives. Their motivation or rationalization is irrelevant.
— Kirk D’Amico (@kirkdamico) March 20, 2019
Ardern.. shapes human conduct, hates killing in name of faith, decisively defends human values. Shooks the world to strive fr peace & human dignity..
— Pervaiz Ali Siyal (@PervaizSiyal) March 20, 2019
Agree with this gesture of PM Jacinta Ardern.
— Leopoldo Gómez-Ramírez (@GomezRamirezL) March 19, 2019
Quite often, however, it is not we can simply not name criminals… to begin with because some hold positions of very real economic and poltical power. https://t.co/XWBUguYUcK
I truly respect Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her poise and leadership in such a devastating situation. When a tragedy such as #Christchurch happens it’s difficult to have this much courage let alone reflecting the amount of strength and resilience that she does. Bravo, PM.
— Noah Ramirez (@jnoahramirez) March 20, 2019
What an incredible and inspirational leader @jacindaardern is…. So many leaders could learn so much from her actions over the last few days. Empathy, Understanding and amazing strength.. You are lucky to have her as your Prime Minister 👏👏
— Des Ryan (@Desros21) March 20, 2019
He may have sought notoriety, but we in New Zealand will give him nothing, not even his name," !!
— Okina Fitriani (@okina_fitriani) March 19, 2019
Jacinta Ardern.. you are so kereeeeennnn!! https://t.co/dqecMLgIlH
This is the right thing to do. Without knowing who that person is, the media will never have the chance to find stories just to humanize him. I am starting to like her kind of leadership.
— jas ac (@gorill_Jas) March 19, 2019
I stand by NZ PM Jacinta Ardern “the gunman’s name will never again be mentioned! He now has no name. He will be NAMELESS. Remember the names of those who died. Tell their stories.”
— Denise Brailey (@DeniseBrailey) March 19, 2019
I mean it’s not like I needed yet another reason to admire Prime Minister Jacinta Arden, but she keeps providing more nevertheless –
— Randall Stephens (@RandyPoet) March 19, 2019
‘Ms Ardern said she will not be naming the… https://t.co/zefsqbhLgv
Spread love and harmony Instead hatred and enmity . We can make our world more peaceful.
— B.George (@BijuGeo04178174) March 20, 2019
Dear Prime Minister your wisdom is God given. No doubt.
You handled this sad situation Gracefully . Thank you so much for the wonderful message to the world.
We expect this attitude from other presidents. Love will win! 💚
— Love_man28 (@love_man28) March 19, 2019
She is an amazing leader! New Zealand should be proud. Other “leaders” should take note and learn.
— Tony Colombo (@SFLTitan) March 19, 2019
That’s how you do it !!!! Sincerely an embarrassed American !! 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽
— ͏Luci (@OGPoppabear) March 19, 2019
The Prime Minister has the correct logic. All these mass murders get notoriety in the U.S. and that’s what they want. Hold them nameless is a smart move.
— Irateobserver (@Irateobserver) March 19, 2019
This is the kind of decorum and poise which every world leader needs to have.
