Opinion: Authenticity in Politics
Associate Professor Susan Fountaine discusses the concept of authenticity in politics, citing Jacinda Ardern as a prime example.
In the documentary film Prime Minister, Ardern reflects on her rapid rise to power, stating
I had "no time to redesign myself […] I could only be myself", highlighting her commitment to authenticity.
However, in political communication, authenticity is often a performance, filtered through news and social media, and savvy politicians know how to utilize this to their advantage.
Author's summary: Ardern's documentary offers a masterclass in performing authenticity.