In an intriguing personal experiment, Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi dedicated an entire month to mastering the art of the permanent, unflappable smile sported by incoming New York mayor, Zohran Mamdani. What began as a curiosity about the politician's unshakeable grin evolved into a deeper exploration of the politics of emotion, racial bias, and the subversive power of visible joy.
The Mamdani Grin: A Political Phenomenon
Since rising to prominence, Zohran Mamdani has become known for his seemingly constant smile, a facial expression he maintains in the face of intense criticism and provocation. Detractors have labelled him a "jihadist," he has met with Donald Trump, and Republican lawmakers have launched campaigns to investigate his citizenship—all met with the same steady grin. Mahdawi notes she is not sure she has ever seen him look angry, prompting her scientific inquiry into the physical and psychological mechanics behind such a demeanour.
The Politics of Emotion: Who Gets to Be Angry?
The experiment led to a critical examination of how society polices emotions based on race and gender. Mahdawi argues that not everyone is afforded the luxury of public anger. For people of colour, particularly those in minority positions, expressions of rage are often pathologised and feared, whereas white men's anger can be framed as righteous. She cites research by the American Psychological Association which found prospective teachers are more likely to misperceive black children as angry than white children.
This dynamic is compounded by gender, Mahdawi points out, referencing the common experience of women being told to "smile" by strangers, and the specific stereotype of the "Angry Black Woman" that figures like Serena Williams have battled. Repressing rage is unhealthy, yet choosing joy can itself be a potent act of resistance. Mamdani's smile, in this context, disarms critics who might wish to paint him as an "angry brown man."
The Experiment's Results: Cheek Aches and Composure
For Mahdawi, maintaining the Mamdani grin for a month was no easy task. With a naturally neutral expression that leans towards a scowl, she found the physical act demanding. However, once mastered, she discovered its utility as a tool for emotional regulation. During difficult situations, such as panel discussions on Gaza where she faced provocative questions, consciously smiling helped lower her heart rate and maintain composure.
Her scientific conclusion was mixed: while the smiling technique served as a useful emotional reset in tense moments, it also caused facial aches and resulted in some unflattering photographs. Thus, while she now keeps the "Mamdani grin" in her arsenal for tough occasions, she has largely returned to her usual expression.
The experiment underscores a complex reality where a simple smile transcends mere politeness, becoming a nuanced form of political communication and personal armoury in an unequal world.
