Kamala Harris: Navigating harassment, bias, and racism with resilience

"It’s no secret that women struggle to achieve the recognition they deserve. This lack of acknowledgment is not just a matter of fairness; it has practical implications for policy and societal attitudes. Women continue to face significant pay gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and societal biases that undermine their contributions and potential," writes TIME in one of its articles titled 'How Women Like Kamala Harris Saved and Shaped America' published on 29 August 2024.

'We are witnessing an ancient habit taking on a new form in the new era Republican attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris as a “DEI candidate” for the Presidency of the United States of America," the article further writes.

According to Forbes, despite frequent calls for corporations and other institutions to hire the “best person for the job,” so-called “DEI hires” who are accused of enjoying an unfair advantage and of being given priority over more-qualified candidates are often equally or even more qualified on paper than those who are doing the accusing. White male candidates who purportedly possess superior qualifications are just as likely hired because of their greater access to relevant social networks or the perception that they are a “good fit” culturally for the institutions they seek to join.

Kamala Harris, the 49th Vice President of the United States, has made history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President. Her journey to this prestigious office has not been without its challenges, as she has faced a relentless barrage of harassment, bias, and racism throughout her political career. Despite these obstacles, Harris has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.

Kamala Harris’s political ascent began in California, where she served as District Attorney of San Francisco and later as Attorney General of California. Her trailblazing efforts in these roles, particularly her work on criminal justice reform and consumer protection, earned her national recognition. However, her success also attracted significant scrutiny and criticism, often laced with undertones of racism and bias.

As a woman of color, Harris encountered the double jeopardy of sexism and racism. Her policy positions and accomplishments were frequently overshadowed by personal attacks that questioned her competence and legitimacy. Despite these challenges, Harris remained focused on her work and continued to break barriers.

In another article in the Week under the title 'Why Kamala Harris is downplaying her gender- A shift from Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign,' it said Kamala Harris could well be the first woman president, but she's not making a big deal about it. Instead, "she's letting that fact speak for itself," said Politico. That marks a shift from Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, which emphasized the history-making nature of her presidential bid — and which Clinton lost to Donald Trump. Harris, who is also facing Trump, is betting that voters are ready to vote for a woman "but care far more about her record and platform."

A Pew survey showed that nearly two-thirds of voters — including 57% of women — say electing a female president in their lifetime was "not important or didn't matter." Sexism often is blamed for Clinton's 2016 loss to Donald Trump, but Clinton was a "flawed candidate who ran a terrible campaign." It's best to "stop all the talk of breaking barriers and glass ceilings." The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan American think tank based in Washington, D.C.

Gender will factor into voter judgments no matter what Harris does. "Women have to do more than men to prove they are qualified and are held to a higher standard of likability," pollsters Celinda Lake and Christine Matthews said at USA Today. Research from focus groups also suggests female candidates have to do more to highlight their qualifications and plans to voters. "A majority say America is ready for a woman president." What voters need to see from a female candidate, then, is "her leadership abilities."

The gender of voters may matter more. Harris' surge in the polls is "driven heavily by women and younger voters," said The Washington Post. Indeed, the political divide between men and women — the former tend to vote Republican, the latter Democrat — is an "increasingly stark partisan divider," said Axios. Harris may not be highlighting her gender, but "that doesn't mean the topic is not deeply infused in this race."

In 2017, Harris was elected as a U.S. Senator from California. Her tenure in the Senate was marked by her advocacy on issues such as healthcare, immigration reform, and climate change. Harris's outspoken stance on these critical issues, combined with her identity as a woman of color, made her a target for various forms of harassment and bias.

During her Senate confirmation hearings and public appearances, Harris faced a barrage of derogatory comments and racially charged attacks. Her critics often questioned her authority and legitimacy, using racial and gendered stereotypes to undermine her credibility. Harris’s sharp rebuttals and unwavering composure in the face of these attacks highlighted her strength and commitment to her principles.

Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President in 2020 was a historic milestone, symbolizing progress in the fight for racial and gender equality. Yet, her tenure has continued to be marred by harassment and bias. She has been subjected to numerous instances of racism and sexism, from derogatory nicknames to unfounded criticisms of her policy decisions and leadership style.

One notable example is the frequent questioning of her suitability for the role and the undermining of her authority, often rooted in racial and gender biases. Despite these attacks, Harris has remained a steadfast advocate for the issues she cares about, including social justice, economic equality, and climate action.

Kamala Harris’s response to harassment, bias, and racism has been marked by resilience and strategic leadership. Rather than allowing the attacks to deter her, she has used them as a platform to address broader systemic issues. Harris has consistently emphasized the importance of confronting and dismantling institutional racism and bias, using her position to advocate for policies that promote equity and justice.

Her approach to handling harassment has been to focus on her work and the impact of her policies. Harris’s leadership style reflects her commitment to addressing the root causes of social issues while standing firm against discrimination and prejudice.
Harris's rise to one of the highest offices in the land is emblematic of both progress and the persistent challenges women face. As the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President, Harris represents the breaking of multiple barriers. Yet her journey and the criticisms she faces often reflect the same biases and resistance that women encounter across various sectors.

A Fox News interview from 2021, in which Sen. JD Vance, a United States Senator for the great state of Ohio, elected to the US Senate in 2022 smeared Vice President Kamala Harris as one of a group of "childless cat ladies," has resurfaced since he became the Republican vice presidential nominee, sparking widespread anger.

"We are effectively run in this country via the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchs, by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too," Vance said.

The 2021 interview began circulating widely after Hillary Clinton shared the clip on X. "What a normal, relatable guy who certainly doesn't hate women having freedoms," she wrote.

Though Harris does not have biological children, she does have two stepchildren -- Cole and Ella Emhoff -- who have lovingly referred to her as "Momala."

Kamrun Nahar: Journalist