Every single U.S. president who has served has had a white male as their second in power—until now. As the first female, African American, and Indian American vice-president-elect, Kamala Harris has made history and broken societal norms. Her accomplishment indicates both a symbolic and important step for women of color, knowing Harris’s roots represent those without a voice in politics. As an Indian American myself, I couldn’t be more thrilled to learn that Harris had earned the role of vice-president-elect. She has a controversial past, which won’t be ignored, but her election symbolizes a move in the right direction. Harris has the opportunity and power now to change the way society views minorities and women in general.
Harris’s election paves the way for her to change much-needed issues. She experienced an interesting childhood, with immigrant parents from Jamaica and India. She grew up understanding the importance of racial injustice through her parents’ involvement in civil rights activism. With her understanding and empathy towards the Black community, I hope that Kamala will bring awareness to those who need it.
Her election also challenges stereotypes and ultimately inspires the younger generations to reach their fullest potential. Politico notes, “With her formidable smarts, frank communication style, and innate ability to connect deeply with everyday Americans, vice-president-elect Harris will show the world what a strong woman leader looks like. And she’ll inspire women and girls here in the United States to run for office, in a brand new and powerful way.” In Harris’s victory speech, delivered on the night sources called the presidential race, she said, “But while I may be the first woman in this office, I won't be the last. Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities. And to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message: Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they've never seen it before.”
With her new platform, Harris shouldn’t revisit her controversial past. Her handling of over-incarceration, the death penalty, and wrongly-accused incarceration during her position as attorney general damaged her reputation. In a few instances, her questionable problems became widely misinterpreted. On the topic of the death penalty, Harris opposed the practice but appealed a judge’s decision that deemed California’s death penalty system unconstitutional. On the other hand, Harris created “Back on Track,” a program designed for first-time drug offenders to get a job instead of prison time. She then expanded it to provide “first-of-its-kind” training to address racial bias. While Harris has had her highs and lows, she has the chance as vice-president-elect to learn from her past mistakes and create new possibilities.
Two women of color at AFHS, both of whom preferred to remain anonymous, gave their opinions on Harris’s election and what it means to them. The first replied, “I love the fact that there is more representation now and a colored woman is in the position to represent minorities, however, I care more about who she is as a person and not genetically. If she does something that I do not stand for, I will not blindly support her because of her race/sex. I think she will do well as VP and I think every candidate deserves an open mind.” The other student replied, “Kamala’s election was a step in society that needed to be made for everyone, despite one’s political views. Having a woman of color elected as vice president is something different, and change is good… As a girl and person of color in STEM, her election serves as an example to younger girls in this generation. Although more change is still needed, her being vice- president-elect scratched the surface for the wake-up call society needs.”
Kamala Harris’ election brings a newfound sense of hope to people of color. While much work needs to be done, from racial disparities to COVID-19, minorities like myself have Harris constantly advocating for our rights. Her election reminds everyone that while she will be the first woman of color as vice president, she will certainly not be the last.
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