What Kamala Harris means for women

Kamala Harris turns 56 today: Oct. 20, 2020

Alena Botros / Opinion Editor

Just after Senator Kamala Harris became the first woman of color to stand on the debate stage as a member of a major party’s ticket, it has become abundantly clear that even in the year 2020 we remain lacking in gender equality. 

In his segment preceding the vice presidential debate, Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson discussed what he believed to be Harris’s agenda. He suggested the debate was simply her audition for the presidency, urging viewers to focus on what she would do as our “fundamental president” if Joe Biden is elected. 

He refers to her as aggressive, insisting she is far more “radical” than her running mate. Additionally, he stated “she knows what she wants, there’s no question she would bulldoze her elderly sentimental boss,” undermining Biden and his ability to run our country. During the debate, Harris repeatedly advocated for Biden and what he stands for. 

Nonetheless, Carlson’s description of Harris, claiming she would “bulldoze” Biden in an attempt to get what she wants, is part of the problem. He depicts her as this aggressive, irrational woman instead of the strong, independent woman she is, and in that he is appealing to voters who view “aggressive” women, and women of color especially, as unlikeable. Her decisive nature is something that should be admired rather than a tactic to demonstrate her supposed radical agenda. 

After the debate, Harris was met with an immense amount of criticism. From labeling her too “condescending” because of her facial expressions in response to Vice President Pence, or the derogatory language stemming from our president himself as he took to Twitter to share his reaction to the debate, writing “Mike Pence is doing GREAT! She is a gaffe machine,” and that “she is far further left than Crazy Bernie. Biden would not last a month!” 

This is coming from our president, Donald Trump. As his debates remain on hold, Harris and Pence reiterate the plans of their running mates for our future. Harris is not only subjected to these harmful comments by the public, but by the leader of our country. His explicit remarks demonstrate the challenge women face daily, whether in positions of authority or not. He insinuates her aggressive and radical nature will overwhelm Biden, completely disregarding her authority. 

Women are continuously referred to as aggressive. Why is it that women cannot simply be goal-oriented, determined, and fierce without fear of how they will be perceived? 

But, Kamala Harris does not waver in the face of this criticism. Instead, she holds firm in her demeanor; she remains calm while retaining her authority. She is aware of the lack of equality women face, specifically the lack of equality she is up against in this election, just as we are aware of the lack of equality we face as women in our daily lives. Yet, we should aim to face this challenge by standing firm, by remaining resilient, and by pushing through as our vice presidential candidate has done so well. 

Kamala Harris is not only the first woman of color to be chosen for a presidential ticket, but also the first woman of color to serve as California’s attorney general, after having served as San Francisco’s district attorney. 

Yet, she is still considered aggressive rather than assertive. Kamala Harris is driven, and in her drive she asserts her power and exudes confidence. She stood her ground in a way that should serve as a model for all women who fall into this category. Whether in the workplace, school, or even home, there is this pressure to be more feminine and timid; anything but bold. Then, we see our male counterparts who thrive because of their bold nature. 

I’d argue that before the debate, Harris was told to maintain her position, to remain confident, but in a way that comes off strong rather than aggressive to appeal to her audience, as studies have shown that likability is a defining factor in regards to female candidates rather than their male competitors. 

However, Harris did not stand down. She instead insisted on receiving the same allotted time as Vice President Pence, reminding him she was speaking with a simple, “Mr. Vice President, I am speaking.” 

Kamala Harris may not necessarily be a feminist icon. Regardless of your opinions about Kamala Harris’s history or platform, she means something for women. Not only does she reflect women in this presidential ticket, but also women of color. She can stand as an image for intersectional feminism. She can present the ability to reach one’s goal as a woman of color, someone who made it to the top, someone who did not back down in fear. But, much more than that she can teach us. 

When asked if Roe v. Wade was to be overturned, what would she want for her home state of California, Harris replied, “First of all, Joe Biden and I are both people of faith,” and that “there is the issue of choice. I will always fight for a woman’s right to make a decision about her own body. It should be her decision and not that of Donald Trump and Vice President Michael Pence.” 

Kamala Harris said it best. She is pro-choice. She is not pro-abortion. But, she will fight for a woman’s right to make that decision on her own. It is about autonomy. And, the autonomy of women specifically, and to know we have a representative, an advocate, fighting to advance and retain our rights is crucial. 

Take that into consideration. Kamala Harris will represent women. She will continue to remain assertive, determined, and unapologetically fierce. She may not make everyone happy. But, she will change this perspective of women. I have already learned so much from her. And I know she will have a vast impact on women and the perception of women everywhere.

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.