The following article, Democrats’ Identity Crisis Part 2 – Kamala Harris, was first published on The Black Sphere.

The Identity Crisis of Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris’s identity has been a subject of debate since she first emerged on the national stage, with questions surrounding her racial and ethnic background. In what shouldn’t have been an issue, the media created one. I’m certain Democrats wished for race to be featured front and center in this campaign as it had been during the Obama era. Only this time they got the added bonuses of gender and age.

Democrats hoped Harris’ intersectionality of being a Black (or Indian, if you prefer) woman would cause people to shift away from Trump. After all, how often will the country get a Black (or Indian) woman candidate? If only she were a Lesbian, Democrats could hit the trifecta.

Sadly for Democrats, their third part with Harris is that she’s just plain stupid. But I digress.

Harris’s Ethnic Origins: Black or Indian?

Truth be told, Harris’ ethnic background really doesn’t matter. But will will examine its insignificance in just a bit. For now, let’s examine her ethnicity.

Kamala Harris was born to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father. Thus, she’s biracial. Despite having two distinct ethnic backgrounds, Harris is often identified primarily as “Black” in political and public discourse. This is particularly due to her latest role as the first Black female vice president in the United States. However, her Indian heritage is also prominent, and Harris herself has embraced both aspects of her background.

During her vice-presidential run and tenure, Harris has spoken about her mother’s Indian roots and her connection to Indian culture, in an attempt to appease the non-Black voting bloc. Nevertheless, in the political arena her Black identity has taken precedence. Because of this propensity to present different faces depending on the audience, people have branded Harris, “Kamakameleon”; an obvious reference to the reptile that changes its identity based on its surroundings.

Some critics rightfully argue that Harris “leans into” her Black identity for political advantage, particularly given the significance of the Black vote within the Democratic Party. Put another way, Indians don’t move the political needle enough for Harris to pay too much homage to that part of her identity.

The Larger Identity Crisis

This debate around Harris’s identity taps into a larger identity crisis, not just for her but for the society that demands labels. Harris uses her heritage to intentionally blur the lines. But her duality plays more to the broader societal tension between individual identity (how she sees herself) and collective identity (how she believes others see her).

Historically, this kind of “identity dilemma” can be seen in the works of figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, who coined the concept of “double consciousness”. This concept described the tension Blacks feel between their identity as Americans and as Black people in a society that devalues their Blackness. While most Americans believe that Blacks have little need to tie into antiquated feelings about circa 1900s America, Democrats continue to stoke the tensions in this area.

In Harris’s case, her dual heritage—Indian and Black—adds even more complexity. There is a sense with Harris that she is being asked to “choose” which part of her identity to highlight depending on the political or social context. But is society really making this demand of her?

Political Ramifications

Kamala Harris’s identity also raises questions about political representation. While she represents progress as the first Black and South Asian female vice president, her ability to navigate both identities is seen by some as politically opportunistic, as described earlier. Do Blacks and Indians really feel that Kamala Harris represents their best and brightest? Or is she just the side-chick willing to do anything to get ahead?

Sadly, Kamala Harris offers a terrible example of Black women. Cavorting with married men, and all for the purpose of professional gain. And Indians can’t be overly proud of Harris, if we are discussing the battle of ideas. Harris is a political lightweight and dunderhead.

For more perspectives, here are some articles you can explore:

The New York Times: Kamala Harris Navigates Identity
Washington Post: What Kamala Harris’s Identity Means
BBC: Kamala Harris and Her Identity

These above sources delve into the nuanced discussion of how Harris’s identity is portrayed and its broader implications. In the next installment, I delve into Harris’ resume and capabilities.

 

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