Kamala Harris: The Brat Who’s Breaking Barriers
As Vice President Kamala Harris gears up for a potential presidential run in 2024, a debate has emerged over how to refer to her. Should it be “Kamala” or “Harris”? The answer is not as simple as it seems.
When President Biden announced he would be stepping down from the campaign trail, he threw his support behind Harris, who is now the front-runner to replace him. Her team was quick to adapt, transforming the Biden-Harris HQ social media branding into the newly minted “Kamala HQ” and blasting the inspiring notes of Beyoncé’s “Freedom” to kick off the campaign.
Harris’ team has been praised for its bold and innovative approach, which has already broken fundraising records. But the question remains: how should supporters refer to the Vice President?
Some argue that using “Kamala” instead of “Harris” is a form of systemic misogyny, as it diminishes her professional title and makes her appear softer and less of a contender. Others see it as a sign of cultural and political respect, as Harris has always campaigned around her first name.
The debate has sparked a heated online discussion, with some calling out the use of “Momala” and “Auntie” as overly familiar and disrespectful. However, many Black women and women of color have spoken out in defense of using Harris’ first name, citing her own campaign branding and the importance of reclaiming her heritage.
The controversy has also drawn parallels to the experiences of other notable female historical figures, including Shirley Chisholm, who campaigned on just her last name and the slogan “Unbought and Unbossed.”
As the debate rages on, it’s clear that the way we refer to Harris is not just a matter of personal preference, but a reflection of the complex and often fraught political landscape we inhabit.
