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Kamala Harris and the redefining of power in America
When a woman of color holds a leadership position traditionally occupied by white men, the scrutiny is often harsher.
File photo / Reuters
As a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of witnessing historic shifts in our nation’s politics. In 2021, I saw one of those moments when my dear friend and colleague became the first woman, the first Black person, and the first Indian American, to serve as Vice President of the United States. Kamala Harris’ ascension to the second-highest office in the land was not just a personal triumph for her. It was a monumental moment for millions of Americans—especially those from immigrant and minority backgrounds, like myself, who see their stories reflected in her journey.
Like Kamala, I, too, recognize the sacrifice my family made to pave the way for me. Her mother was only 19 when she left India alone and crossed the world to California, driven by a dream to cure breast cancer. My mother and father made a similar leap, traveling thousands of miles from India to America so my father could pursue his education and rise to excel in his profession as an engineer. Their bold choices are the foundation on which we stand today.
Kamala embodies a narrative many of us know well: one of perseverance, of navigating multiple identities, and of defying the expectations that come with being a trailblazing person of color. Her story is uniquely American, and her presence in the White House sends a message to young girls across the nation that they too belong in the halls of power. But her role also comes with harsh realities her predecessors simply did not have to confront.
It is often said that being the “first” to accomplish anything comes with an added burden. For Kamala, this is particularly true. She carries the weight of representing multiple communities – Black Americans, Indian Americans, women, immigrants, and many others who see in her a part of themselves. This weight is both empowering and taxing; a complex duality to balance personal authenticity while meeting expectations (and sometimes conflicting desires) of these diverse groups.
When a woman of color holds a leadership position traditionally occupied by white men, the scrutiny is often harsher, as we see how her political actions, policy positions, and details of her demeanor are critiqued differently than her predecessors. In most of her tenure as vice president, there was less room for error and more pressure to be perfect, even as she worked to fulfill a role largely defined by the president's agenda.
Despite the challenges, Kamala is an undeniable victory for representation. Young women draw inspiration from her to break barriers in American politics. Her ability to draw from a diverse heritage of Jamaican and Indian roots means she brings a unique perspective to the table, one that has been historically absent from U.S. leadership.
Representation matters. When the people in power reflect the populations they serve, the policies and priorities of our government become more inclusive and reflective of all citizens. Kamala understands this, and it is clear in her efforts to amplify issues like maternal health for Black women, immigrant rights, and her continued emphasis on gender equity.
As an Indian American, this moment in history is powerful to witness. For the first time, many of us have someone who looks like us, who understands our experiences, and who can speak to the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being part of the Indian diaspora. Her presence alone disrupts the historical narrative that American leadership is the domain of a select few – and her journey is far from over.
She will, undoubtedly, have to navigate the challenges of being the first woman of color in the Presidency, but she has already demonstrated that she is more than capable of rising to the occasion with grace and determination. As we look toward the future, I do not doubt that Kamala will continue to inspire, to challenge expectations, and to prove America’s strength lies in its diversity. For all the obstacles she faces, her mere presence in the White House is proof that our country is evolving, and the best is yet to come.
The author represents Illinois’ 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he is the Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
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