In July, I wrote an article about what Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy meant to me as a young Indian American woman. I woke up on Wednesday, Nov. 6, with a heavy heart. In light of her loss, I want to revisit what she still means to me.
Harris notably did not make her race and gender a central point in her campaign, so I do not mean to reduce her to those identifiers. Throughout her short race, though, she exemplified an experience I am sure many women of color identify with: shouldering the double burden of racism and sexism while being held to a double standard of composure and perfection.
Harris fielded racist questions about whether she was really Black; she calmly ignored sexist remarks from politicians and pundits alike; she rose above commentary degrading her intelligence; and she did all of this with firm resolve. For some of us, it was maddening to see her “go high,” as Michelle Obama would say. But Harris was demonstrating to all of us—women and men alike—what it is like to lead with conviction, grace and empathy. And till the end she was not shy to embrace her mother’s immigrant roots, as she did in this video celebrating her mother who came to this country at the age of 19. For this, I thank her.
Vice President Kamala Harris has paved the way for the next woman of color—a Black woman, Latina woman, Asian American woman, Indigenous woman—to run for president and move us further towards justice and equality for all. Hopefully, because of Kamala Harris, she will not have to be as perfect. Hopefully, because of Kamala Harris, she will win.
In her concession speech, Vice President Harris spoke of an old adage: “Only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars. I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case. But here’s the thing, America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars.”
Hearing this after Diwali, the Hindu celebration of the triumph of good over evil, of light over dark, gave me chills.
It may be a long time before I see an Indian American woman run for president again. Meanwhile, as Harris suggested in her gracious concession, I will work to find light in the dark alongside incredible young women whom I hope will one day shatter all of those ceilings.
