Written by: Natasha Scott
During her presidential campaign, Kamala Harris faced a challenging question: “Are you Indian or Black?” This question highlights the complexity of her identity and prompts a broader discussion about how Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are viewed, especially in politics.
It raises important issues: Do women of color need to identify as Black to gain support from Black voters? Is being a woman of color not enough? What does it mean to be black in America? Can a mixed-race identity dilute the Black experience? These questions touch on intersectionality and the varied experiences that come with intersectional discrimination.
Intersectionality describes the crossover between various parts of a person’s life; this typically includes race, culture, gender, class, ethnicity, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, nationality, etc. Intersectionality has become an essential framework for understanding multiple interacting components when forming a person’s social identity. (Schiem, Bauer 2019).
In 1989, Crenshaw used the term intersectionality to describe the discrimination experienced by black women. The Black feminist theory has long challenged the belief of additivity of oppression (e.g., Collins, 1990; Combahee River Collective, 1979; King, 1988). Intersectionality is problematic with discrimination law because multiple possibilities can lead to discrimination based on background for someone with overlapping social identities (Atrey, 2019).
The intersectionality of Kamala Harris reflects her experience as the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, primarily raised by her single mother in Oakland, California. Harris grew up engaged in Indian heritage while immersing in the black experience offered in Oakland. She spoke about how her biracial roots and upbringing could make it easier to engage with and appeal to many Americans.
In her autobiography ‘The Truths We Hold,’ Kamala stated, “She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya (sister) and me as black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women.” (Okello, 2024)
Does Kamala Harris understand the American Black experience of systemic oppression based on the color of her skin? Unlike Kamala, most Black women cannot navigate their identities by passing as another race to ease their lives.
Can Kamala acknowledge the critical importance of making decisions that uplift the Black community in America? She views this country as her adopted home, along with her other residences. But does she understand why most African American citizens do not require/acquire a passport? While she may not be African American, she has the opportunity to advocate for the community.
Many people struggle for recognition within society, influenced by society’s expectations, cultural norms, and historical narratives. While Harris represents both Indian and Black heritage, the tendency to frame her identity in binary terms can overlook the influence of her diverse background.
While Harris’s understanding of Black struggles and oppression is informed by her heritage, her experiences can differ from those who cannot “pass” or conform to societal standards. It is essential to recognize that Black heritage and identity are interconnected, despite societal attempts to separate them.
Having a low poll percentage of support from Black men Kamala Harris unveiled new proposals targeting Black men. This may stem from BIPOC critiques of the Eurocentric psychological theories that often misrepresent Black experiences, or it could be related to her history as California’s top prosecutor.
Kamala Harris became well-known after famously refusing to seek the death penalty against a young gang member accused of killing a police officer two decades ago, she stood firm in her conviction that her opposition to capital punishment was well-reasoned and absolute.
Reflecting on her decision during a 2019 MSNBC town hall, Harris explained, “I grew up knowing about the disparities, inequities, and unfairness in the criminal justice system. What I said to my family and friends is, look, if we’re going to reform these systems, we should also be on the inside where the decisions are being made. And that’s why I chose to do the work I did. And I am proud of the work that I did.”(Honderich, 2024)
Her decision then, and her stance now, highlight her unwavering commitment to reforming a broken justice system from within.
What does it mean to be “Black” in America, often rooted in history and lived experiences? For some, Harris’s mixed identity may not align with their understanding of Blackness, leading to feelings of betrayal or alienation. The pressure for BIPOC to fit into a singular racial or cultural identity in politics can be limiting, especially as society becomes more aware of the complexities of identity.
Unity among Black individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, strengthens the community and fosters a more inclusive understanding of the diverse experiences that contribute to the Black experience. Together, we can advocate for a shared vision that honors all aspects of our identity.
Kamala Harris represents the intersectionality found within this nation. Dissecting the complexity of her identity, we learn that Harris offers a diverse background, which can pose as an adversary in the fight for change. She represents women and the black community, but most importantly, she understands identity and wants to make the United States of America a country that identifies with integrity for all people.
Let’s disconnect from oppression and connect to opportunities for fundamental freedom.
References
Atrey, S. (2019). Intersectional discrimination. Oxford University Press.
Okello, Wilson K. “‘Is She Indian or Is She Black?’: Kamala Harris Illustrates How Identity Is Fluid, Not Boxed Neatly.” Scroll.In, Scroll.in, 13 Oct. 2024, scroll.in/article/1074162/is-she-indian-or-is-she-black-kamala-harris-illustrates-how-identity-is-fluid-not-boxed-neatly.
Honderich, Rachel Looker and Holly. “Who Is Kamala Harris? The Many Identities of the First Woman VP.” BBC News, BBC, 10 Sept. 2024, www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2501n5rvvno.
Scheim, A. I., & Bauer, G. R. (2019). The Intersectional Discrimination Index: Development and validation of measures of self-reported enacted and anticipated discrimination for intercategorical analysis. Social Science & Medicine (1982), 226, 225–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.12.01