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Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud — The REAL Reason Kamala Harris Did Not Win
All these narratives about why Vice President Kamala Harris did not win the election are distracting from the real reason why she did. It's the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about, and while it's been touched on, it hasn't been fully addressed or has just been brushed aside: Sexism and Racism. Black women in the United States, and across much of the world, are among the most disrespected, undervalued, and ill-treated people. Malcolm X said it best:
The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.
That statement still holds true today and is glaringly evident in the rhetoric surrounding Kamala Harris. White men in America might have been able to stomach electing a Black man as president, but the idea of a Black woman in power is, for many, simply too much for their fragile sense of dominance to handle.
We live in a country where a man accused of sexual assault can hold the highest office in the land, where people would rather see him in the White House than behind bars if it means saving a few cents on eggs (which we also know won't happen, because his tariffs will balloon prices). This isn't just about political disagreement; it's about a refusal to respect Black women as leaders. White men are willing to compromise on morality and integrity if it means they don't have to see a Black woman rise to power, and Kamala Harris has been a prime target for this disrespect. These are just a few examples:
Scrutiny of Qualifications: Despite her impressive resume — Howard University graduate, prosecutor, District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, U.S. Senator, and Vice President of the United States — her qualifications have been endlessly questioned in ways that white male politicians rarely experience or would have been touted as over qualified.
Name Mispronunciation: Early in her campaign and even after her election, prominent figures repeatedly mispronounced her name. This isn't just a mistake; it's a way of signaling disrespect and minimizing her identity.
Stereotyping and Tone Policing: Kamala Harris has been criticized for being "too ambitious" or "too aggressive," traits that are celebrated in male leaders but condemned in Black women.
Media Narratives: Major media outlets have often downplayed her accomplishments or fixated on irrelevant details, such as her laugh, wardrobe, or background, rather than focusing on her policies and contributions.
Blatant Racism and Sexism: From conspiracy theories about her citizenship to demeaning comments about her heritage and gender, her detractors have worked overtime to paint her as unworthy or "other."
Unequal Blame for Policy Issues: The administration's perceived failures are often blamed on her, while her successes are downplayed or credited to others.
This isn't just political opposition; it's deeply rooted in systemic racism and misogyny. Until we confront and dismantle these biases, Black women like Kamala Harris will continue to face undue resistance — not because they're unqualified, but because their very presence challenges the status quo.
Written by Che de Bruin
Anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-homophobic, cisgender straight white male that tries to learn and unlearn lessons everyday from those that experience it.
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