As Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris is inherently the “first woman” in her position and has certainly made history. However, her approach to her role has been more focused on her abilities and contributions rather than her gender.
Harris has largely avoided making her gender the centerpiece of her political identity. This could be due to several reasons:
1. Emphasizing experience and qualifications: Harris has had a long and successful career in politics before becoming vice president, having served as a district attorney, attorney general, and senator. By focusing on her track record and expertise, she underscores her qualifications for the job beyond just her gender.
2. Broadening appeal: While being the first woman vice president is significant, Harris might want to avoid being seen as a representative for only half the population. Her aim is to have broad appeal to all Americans, regardless of gender.
3. Addressing all forms of diversity: Harris is not only the first woman to hold her position but also the first person of South Asian and African-American descent. By not solely focusing on her gender, Harris acknowledges and represents these other aspects of her identity as well.
However, her status as the first woman in her position is not something she ignores. She has spoken about women’s rights and her mother’s influence on her life, celebrating and acknowledging her achievements as a woman in politics. Yet, she looks to keep the focus on her duties and responsibilities as vice president rather than just being a symbol.
