In the past few years, Kamala Harris has garnered attention not only for her policies but also for how she positions herself in the public eye. With a mixed heritage that includes both Indian and Black Jamaican ancestry, Harris has a rich and diverse background that many politicians might leverage to appeal to a broad base. However, critics, including Donald Trump, have highlighted what they see as Harris’s selective use of identity politics to garner votes, particularly as she emphasizes her Black identity more prominently than before. This has led to accusations that Harris is trying to divide the country along racial lines rather than unify it.
Kamala Harris’s Identity: A Shifting Narrative?
It’s important to note that Kamala Harris has always identified as both Black and South Asian, growing up in a multicultural household with an Indian mother and a Jamaican father. Throughout her early career, she spoke frequently about her Indian heritage, emphasizing the influence of her mother in shaping her values and worldview. She made it clear that her mother’s Indian background was central to her upbringing.
However, the narrative around her identity seemed to shift as she entered the national political arena. Prior to her 2019 presidential run, Harris had spoken about both sides of her heritage, but the emphasis on her Indian background was more prominent. As she stepped into the spotlight of the Democratic primaries, many noticed a marked shift: suddenly, her Black identity became more central to her messaging. She began to frame her experiences more frequently around her identity as a Black woman, invoking the struggles of African Americans and connecting her personal experiences to broader racial issues in America.
This strategic shift did not go unnoticed including what many are calling “new” accents depending on who she is talking to. Critics argue that Harris borrowed from Barack Obama’s playbook, capitalizing on the historic significance of being a Black candidate to propel herself forward. Yet, for some, this raised concerns about the authenticity of her message. Was Harris genuinely emphasizing her Black identity because of her personal connection to that community, or was it simply a political tool to win over African American voters?
What Trump is Really Saying
Donald Trump has seized upon this narrative to criticize Harris. Contrary to some claims, Trump isn’t suggesting that Harris suddenly “became” Black; rather, he argues that she is using her Black identity as a political tool to gain followers, manipulating racial dynamics in the country to her advantage. His criticism is grounded in the idea that identity politics, when used in this way, does more to divide the country than to unify it.
Trump’s point isn’t just about Harris herself but also about the larger political climate. By constantly emphasizing identity, he argues, Democrats like Harris are playing into a divisive narrative. Instead of focusing on the issues that matter to all Americans—like the economy, safety, and border security—Harris and others are accused of using racial identity to stoke division.
The Consequences: Where Are We Now?
Four years after the 2020 election, where are we as a country? The answer is clear: we are worse off than we were before. The economy is in dire straits, with the cost of living soaring by an additional $15,000 per person annually. Housing prices have skyrocketed by 30%, rents by 40%, and everyday essentials like bacon, eggs, and bread have seen increases of 24%. Gas prices are up by a staggering 38%. These numbers paint a bleak picture of an administration that has failed to stabilize the economy or provide relief to the average American.
Meanwhile, the southern border crisis has spiraled out of control. Over the past four years, it’s estimated that 15 million illegal immigrants have crossed into the country, a record high. Despite the legal framework prohibiting non-citizens from voting in federal elections, the Democratic Party has increasingly floated the idea of giving voting rights to these illegal immigrants. This has sparked outrage from many who feel that such policies threaten the integrity of American democracy and undermine the rights of legal citizens.
At the same time, crime is rising sharply, especially in major cities. Harris, alongside Biden, has repeatedly downplayed the data, often dismissing concerns by citing underreported or misclassified statistics. But the reality on the ground tells a different story: Americans do not feel safe. Crime has spiked to alarming levels, leaving many to question the administration’s commitment to public safety.
The Dangers of Identity Politics
At a time when Americans are struggling with real, pressing issues like economic hardship, border security, and crime, Harris’s reliance on identity politics feels like a distraction. Instead of proposing innovative policies to address these challenges, she seems more focused on reshaping her image to fit the narrative that will help her politically.
This brings us to the larger critique of identity politics: it often divides rather than unites. While Harris has every right to embrace her Black identity, the selective emphasis on it during key moments in her career raises questions about authenticity. Is she championing these issues because they genuinely reflect her beliefs, or because she sees them as a pathway to electoral success?
In 2024, the country needs leadership that brings people together, not leaders who exploit identity to further their careers. Harris’s shift in emphasis from her Indian heritage to her Black heritage, depending on the political landscape, shows a lack of consistency. More importantly, it highlights a lack of concrete policy proposals that address the nation’s most urgent concerns.
Moving Forward: A Call for Real Solutions
We are not better off than we were four years ago. The economy is struggling, our borders are in chaos, crime is rampant, and the American people are feeling the pressure. Identity politics won’t solve these problems, and neither will a leader who changes their narrative based on what’s politically advantageous at the time.
What we need are real solutions: policies that will boost the economy, secure our borders, and make our streets safer. The Save Act, aimed at addressing the border crisis, is just one example of the types of practical measures we need to implement. America deserves leaders who prioritize the well-being of all its citizens—not just those who fit into a particular political narrative.
In 2024, voters should demand more than identity politics. We need leaders with a clear, consistent vision and the policies to back it up. Kamala Harris’s strategic use of her identity might gain her votes, but it won’t make her a better leader.
