News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. July 27, 2024: In the political theater of identity, Vice President Kamala Harris stands as a very conflicted individual. As the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, Harris embodies a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. Yet, there’s an almost complete erasure of Kamala Harris Caribbean roots – a silence that speaks volumes. What’s wrong with being Caribbean American, Kamala?
This problem became national four years ago when Harris became Vice President – and obviously it will be far more glaring and troubling now – most of all if she becomes the US’ first Caribbean, Black & Indian American President Harris.
Kamala Harris will be Black American President Harris and Indian American President Harris but no, no, no, – NOT Caribbean American President Harris. Ironically this problem is very much reflected in the policies and actions of this Biden-Harris Administration.
For almost four years they both have gone out of their way to largely ignore the Caribbean. President Biden’s only contact with the Caribbean is spending a few vacation days on some rich guy’s Caribbean estate or putting a few million towards fighting crime and Haiti. Screw economic development.
Harris’ Indian heritage is often spotlighted and highlighted by her frequent references to her Tamil Nadu ancestry and her grandfather’s influence. It’s a connection she uses strategically, especially when addressing influential Indian American constituencies or foreign dignitaries. Her alignment with Indian heritage is not just a personal narrative but a political maneuver, leveraging the affluent and politically active Indian American community.
This visibility contrasts starkly with her Caribbean roots, which are seldom celebrated with the same fervor.
The media’s selective focus plays a significant role in this dynamic. Indian Americans are one of the wealthiest and most politically influential diaspora groups in the United States. This demographic wields considerable power, making Harris’ Indian identity a compelling story for headlines. In contrast, the Caribbean American community, despite its profound contributions, remains marginalized. This disparity in media representation underscores a broader societal bias that values some identities over others.
Harris’ own choices confirms this narrative
While Kamala Harris proudly recalls her Indian grandfather’s teachings, her references to her Jamaican heritage are sparse and often superficial. This imbalance suggests a strategic silence, influenced by political calculus. Embracing her Caribbean identity might not align with the same immediate political gains as her Indian heritage does. Yet, this selective visibility does a disservice to her full identity and to the Caribbean American community – that deserves recognition – and to the entire Caribbean most at all – the “forgotten region” of the world. Is Kamala Harris embarrassed to be Caribbean American? Tell us the truth Kamala!
This erasure is not just a personal oversight
It reflects a broader marginalization of Caribbean identities within American political discourse. Caribbean Americans have significantly shaped American culture and politics, from music and literature to civil rights activism from slavery to now. However, their contributions are often overshadowed by more prominent immigrant narratives. Harris, as a prominent political figure, has the platform to change this, to bring Caribbean American stories to the forefront, and give the entire Caribbean all it deserves. yet this opportunity remains sadly untapped.
Come on Madame VP. You can do it; say it say it loud. Do it for everyone, including your father:
I AM SOON TO BE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS AND I AM PROUD TO BE A CARIBBEAN AMERICAN WOMAN!
Commentary By Arthur Piccolo
