Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul and philanthropist, recently made headlines with her comments about Vice President Kamala Harris. In an interview with CNN, Winfrey claimed that Harris is “no longer hiding in plain sight” after her recorded interview with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her chaperone. She went on to say that Harris’s avoidance of the media is simply something that women do to make themselves “smaller, narrower, and dimmer.” Winfrey’s words shed light on a pervasive issue that women in positions of power often face – the pressure to downplay their accomplishments and make themselves more palatable to the public.
Harris made history when she was elected as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States. Her victory was a moment of celebration for women and people of color around the world. However, as Winfrey pointed out, Harris’s presence in the media has been limited, and she has been criticized for not being more visible.
But is it fair to put the burden on Harris to constantly be in the public eye? As Winfrey suggests, women are often expected to make themselves smaller and quieter, to avoid being seen as too ambitious or assertive. This double standard is all too familiar to many women, and it is something that Harris has likely faced throughout her career.
Harris’s decision to have Gov. Walz as her chaperone during the CNN interview was a strategic move. As a woman in politics, she has to navigate a male-dominated field, and having a male counterpart by her side can help to deflect some of the criticism and scrutiny she may face. This is not a sign of weakness or insecurity; it is a smart and calculated move. And it is one that has paid off, as Harris has received praise for her poised and confident performance during the interview.
Winfrey’s comments also shed light on the importance of representation. As a successful and influential Black woman herself, Winfrey understands the significance of seeing someone who looks like you in positions of power. Harris’s presence in the White House sends a powerful message to young girls and women of color that they too can achieve their dreams and break barriers.
But representation goes beyond just seeing someone who looks like you in a position of power. It also means being able to see that person as a whole – with their strengths, flaws, and complexities. Harris’s reluctance to be in the media spotlight should not be seen as a weakness, but rather as a reflection of her priorities and values. As a working mother and a public servant, Harris likely has a lot on her plate, and it is commendable that she is able to balance her responsibilities and still make time for her family.
It is also worth noting that Harris has been actively working behind the scenes, tackling important issues such as immigration, voting rights, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and has been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. While her presence in the media may be limited, her impact and influence are far-reaching.
In the past, female politicians have faced criticism for being too emotional or not emotional enough, for being too assertive or not assertive enough. This constant scrutiny and pressure to conform to societal expectations can take a toll on anyone, regardless of their gender. It is time to break free from these outdated and harmful stereotypes and allow women in positions of power to be their authentic selves.
In conclusion, Oprah Winfrey’s comments about Kamala Harris have sparked an important conversation about the expectations placed on women in positions of power. Harris’s avoidance of the media should not be seen as a weakness, but rather as a reflection of the societal pressures and double standards that women face. Harris is a trailblazer and a role model for women and girls around the world, and her presence in the White House is a step towards a more inclusive and equal society. Let us celebrate her accomplishments and support her in her journey as the first female Vice President of the United States.
