Democratic Party leaders’ endorsements of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the presidential nominee following President Joe Biden’s announcement Sunday is both historic and filled with anxiety-ridden challenges. As a Black woman, Vice President Harris represents a demographic that has long been targeted by racially charged political attacks such as: Former Congresswoman and presidential candidate Shirley Chisholm, former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, former Rep. Barbara Jordan (D-Tex.) and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.).
With the election still a little over four months away, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities must prepare themselves for derogatory terms and phrases that will undoubtedly resurface and are aimed at undermining her campaign and perpetuating violent stereotypes.
1. “Welfare Queen“
The political landscape is not a stranger to racist rhetoric. Historically, terms like “Welfare Queen” have been weaponized to stereotype Black women as exploiting the welfare system, a narrative designed to evoke resentment and distrust. As a high-profile Black woman in politics, VP Harris was attacked by Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance when he said, “What the hell have you done other than collect a check?”
Vance’s remarks paint a picture of a Black women relying on government funds she didn’t earn, despite her accomplished career and contributions to public service working as District Attorney of San Francisco and Attorney General of the state of California.
2. “Superpredator“
In the 1990s, the term “Superpredator,” painted young Black men as inherently violent and dangerous. While this term directly targets men, its underlying message contributes to a broader narrative that criminalizes Black communities. Vice President Harris has spent much of her career in the criminal justice system and will need to navigate these prejudices carefully to avoid being unfairly associated with dehumanizing labels.
3. “Law & Order“
Phrases like “Law and Order” have often been used to justify policies such as Three Strike, Voter ID, and Felony Disenfranchisement Laws that disproportionately target Black communities under the guise of maintaining societal stability. This rhetoric is a thinly veiled attack on civil rights, and though negatively being called a “cop” as a term of being a harm to underrepresented communities, VP Harris’ commitment to justice reform will likely be met with accusations that she is soft on crime—a charge historically used to disparage Black politicians advocating for equity.
4. “States’ Rights“
The invocation of “States’ Rights” has a long history of defending segregation and opposing civil rights legislation. This term could re-emerge as a coded attack against Harris’s federal policies aimed at addressing racial disparities, framing them as federal overreach rather than necessary measures for equality. Such policy reforms include overhauling zoning laws that have limited affordable housing, continues concentrated poverty in Black communities and stifles economic mobility.
5. “Urban“
Terms such as “inner city” and “urban” are euphemisms for predominantly Black neighborhoods, carrying connotations of crime and poverty. This race-less language still has connotations towards black communities that live in urban areas shows these places as problematic and unworthy of communal investments and perpetuates further neglect. Such language continues to create a divide between urban, rural and suburban areas that ignores the shared challenges within all these areas. Because of this, these terms will likely be used to frame Harris’s policies as only benefiting specific communities at the expense of others, attempting to isolate her from gaining support in non-urban areas.
6. “Crack Baby“
The pernicious term “Crack Baby” emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, stigmatizing Black mothers and their children. The use of the word was justification for punitive laws for prison sentencing disparities for 100:1 crack/powdered cocaine that disproportionately affected Black communities. While less common today, this stereotype’s legacy persists in efforts to demonize Black motherhood and by extension, any policies Harris proposes to support families in marginalized communities.
7. “Thug“
The word “Thug” is often employed to criminalize and dehumanize young Black men, a label that could easily be weaponized against Harris’s efforts to address police violence and reform the justice system. This term reinforces harmful stereotypes that can influence public perception and policy resistance.
8. “Anchor baby“
The term “Anchor Baby” has been used in racially charged contexts against Black immigrant communities, despite its general application to children of undocumented immigrants. As the daughter of immigrants, Harris’s heritage could be attacked using this derogatory language which questions her legitimacy and loyalty.
9. “DEI hire“
DEI Hire is a title thrown around to charge a person with being placed in a role based on the color of their skin, ethnicity, gender, named identity and/or sexual identity. It is to say that a person is picked to fill a quota rather than based on the qualifications they bring to the table. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity. They are terms that are derived from Critical Race Theory that deals with race and racism and how it connects with laws and societal practices. DEI policies are implemented to make the work environment a balanced and fair place for all to fight against discrimination.
Some conservatives argue that DEI is not about skills and more about appearance that bolsters mediocrity. These attacks are used against marginalized communities to ignore work and experience and create the picture that a person skated up the ladder of success without putting in the effort.
On Monday, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) called Joe Biden’s selection of Harris as his vice presidential running mate in 2020, “a DEI hire.”
It is crucial for all communities to be aware of these potential attacks and to learn from history and prepare for them through November. America must stand united in calling out these racist slurs. For those supporting Harris’s campaign it is inherent in informed and resilient advocacy. Understanding the historical context and impact of these terms enables them to counteract the use and promote a more inclusive and respectful political discourse.
As Harris continues to break barriers like being the first woman and first person of color to become vice president and represent the possibilities of a more diverse and equitable future, be reminded to remain vigilant against the resurgence of racist rhetoric and steadfast in a commitment to progress.
Featured image: Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash
Edited by: James Sutton
