Hate, Bigotry, and the Fear of Change: Why Kamala Harris’s Candidacy Still Challenges America’s Old Order

The recent presidential election has left many in shock. Kamala Harris, a leader whose vision and policies resonated across diverse communities, seemed poised to make history. But despite the groundswell of support, Harris did not prevail—not because of her policy positions, which a majority favored, but because of something deeper and more troubling. For some, the idea of a Black, South Asian woman in the highest office was intolerable. It wasn’t her platform that people rejected; it was her identity. In this moment, the ugly reality of racial and gender bias reared its head, reminding us that whiteness still wields significant power in American politics, even against the tide of progress.

Addressing the “Obama Exception”

A common rebuttal arises: If we could elect Barack Obama, surely we’ve moved past these biases. Why should Harris’s identity be seen as a barrier? The election of Obama was, indeed, a milestone, but it was not a sign that America had transcended its racial divides. Obama’s presidency itself sparked a wave of reactionary backlash, particularly among those who felt his leadership threatened a status quo rooted in whiteness and traditional power structures. The reality is that, while his election marked a powerful moment, it didn’t dismantle the underlying systems of inequality that persist. Obama was the exception, not the proof of a changed reality.

Kamala Harris’s candidacy presented a new challenge to these systems. She embodied a layered identity that pushed the boundaries of both racial and gender norms traditionally associated with leadership. Unlike Obama, Harris faced not only the challenge of being a person of color in politics but also that of being a woman—a Black, South Asian woman at the pinnacle of American power. Her candidacy represented not just progress but a seismic shift, unsettling those who still cling to the notion that whiteness and maleness are prerequisites for leadership. Harris’s presence posed an intersectional challenge, one that reawakened anxieties about shifting power dynamics and spurred latent fears that America’s diversity was becoming not just a point of pride but a source of authority.

The Unspoken Grievance: Fear and Entitlement

At the heart of this election lies an unspoken truth: whiteness is still the yardstick by which much of America measures legitimacy and authority. Harris’s potential presidency symbolized a future that is not only diverse but equitable, and for some, that was too great a leap. Whiteness, deeply ingrained in our institutions, implicitly wields power by fostering a fear that true equality will mean a loss of unearned privilege. This grievance—a sense of entitlement rooted in the history of a country that has long upheld white dominance—simmers beneath the surface of American politics. It reflects an enduring resistance to change, a fear of losing status in a world that grows more diverse with each passing day.

America’s Legacy of Resistance to Inclusion

This resistance is not new; it is part of a long, painful American story. Every significant push toward racial equality has met with fierce backlash, from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. When Harris ran, her candidacy triggered the same reactionary forces. Her race, gender, and identity as a woman of color in a position of power disrupted a historical narrative that equates leadership with whiteness and maleness. Her candidacy was a breakthrough, yes, but it was also a threat to those who view diversity as a dilution of tradition rather than a path forward.

This backlash, masquerading as concerns about “values” or “heritage,” has always been about protecting a power structure that privileges the few. Whiteness is deemed acceptable so long as it remains symbolic—so long as diverse leaders and values do not disrupt real power structures. But Kamala Harris’s potential presidency, like Obama’s before hers, represented more than a symbolic victory; it signified a tangible shift toward equity, a shift that too many are not yet ready to accept.

Media, Misinformation, and the Weaponization of Fear

Throughout the election, Harris’s policies were often sidelined in favor of narratives that subtly exploited biases against her race and gender. Instead of highlighting her vision or qualifications, many media outlets leaned into stereotypes and misinformation, feeding anxieties about her identity. She was not portrayed as a leader but as a challenge, a disruptor of the familiar order. This portrayal served to fan the flames of racial and gender discomfort, turning her identity into a liability rather than the asset it could have been.

The media’s framing of Harris as “radical” or “un-American”—even when her policies were widely supported—echoed historical patterns of racial and gender bias in media coverage. By focusing on her identity over her qualifications, these narratives capitalized on latent fears of a changing America, reinforcing the notion that leadership should look a certain way, preserving the face of authority as white and male.

Moving Forward: Hope Amidst the Struggle

Despite this setback, the path forward remains clear. Demographic and cultural shifts are reshaping America, and a diverse, inclusive future is inevitable. History teaches us that every movement for progress faces resistance but that justice and equality ultimately prevail. Kamala Harris’s candidacy may have met resistance, but it underscores the importance of continuing the fight for representation, inclusion, and justice.

We draw strength from those who have come before us, who fought against similar forces of hatred and division. Their courage reminds us that progress is difficult but possible, that every setback is a call to action, not a reason to retreat. With each new challenge, we honor their legacy and move closer to realizing the vision of an inclusive democracy.

Conclusion: Lifting Every Voice and Marching Toward Justice

Kamala Harris’s loss does not mark the end of the fight for equity; it is merely a reminder that change is neither quick nor easy. The road to justice is long, and the obstacles are many, but as a nation, we continue to press forward, buoyed by the strength of our convictions and the legacy of resilience. We are reminded of the words from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” an anthem born from struggle and hope, a reminder that, no matter the setback, we march on:

“Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.”

Let us face the rising sun of a new day begun, lifting our voices and marching on, until victory is won. Kamala’s campaign was a step forward, and the journey will continue, for America’s future lies not in retreating to the past but in courageously embracing a truly inclusive tomorrow.

Effenus Henderson