‘Electability’ concerns stem from racist, sexist views one professor says
Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid to beat President Donald Trump this November will have to overcome twin hurdles – “racism” and “sexism” according to a handful of professors.
“Research repeatedly shows evidence of sexism and racism in American politics both explicit and purposeful and more subtle, for example, in media coverage,” Professor Martha Johnson said.
“Women of color are often the most targeted by sexist and racist stereotypes and attacks,” the Northeastern University government professor said.
She noted that Hillary Clinton also faced sexism problems during her failed run for president in 2016.
The research director of Rutgers University’s Center for American Women and Politics agreed that Harris will have to defeat racism and sexism. In fact, even discussing someone’s “electability” as a concern stems from racist and sexist beliefs, Professor Kelly Dittmar says.
“When we have these discussions about electability, so much of it is just reinforcing, unfortunately, the original and intentional biases of these political institutions,” Dittmar said.
“We have to be really careful about assuming that simply looking at the record, that it’s somehow an unbiased record, when we know that the gates to becoming a candidate are very much influenced by these norms, perceptions, and expectations of ‘appropriateness’ and ‘fitness,’” the scholar told The 19th.
Her peer at Rutgers also said racism and sexism are concerns.
“As a former prosecutor, many believe Harris also would not be intimidated by Trump, which could come with its own backlash,” USA TODAY reported.
“As a woman and as a woman of color, how aggressive can she be before people start having the reaction that she’s too aggressive,” Debbie Walsh, the director of Rutgers’ women and politics center, told the publication.
“Is that trope of the angry Black woman going to be thrown at her?” Walsh asked.
“While racist and sexist attacks aren’t new, Walsh is among those who expect them to ratchet up if Harris runs for president, alongside persistent questioning about ability and qualifications,” USA TODAY reported.
“We are not post-racism. We are not post-sexism. We’re still there.”
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IMAGE: Secretary of Defense
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