ArcaMax

I don't envy her in the least. Even in my brief seven-month tenure as an elected official, one the worst concepts to process has been the expectations of others. But the weight of the free world that descended on Vice President Kamala Harris is a burden I wouldn't wish on anyone. Hers isn't just a campaign; it's a simmering electricity to "not go back," as her newly minted campaign slogan requests.

It was bewildering at first (and I've written about it before), the extent of my powers that was expected by constituents. They've asked for a focused advocacy with fierce energy and an extensive background knowledge of all the issues to wade through the murky gray water, while swimming toward "your side" of the river, either black or white.

I've found a few people on the shores, barely dipping their toes into the polluted waters.

Harris, the first woman, first Black and first South Asian vice president of the United States, embodies the progress that many have fought for over generations, and her presence in the highest echelons of power is a testament to the gradual, though hard-won, inclusivity in the political arena.

And yet, the woman in the arena is the same as the man, stumbling past the trip wires laid down by the critics that prefer to watch from the gallery.

Harris faces a labyrinth of expectations rooted in not just her ethnicity, but also her womanhood. As a woman in politics, she confronts the age-old double standards. She must be assertive but not too aggressive. Knowledgeable, but not condescending. Firm, but approachable. These expectations are amplified by her intersectional identity as both Black and South Asian. Harris must navigate the stereotypes and biases that each of these identities entails, often finding herself under intense scrutiny for how she balances her multicultural heritage.

Harris's ascent offers a mirror to many Americans who see themselves in her story. She represents the possibility that barriers, no matter how entrenched, can be overcome. For young girls and women of color, she is a powerful symbol that their aspirations are valid and attainable. This visibility challenges the status quo, prompting a broader conversation about who gets to lead and who is deemed electable.

Yet, the expectations placed upon Harris can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, her diverse background and experiences enrich her perspective, allowing her to connect with a wide range of constituencies.

On the other hand, these very attributes subject her to disproportionate criticism and doubt. Every misstep is magnified, every decision dissected through the lens of her identity. The burden of representation is heavy; Harris is not only expected to perform well but also to embody the hopes and dreams of countless individuals who see her as a trailblazer.

Harris has the opportunity to show us what leadership from a new generation can look like, and that's Gen X. Even if we're splitting hairs on her date of birth, 10 to 1 she's worn plaid.

By embracing her multifaceted identity -- including her age -- and using it as a source of strength, she could advocate for policies that address the needs of all Americans, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. Her candidacy invites the nation to envision a future where leadership is reflective of its diverse populace.

Harris's journey is emblematic of the broader fight for representation and equity. Her story, therefore, is not solely hers; it is a collective story for the progression of a more inclusive and representative democracy. The depth of that story, however, remains to be written and we all have a hand in helping to write it with our votes.

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Cassie McClure is a writer, millennial, and unapologetic fan of the Oxford comma. She can be contacted at cassie@mcclurepublications.com. To find out more about Cassie McClure and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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