By Annie Meyers and Lauren Cole
Kamala Harris took the stage in Wilmington, Delaware on the night of Nov. 7, not only as the first female Vice President in U.S. history, but also as the first African-American and first South Asian-American person to hold this office.
Harris — along with every woman who has ever been in a position of power — knows the harsh reality that a moment like this brings. Former First Lady Michelle Obama experienced this first hand, as she was pressured to use hair relaxers and straightening products to treat her naturally curly hair during her eight years in the White House.
Both of these women know the public obsession with a woman’s appearance and their outfit choices. Harris will likely face scrutiny for the next four years about what she wears and how she looks: rhetoric and judgment that men in positions of power do not have to worry about.
Women in the workplace are forced to think about how they may be perceived by their peers. Is their skirt too short? Is their top too low? Does this color send the wrong message? Is my dress too form-fitting? The fear of being sexualized by men, the fear of being penalized for “inappropriate appearance” constantly weighs on women’s minds. It is an atrocious societal norm that appears inescapable.
That is, unless a woman takes her power back.
Harris used her debut as Vice President-elect to set the tone for the next four years. In her all-white pantsuit and pussy-bow blouse, she took charge of the narrative, rather than letting the media push a sexist one solely based on her appearance. She refused to make this powerful victory simply about her clothes, and instead, about the broader cultural significance of this accomplishment and the importance of inspiring women, and young girls, all across the country.
In the 20th century, the Women’s Social and Political Union introduced women to the world of politics as skilled, beautiful and with the intention to remove corruption from the system. The colors initially were purple, white and yellow to symbolize loyalty, purity and hope respectively. However, the white sparked contrast particularly amongst the crowds of men in dark suits. Thus, white became the symbol of the women’s suffrage movement. The white allowed women to be feminine and non-intimidating, yet united and powerful.
Image courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration
The iconic white pantsuit has been worn by extraordinary women of the 21st century, all of whom Harris credits for this landmark achievement. Immediately following the Biden-Harris victory, in her celebratory remarks, she thanks these women for allowing her to, “stand on their shoulders.”
Harris stands with the many Democratic congresswomen who wore white to showcase their solidarity for women’s rights at the 2019 State of the Union. It was intended to show young girls everywhere that the women’s rights movement has not stopped and is being represented in the United States Congress.
When Alexandria Ocacio-Cortez was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for New York’s 14th district, she wore the iconic white pantsuit. AOC tweeted, “I wore all white today to honor the women who paved the path before me, and for all the women yet to come.” Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, along with many congresswomen, wore white pantsuits again to the 2020 State of the Union.
As the first Black, Indian, female Vice President, Harris is setting the tone not only for women in politics, but for women in positions of power everywhere. An opportunity is presenting itself for women to fight against their overly-sexualized and overly-criticized appearances that society wrongfully places so much emphasis on. She is claiming her own story, and reminding us of all the influential voices that came before her. By owning this moment, she takes back the power for women everywhere; proving that what was once unattainable has now been achieved.
Annie Meyers (she/her) is a Staff Writer for Bell Magazine and a third-year at UW–Madison. Annie is majoring in Political Science and pursuing certificates in Criminal Justice and Digital Studies.
Lauren Cole (she/her) is a Staff Writer for Bell Magazine and a second-year student at UW–Madison. Lauren is majoring in Psychology and pursuing certificates in Athletic Healthcare and Sports Communications.
Bell Magazine 